The yacht sets the anchor; the tender opens the shore. A well chosen tender turns a quiet anchorage into a gateway to beaches, restaurants and hidden coves.
What a tender or dinghy is
A tender is a small boat carried by or towed behind a larger yacht to ferry people and supplies between the yacht and shore. "Dinghy" describes the smaller end of the family, from simple hard shell rowing boats to compact inflatables with an outboard. Many modern tenders are rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), and some yacht owners choose jet tenders or a personal watercraft instead.
Who it suits
Every cruising yacht owner benefits from a tender. It allows the yacht to stay in deeper water while you reach beaches, sandbars and docks that would otherwise be out of reach.
Typical types and features
- Hard dinghies: simple, durable and often rowable
- Inflatable dinghies: light and compact, often stowable on deck
- RIBs: a rigid hull with inflatable tubes for stability and a drier ride
- Jet tenders: sleek and fast, with no exposed propeller
- Launch options: davits, a hydraulic swim platform or a garage on larger yachts
Strengths and tradeoffs
**Strengths**
- Opens shallow beaches and docks to your yacht
- Adds flexibility for errands and exploring
- Many sizes and styles to match the yacht
**Tradeoffs**
- Adds weight and requires a launch and recovery system
- Inflatable tubes age in the sun and need care
- Size is limited by your yacht's platform or davits
Using a tender on the Gulf Coast
On Tampa Bay and along the barrier islands, a tender is invaluable. Anchor your yacht in deeper water, then step ashore at Egmont Key, Shell Key or a quiet beach on Anna Maria Island. Hypalon tubes and good covers tend to hold up better in the Florida sun.
Buying tips
- Match the tender's weight and size to your platform, davits or garage.
- Check tube material, seams and the transom on inflatables and RIBs.
- Confirm the outboard's service history.
Find your tender
Whether you need a tender for a new yacht or an upgrade, we would love to help you choose one that fits.
Selling your tender? Michael lists and markets boats like yours to qualified buyers across Florida and the USA.
Talk with Michael about a tender or dinghy
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