Tender Garage Size Calculator

Calculate tender garage dimensions and costs based on your tender fleet and water toys. Estimate space requirements, launch systems, and storage solutions.

Garage Size Requirements

Calculate minimum garage dimensions based on your tender and toy inventory.

Tender Garage Build Cost

Estimate the cost of building or retrofitting a tender garage including launch system.

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Tender Fleet Budget Planner

Plan your complete tender and water toy fleet with budget estimates.

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How We Calculate Tender Garage Requirements

Garage Length = Primary Tender Length × 1.3 + Secondary Tender Length × 1.3
Garage Width = Max Tender Beam × 1.4 + Jet Ski Width × Count
Garage Height = Max Vessel Height + 0.6m clearance

Build Cost = Structural + Launch System + Hydraulics + Doors + Fit-Out
Refit Premium = New Build Cost × 2.0-3.0

Frequently Asked Questions

How big should a yacht tender garage be?
Tender garage size depends on inventory. For a single 4m tender, minimum 5m x 2.5m x 1.8m. For a 6m tender plus jet skis, allow 8m x 4m x 2.2m. Superyacht garages housing 8-10m tenders need 12-15m x 5-6m x 2.5m+. Add 30% clearance for access and maintenance.
How much does a tender garage cost to build?
Tender garage construction ranges from $50,000-$150,000 on a 60-80 foot yacht to $500,000-$2 million on a superyacht with hydraulic platform and flooding garage. Launch systems cost $30,000-$300,000 depending on type.
What tender launch systems are available?
Common systems include hydraulic cranes ($30,000-$80,000), transom platforms ($50,000-$200,000), side-loading davits ($20,000-$60,000), and flooding garages ($200,000-$500,000+). Flooding garages provide the most elegant solution but require complex engineering.
How many tenders does a superyacht carry?
Most superyachts 100-160 feet carry one primary tender (5-7m) and one crew tender (4-5m) plus 1-2 jet skis. Yachts over 200 feet often carry 2-3 tenders including a limousine tender, plus multiple jet skis and water toys.
Can a tender garage be added during a refit?
Adding a tender garage during refit is possible but costs 2-3x more than original construction. Transom extensions with fold-down platforms are the most practical refit option ($150,000-$500,000). Full internal garage conversions require cutting the hull, costing $500,000-$2 million+.

Understanding Tender Garage Design

The tender garage has become one of the most important design elements on modern superyachts. What was once a simple davit-launched dinghy has evolved into a sophisticated multi-vessel operation requiring dedicated garage space, hydraulic launch systems, and careful weight distribution planning. A well-designed tender garage enhances the yachting experience by providing convenient access to water toys and shore transport while keeping the deck areas clean and uncluttered.

Garage Configuration Options

Tender garages typically occupy the stern section of the yacht, though side-loading and midship configurations exist. The most popular arrangement is a transom garage with a hydraulic platform that lowers to water level for easy tender launch and recovery. Flooding garages, where the compartment partially fills with seawater, allow the tender to simply float out, providing the most seamless operation. Side-opening garages can accommodate larger tenders without extending the stern but require calm conditions for safe operation.

Water Toy Storage Solutions

Beyond tenders and jet skis, modern superyachts carry extensive water toy collections including SeaBobs, paddleboards, kayaks, diving equipment, inflatable platforms, waterslides, and even personal submarines. Efficient storage requires custom racks, hydraulic lifts, and dedicated lockers. Many yacht designers now create multi-level garage spaces with tender storage below and toy racks above. The total value of water toys on a well-equipped superyacht can exceed $500,000, making proper secure storage essential.

Structural and Engineering Considerations

A tender garage represents a significant structural challenge for naval architects. The large open space in the stern must be designed to maintain hull integrity while accommodating heavy dynamic loads from tenders and launch equipment. Hydraulic systems require dedicated power units, piping, and control panels. Waterproofing is critical, especially for flooding garages where seawater enters the hull. Drainage pumps, anti-slip flooring, ventilation for engine fumes, and lighting must all be carefully engineered. The garage area must also meet stability requirements, as the weight of tenders and water can significantly affect the yacht's trim and stability characteristics.

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