Tender Tendencies

Alright, you’ve got your boat, but do you have a tender? These little vessels are perfect for shuttling to and from your boat—that’s what they’re made for. But beyond that, tenders can be just plain fun, allowing you to go for a joyride along the shore or to explore coves that your larger parent boat can’t reach.

Here are some excellent options to get you started in your search for the perfect tender to fit your needs on the Great Lakes.

Achilles HB-280DX

If you’re ready to take adventure to the next level on the Great Lakes, consider stepping into the Achilles HB-315DX, a hard-bottom tender with a deep “V” fiberglass hull. This rigid-hulled inflatable has a vented bow locker that can hold a gas tank while simultaneously providing a seat for one of you passengers.

There’s also more space on the boat because the fuel line can be run under the deck thanks to a sealed tube that runs from the bow locker to the transom drain. Not only does this nifty setup allow for a more generous deck area, but it also give you better weight distribution since the weight of the gas tank is in the bow. Achilles also added integrated, vented bow locks on all their HB-DX models this year, giving you even more options for storage. 

All of Achilles boats are made with the Achilles CSM reinforced fabric that makes them durable and hardy, and this tender is no different. The fabric allows it to handle the burning sun in tropical weather or the chilly waters of colder weather, all without fading or deteriorating. In short, the HB-280DX would make a worthy addition to any Great Lakes boater’s boating assembly. (www.achillesboats.com)

Specifications

LOA: 9’ 2”

Beam: 5’ 5”

Recommended HP: 10hp

Person Capacity: 4 people





Argos Nautic 305 Yachting

Exciting, thrilling, adrenaline-fueled, sleek and stylish…these are just a few words and phrases that have been used to describe Argos Nautic’s 305 Yachting. This tender is far from ordinary with its lithe, head-turning performance that sets it apart from the majority of tenders in its class. Designed by Patrizio Facheris, this distinctive boat features sophisticated Italian styling, lending itself over to not only excellent performance, but also a striking appearance that’s reminiscent of an Italian sports car.

The 305 Yachting’s advanced hull form enhances its performance, allowing it to reach a top speed of 36 knots with a 40hp outboard motor. It’s also a pleasure to drive as it carves gracefully through turns while providing a surprisingly dry ride without any back-splash. Instead of feeling crowded, you’ll find comfortably spacious for four adult passengers who will still enjoy plenty of legroom and elbow room. The ample storage on the tender is yet another reason this tender is extremely convenient and comfortable.

This tender would make a handsome addition for cruising couples and families with mid-sized yachts, sailboats and sportfishers. Additionally, its light weight allows it to be easily hoisted, and its compact size allows it to fit into most garages. (www.argosnautic.com)

Specifications

LOA: 10’

Beam: 5’ 8”

Recommended HP: 30hp

Person Capacity: 4 people




Rigid Boats 10 Sport

Meet Rigid Boats’ 10 Sport tender. This is a tender that offers you everything you like about inflatables without any of the drawbacks. The boat is made completely of fiberglass and even its pontoons are made of fiberglass, so you’ll never have to deal with leaky tubes again.

Another advantage of this completely fiberglass design is that you gain storage space unlike regular inflatables that gobble up that space by needing to hold air. The 10 Sport is easy to clean and its gel coat finish protects it from the damaging rays of the sun, making it both convenient and durable.

All Rigid Boats are impressively stable and are made 100 percent in the United States. Great craftsmanship goes into each vessel with all the fiberglass being hand-laid. Added details like the soft-touch rub-rail on the tenders also provide additional appeal to these nifty tenders. Not to mention, these tenders are all Coast Guard certified. Rigid Boats’ 10 Sport we be a great tender for Great Lakes boaters. (www.rigidboats.com)

Specifications

LOA: 10’ 4”

Beam: 5’ 4”

Recommended HP: 30hp

Person Capacity: 3-4 people





BRIG Falcon 330HT

If you’re looking for power, performance and comfort in a tender, then you’d do well to consider Brig’s Falcon 330HT. This 10-foot RIB tender makes experiencing adventure on the Great Lakes come easily. As a member of one of the best-selling tender series in the United States, the Falcon 330HT offers a nimble, easy-to-navigate inflatable boat that enhances every day on the water with fun joyrides that never get old.

