explorer yacht tender

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Explorer Yacht Tender Design: A Closer Look at the Details

Updated: Sep 14, 2023

Today, we're anchoring in a bit closer to home, focusing on a vessel that might not cover vast distances but plays a crucial role in our high-latitude sailing journeys. Fresh from our Factory Acceptance Test at the Hebbeke Shipyard, I'm excited to delve into the specifics of our Explorer Yacht Tender.

Join me as we traverse the design, functionality, and challenges of creating a tender fit for the icy realms.

Time has come to discuss our tender.

We have just visited Hebbeke Shipyard for the Factory Acceptance Test. She is 95% complete. An earlier Blog, linked HERE , covered the high-level choices for solid hull vs. RIB construction and inboard vs. outboard diesel. Let's cover the points missing from that earlier Blog.

Design criteria

These were the main design criteria.

Carrying capacity of 6 six crew. (We will bring a smaller Inflatable RIB as a backup and for beach landings.) Good carrying capacity for supplies and equipment

Single diesel fuel operation, extended range, and cruising speed.

My wife Sebrina does not like getting wet ( hold that thought for later ).

Navigation system to be compatible with Vanguard ( Time Zero on Furuno MFD ).

At least some protection for the hull from floating ice or debris.

Depth gauge fitted, GPS & AIS so that she will be visible from our Explorer Yacht. Enhanced nighttime visibility

Easy access from bow and stern and for a dive team from the water

Ice and debris

Hebbeke Shipyard makes Search And Rescue craft (SAR); these face similar issues of floating debris, especially SAR and Police craft used on inland waters. The advice of the yard is to strengthen the forefoot with a doubler placed on the skin and additional stringers internally. This adds little weight but protects from impact, especially when planning. It may get dented but is unlikely to leak.

Similarly, we added a wrap-around D Section fender to the gunwale stake ( see video ).

Hebbeke shortened the bow above the waterline, adding a pusher fender so we could easily hold against a dock when boarding. We also added vertical protection at the beam when alongside; the fenders will not hook up above the dock edge if hit by a wake or swell.

The engine is a 110bhp Yanmar diesel, Tier III emissions certified for EPA regulations in the USA. (It has a hot water heating option if we want to install it ).

We now have single fuel capability, refilling from the ship's main fuel tanks. A Castoldi jet drive provides Fwd, Astern, and Neutral positions (neutral is the jet pointed downwards). This is the same setup as Hull No 1 HERE . A back flush clears the inlet grate in case of blockage by weeds or debris. By removing the propeller, we protect any swimmers and the potential damage to the prop. We also reduce the minimum draft from 300 to 100mm, hardly enough to get one's feet wet! Jet drives are efficient at high speeds of the planing hull and provide superb maneuverability at slow speeds. In our trial, she will turn on her length Fwd or Astern.

Diesel equates to efficiency, and we have a single 100 L fuel tank in the hull. A fuel consumption of 22 L/h gives 4.5 hours at full speed.

During the trail ( six on board ), we maxed at 31 knots in flat water (35mph), providing a range of around 140 NM at full speed, loaded.

Hull features

Internal deck surfaces are coated with Treadmaster ( remaining floor to complete ), and the deck is self-draining if swamped. The hull is designed with two substantial spray rails, providing a dry ride even in choppy water. 2 shore reels carry 100 feet of flat braided Dyneema ( to be fitted near the helm ) each, and an additional two by 300 feet held on Vanguard that can be transferred to sail bags. Three Sampson Posts are on the stern, one for toys and two for towing on a yoke. The video below is the nearly completed dive access door. It has a built-in ladder giving access to the tender with weights and dive gear still on (though probably not flippers!).

For visibility at night, we added a low-light camera from Black Oak and enhanced this with three infrared LED long-distance spotlights (blue). These provide much greater illumination but do not affect the helmsman's vision. We also have two visible light LED spots (clear) illuminating the hull and stern when working at anchor or organizing dive gear. We also added Nav and deck lights. All lights came from Black Oak, I like their products for their finish and reliability. ( HERE ) Both instrument mast and helm screen will fold down for better stowage on deck.

