Latest News

Let’s Talk Tenders

Let’s Talk Tenders

LET’S TALK TENDERS 

When LORI WOODWARD’S boat tender was stolen, she began digging around and interviewing boaters about boat tenders. Here, she shares what she has learned about buying one. 

co-own an 8.5m fibreglass custom keel over a wooden frame yacht, Maybe. In 2016, Maybe’s small fibreglass tender with a tiny outboard was stolen. Since then, a fibreglass replacement with oars (out of fear of another outboard being stolen) has been used by co-owner Kerry to complete boat renovations. For Kerry to take people and supplies to use for renovating, a proper tender is needed. And it is now my job to find the perfect one for Maybe. 

WHAT IS A TENDER? 

In Queensland, a tender is defined as a boat that is not a lifeboat, is 6m or less in length and is smaller than the parent ship. It can only be used to transport people or provisions between the ship and shore or ship to ship (MSQ). Regulations vary considerably from state to state. 

To be classified as a tender, a boat must only be utilised for travel from the main vessel to the shore, in order to transport both goods and people (not for fishing or sightseeing). It must be used within a certain distance from the vessel it serves, depending on the state, to be exempt from registration. It must also comply with length restrictions. In Queensland, for example, a tender must be less than 6m in length, and operating under 2nm from its main vessel. Registration is not required for any boat when it is powered by an outboard of 3kW (4hp) or less, or when it is powered by an outboard of more than 3kW (4hp) but is operated within 2nm from the parent. Otherwise, it is subject to registration requirements. 

Tenders are required to be identified as the tender to a particular vessel and to provide the parent vessel’s registration name. The tender must be marked on the exterior with the word ‘tender’ and the parent ship registration number, at least 75mm high. If this is not possible, markings should be on the inside of the boat in the largest characters possible. If the tender is used for more than one ship, it may be marked with the owner’s name. 

It is important to remember that different states have different requirements. Most boat owners generally look at fulfilling the requirements of all states, particularly when going on interstate travel. 

CHOOSING THE TENDER 

There are always compromises when it comes to choosing the type of tender and its application. So it is important to first determine how and where you will be using it, before making the purchase decision. According to Jennifer of MeTender Boats, when choosing the tender, various things need to be factored in. “The weight of the tender; the dimensions; capacity required for passengers and supplies; where the tender will be stored; where and how the tender will be used; material of manufacture; the durability; the safety; level flotation; stability; ease and cost of repair; maintenance required; size of motor required; and, fuel storage capacity on the mothership, are among many other factors that need to be considered.” 

When you are purchasing your tender, think of its application. It is useful to be aware of where you are taking your boat, and what mooring facilities are available. It is also dependent on the material chosen for the manufacture of the tender. 

Tenders generally come in the three types: the rigid side (either manufactured from some sort of plastic, fibreglass or aluminium), the inflatable, or the rigid bottom inflatable. They can vary greatly in size. For light use, the inflatable is good, particularly for short distances. For carrying larger groups of people or a more open-water type of mooring, the rigid-sided or the rigid bottom inflatable is recommended. 

Often, around the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, you will see many people leave their dinghys in the mangroves around the beach, taking their oars or a small outboard with them on land. My friend, Mark, has his boat moored near his home in Southern Moreton Bay. He says, “I have an 11ft (3.3m) aluminium tinnie. Knowing what I now know about wind and wave heights around here, I would get a bigger one.” He contemplates quietly for a minute, then adds, “An 11ft in a rigid bottom inflatable might be better.” 

For a large yacht or cruiser, a 3.3m rigid side or rigid inflatable could be used as it can transport about four people at a time. “When blue water cruising, a davitt or crane could lift the tender onto the deck,” explains Jennifer. “Many catamarans have the tender lifted between the hulls and use various types of tenders. If the desire is to have the tender stowed away for a long trip, then a flat bottom inflatable is a good compromise.” 

PROPULSION 

Your selection should be based on your individual situation and how often you use the tender. Ensure that you choose an appropriate outboard or set of oars. 

An electric engine may be suitable for quiet streams, and is generally recommended for short distances. If you are considering an electric outboard, be aware that you will need to charge the outboard (whether through powerpoint or solar-panel charging). The cost of a 3HP electric outboard motor is at least $2,500, and a spare battery can cost another $1,000. “You will need to consult an experienced marine electrician to ensure that the battery is properly charged,” advises Jennifer. 

Petrol outboards are readily available from a number of reputable manufacturers and reliable motors start at about $1,200. The benefit of these is that they do not need recharging. They are also lightweight and easily carried by one person. “Although cheap imports are available,” Jennifer warns, “they could ruin an entire trip if they fail.” 

 

 

By Lori Woodward