Built for speed and agility, the tender weighs in at 452 pounds, which includes the engine and the fuel. Whether you’re going out solo or with a couple of friends, the 330HT will perfectly suit your needs. Even when the water gets a little rough and choppy, you’ll be surprised at the level of comfort the tender will continue to provide.

Brig redesigned the Falcon HT series to include features such as the tube stern end steps and the bow step plate with integrated stainless steel-finish navigation lights, making the boat even more convenient. Plus, there’s plenty of room for passengers with a deluxe folding bench seat and console side seat. The fun will never end when you’re cruising along the shore or exploring hidden coves on the Falcon 330HT. (www.brigboats.com)

Specifications

LOA: 10’ 10”

Beam: 5’ 4”

Recommended HP: 20hp

Person Capacity: 4





Walker Bay Venture 14

Everyone wants to get the most out of his tender, and with the Venture 14, you really can’t go wrong. New from Walker Bay, this little boat is one of the world’s first 14-foot Luxury Explorer Sport Tenders. The V14 is packed with exciting features and options for exploring, fishing, and entertaining that can be hard to find on other 14-foot tenders.

The “Stand Up” console with bolster gives you three driving positions, giving you more options for comfort and convenience. This comes in especially handy when the weather gets rough, allowing you to choose the most beneficial position for navigating or getting a better view of what’s under your boat when getting close to the shore. The rear seat is also wider than most other boats in its class and all the cushions are thick and comfortable. Not to mention, the console dash will accommodate an extra large 9-inch chartplotter, gages, stereo and VHF radio.

The tender has boarding steps on the aft, port, starboard and bow, and it has four different seating and reclining configurations. A modified V-hull gives the V14 an ultra smooth dry ride while the boat packs more exciting options such as four flush-mount rod holders that double as a board rack, a flush-mount ski pole, ladder and shower. This stylish tender would make an excellent choice. (www.walkerbay.com)

Specifications

LOA: 14’

Beam 6’ 5”

Recommended HP: 60hp

Person Capacity: 8 people





Williams Sportjet 434

If you’re after a tender that’ll blow your hair back, then Williams Jet Tenders’ Sportjet 435 could be just the boat you’re looking for. With blistering acceleration, incredible stability and exceptional handling, this tender has inherited all the unique design and engineering principles for which the Sportjet series is famous.

There’s a reason the word “jet” is in the name. The Sportjet 435 is capable of a top speed of 53 miles per hour and it delivers the highest performance with the flick of the throttle. The boat is available with two engine options: the Rotax Ace 903 or 1503. Once you hop into this boat and start cruising, it will become abundantly how effortlessly the boat transitions from a water sports powerhouse to a stylish shoreline transport. You’ll also be comfortable as you ride in it because of the masterfully designed spacious layout that can seat up to seven passengers comfortably.

Combining safety with power, the Sportjet 435 provides exciting excursions whether you’re driving the tender or enjoying the ride as a passenger. You can also customize this tender to complement your parent yacht, making it one of the perfect options for boaters on the Great Lakes. (www.williamsjettenders.com)

Specifications

LOA: 14’ 3”

Beam 6’ 4”

Recommended HP: 90hp w/ Rotax Ace 903 or 150hp w/ Rotax Ace 1503

Person Capacity: 7 people





Zodiac Cadet Compact 300

Ease and convenience will never be problems if you choose this particular tender for your Great Lakes adventures. ZODIAC’s Cadet Compact 300 takes up very little space and can be easily stored on its parent boat or in your garages. Its specially designed bag keeps it tidy and incredibly compact, and it’s all thanks to its clever design with a fold-down rear transom—a design that’s exclusive to ZODIAC. This storage bag has integrated handles which allow you to carry your tender with ease and in the simplest way possible, whether it be on the roof of your car or in a large truck.

In addition, the Cadet Compact 300 is incredibly fast and easy to set up when you’re ready to hit the waves. It’s as simple as inflating it and then launching it. It doesn’t get more convenient than that.

Then, once you’re out on the lake, the Cadet Compact 300 is easy to maneuver thanks to Reinforced Injection Molding Technology (RIMTEC). This technology provides you with stellar handling on the water and the wide hollow interior give you a comfortably ergonomic seat position while simultaneously improving safety. Choosing the Cadet Compact 300 as your tender will help make every Great Lakes adventure fun and convenient. (www.zodiac-nautic.com)

Specifications

LOA: 9’ 10”

Beam 5’ 1”

Maximum HP: 10hp

Person Capacity: 3 people