Covers & instruments

A steaming cover keeps things dry when operating in inclement conditions ( think Sebrina ), and a full deck cover for storage. We will fit the remaining instruments and Chart Plotter ( Furuno GP-1971F ) on delivery to Turkey. Coms are also yet to be fitted; ICom fixed VHF unit plus personal VHF per crew. We bought two of the new ICom 94DE with AIS function for this purpose, plus some more typical units.

LOA is 5.5M, draft is 0.1M, and an all-up weight is 1300kg with a full fuel tank. Top speed about 31kt, trolling speed with minimal wake about 6kt before the bow rides up. Launching will employ a carbon fiber davit from FEM in Italy. The launch winch is either a manual or a Harken electrical two-way winch.

Further thought

If I were to make these decisions again, it would remain a toss-up between an RIB (think Highfield or Bombardier) Versus a traditional hull. Both have advantages; RIB with a D Torque diesel is about 300kg lighter. An aluminum hull's extra power (110 vs 50 hp) carrying capacity and single-fuel capability probably wins the day.

Chris Leigh-Jones

Happy to share plans for free if anyone wants to build their own. ( Donate a small sum to the Royal Navy and Royal Marine's Charity if you may. )

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YACHT TENDERS

The ultimate yacht tenders for guests.

Use Anytime to go Anywhere

The Iguana yacht tenders can conquer any terrain. Land on the beach and disembark effortlessly from a steady platform without getting your feet wet.

Live Comfortable and Safe Experiences

Amphibious yacht tenders are safer. Protect guests from the swell and boat wash when you disembark on beaches.

Enjoy a Multipurpose Yacht Tender

Use your Iguana yacht tender for all types of activities like cruising, fishing, water-sports. The Iguana is built as a boat first.

Escape the Ordinary with our Yachts Tenders

Unlimited access to shores enables guest to experience limitless freedom. This unique luxury yacht tender provides new adventures and endless exploration.

SUPERYACHTS ENJOYING AN IGUANA TENDER

Lenght: 73 m / 239'

Builder: crn, tender type: iguana original.

M/Y MASQUENADA

Lenght: 51 m /167', builder: penglai, tender type: iguana knight.

Lenght: 147 m / 482'

Builder: lurssen.

Lenght: 142 m / 465'

Tender type: iguana commuter.

M/Y SPECTRE

Lenght: 69 m / 226', builder: benetti.

Lenght: 52 m /170'

Lenght: 37 m / 121'

Builder: holland jachtbouw.

M/Y LADY AZUL

Lenght: 39 m / 128', builder: heesen.

Lenght: 55 m /180'

Builder: damen yachting, tender type: iguana x100.

Lenght: 68 m / 223'

Builder: nobiskrug, project examples.

M/Y JEMS - CHASE BOAT TENDER

Iguana x100 white edition.

This 44m yacht enjoys an Iguana X100 White Edition as a tender to explore the Mediterranean seas. Used as a chase boat, the Iguana is also easily towed. 

M/Y MASQUENADA - EXPLORER YACHT

Iguana knight - bespoke.

This 51m refitted explorer yacht has a custom RIB Iguana tender onboard the mothership. Equipped with a diesel outboard, the “Iguana Jones” is perfect for exploring and going on adventures.

CUSTOM TENDER PROJECT FOR BIKERS

This superyacht owner built a very unique bespoke tender for his yacht, this Iguana can embark motorbikes onboard to use on remote islands and beaches.

CUSTOM TENDER PROJECT FOR SPEED

Iguana pro rider - bespoke.

Highly inspired by professional Iguana Pro models, the Iguana Pro Rider is powerful and fast. It is used as a tender to go from the house to the yacht.

STYLISH IGUANA ORIGINAL TENDER

Iguana original.

This yacht opted for an Iguana Original to transport guests with style and comfort. Painted in red, this tender is beautiful and unique. The tender is stored inside the yacht garage. 

MAKING YACHT CREWS WORK EASIER

Very Reliable and Robust Yacht Tenders

No compromise has been made on toughness, overall weight, or agility. With a reinforced carbon structure, kevlar reinforcement on tracks, and marine-grade aluminum for the mobility system, the Iguana yacht tenders are very reliable.

Transport Guests in Style and Safely

Pick up your guests, from any beach without needing a dock. the Iguana mobility system enables seamless beach landings. But Iguana yachts tenders also provide unrivaled capability with a dry, safe, and stable ride at sea.

Easy to Maintain and Store

With only minor preventive maintenance, the Iguana Mobility System delivers long-term, hassle-free operation. Sleek lines and customized boats ensure that the Iguana can be fitted into your yacht garages.

Simpler Beach Set-ups

Reduce the amount of crews needed to set up picnic areas as the boat can be parked on land no one is needed to hold the boat or help unload. Also, the Iguana offers many features from showers to sound systems and heads that can be used on the beach.

Exploring Greece with the Iguana chase boat tender

The beautiful iguana x100 white edition.

AMPHIBIOUS YACHT TENDERS BENEFITS

IGUANA KNIGHT

A beautiful RIB tender  combining elegance and performance with premium features as standard.

IGUANA DAY LIMO

The Iguana Day Limo is the ideal tender to transport guests comfortably to isolated beaches

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Discover the unique Iguana Mobility System and its unbelievable  capabilities.

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EXPLORER YACHTS

The quest of knowledge.

In order to accommodate diverse Owner preferences and aspirations, the Flexplorer models are adaptable, allowing for maximum flexibility in both configuration and features. This adaptability is the key attribute of the Flexplorer line.

When we first introduced the concept of deeply versatile/flexible explorer yachts, we foresaw its allure for Owners in search of a vast and all-encompassing voyage. What we do with the Flexplorers is proposing models ranging from 132 to 146 feet distinguished by a rigorous design devoid of any stylistic redundancy and that, despite being well-balanced and elegant, exudes strength and reliability. All Flexplorers, regardless of size, feature elevated bow and bulwarks, extremely large main deck cockpit, generous interior spaces for both guests, crew, and storages. The explorer yachts of the Flexplorer line, designed by Hydro Tec, boast streamlined naval architecture to optimize fuel efficiency, incorporate engines with a conservative power output, and offer an extraordinary long range.

They effortlessly accommodate various water toys, diving gear, and sport equipment, while offering spacious and inviting interiors that ensure utmost comfort during extensive journeys to the farthest corners of the world or more relaxed coastal sailing in the Med or tropical archipelagoes. As many Owners require the inclusion of large tenders, we have developed an ingeniously concealed A-frame crane integrated into the deck, ensuring seamless hauling and launching of the tender without compromising yacht stability and aesthetics.

Yacht Features

As the name suggests, the Flexplorer has in the flexibility her main trait and therefore the aft main deck can be used for different purposes. As a toys’ carrier certainly, in fact a tender up to 30’, a sailboat and two jet skis can easily be stored. Alternatively, some of the space can be traded to host a submarine. But once the toys are on the water, the deck turns into a sumptuous beach club, including a swimming pool, collapsible bulwarks and stairs at stern that lead directly to the sea. Evening comes and round tables can be laid with candles, soft lights, sweet scents and background music making up for the perfect atmosphere. Hours later, to close-up the day, the deck becomes an open-air dance floor. Arriving to the Flexplorer in style from the sky is also an option, as the main deck is suitable for touch and go helipad operations.

Our innovative, powerful A-frame, a hydraulic crane system, redefines yachting possibilities by effortlessly launching and retrieving tender and other toys. This technology, commonly employed in research vessels, marks a pioneering introduction into the yachting industry, specifically within our size segment.

When not in use, the A-frame seamlessly disappears into the deck, preserving the pristine appearance of the main deck's teak surface. This clever design ensures that no part of your deck view is obstructed by the crane, enabling you to maximize the available space for toy storage or creating a luxurious beach club experience.

Foldable bulwarks

On main deck aft, both side bulwarks can be folded down, thus enlarging the deck space and offering a perfect diving platform. 6 mt in length and covered with teak, when opened the bulwarks sit perfectly flush with the main deck surface.

Engine room & tank deck tunnel

Our capacious engine room is a testament to our commitment to technical excellence. It has been meticulously designed to ensure optimal ventilation airflow, ample space for routine maintenance, easy accessibility to all ship systems, strict adherence to safety regulations, and effective noise and vibration dampening.

Running longitudinally between the engine room and the forward storage locker, the tunnel serves as a vital conduit. It houses essential piping and electrical cabling for the boat while offering convenient access to the hatches of the fuel and grey water tanks, ensuring seamless functionality and ease of maintenance.

Discover the Line

44,30 x 8,60 mt

4 9,90 x 9 m

We are Explorers

A frame crane

Ennio cecchini.

A technical view

Vasil Truja

Carlo Acquilanti

Discover the Fleet

FLEXPLORER 130'

Voyages to distant horizons: sailing to remote shores with Cantiere delle Marche’s explorer yachts.

We are sure she will be a game-changer!

Ennio Cecchini, Cantiere delle Marche’s CEO, talks about the yard’s new projects, namely the amazing Flexplorer.

What’s in store for Cantiere delle Marche’s future? Cantiere delle Marche is moving forward with new lines and one-off projects among which the Flexplorer line represents indeed a highlight as well as a turning point. I am sure this model will be a feather in the cap for Cantiere delle Marche!

What values and characteristics define better an explorer built by Cantiere delle Marche nowadays? The embrace of both design and technological advancements and deeply held commitment to move forward define what a Cantiere delle Marche's explorer vessel is today. The Flexplorer is a testament to these values: a new class of yacht that fuses superyacht standards of space and design with rugged, go-anywhere capabilities – all in a more flexible package. It is indicative of a core strength of Cantiere delle Marche, which introduces innovative models and technologies into the market while being able to preserve its vision and mission: building strong and reliable explorer vessels.

Would you please point out concepts and features that make Flexplorer stand out from the crowd? Among Flexplorer's genuinely unique aspects it is worth mentioning the fold-down bulwarks that enlarge the deck space astern creating a huge terrace and an A-frame crane that is perfectly encompassed in the deck's flooring. The A-frame crane is a remarkable piece of engineering purposely developed by Cantiere delle Marche's to provide the yacht with a powerful crane to launch a haul a tender of up to 2.5t without interfering with full use of deck space. When the crane is not is use, it literally disappears into the deck's flooring becoming a part of it. The smooth teak surface, once the tender is in the water, turns into a large and comfortable area for all guests enjoy relax under the sun: 115 square metres of lounging and sunbathing area equipped with sofas, tables, sunbeds, shaded – when and where necessary - by stylish beach umbrellas. It goes without saying that the A-frame crane also allows much safer loading and offloading operations as well as it eliminates any inclining issue. Another outstanding feature are the fold-down bulwarks on both sides of the cockpit. When folded down they sit flush with the teak flooring and extend out the cockpit surface offering uninterrupted views. It is not just a matter of square metres added to an already large area, it is the sense of being in full contact with the sea and the surrounding landscape that really adds and offers an ineffable sense of freedom.

DARWIN CLASS

132 146 3 146 4

115 130 155

115 130 141

We have combined the best designers, captains and skilled workers: experiences and visions of the most have merged into a unique project. Our class of yachts is selected by the sea.

Explore your own course

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Same soul, different shapes. Discover all our Explorer Yacht ranges.