Tender Procurement for the Mediterranean
The tender is the most important (and most expensive) item in any superyacht's toy garage. It's the vessel's primary connection to shore, the guest shuttle, the diving platform, and often the safety boat. Getting the right one matters.
Mercer Yachting sources tenders from manufacturers worldwide and coordinates delivery to any Mediterranean port. We work with your captain, chief officer, or build team to match the tender to your vessel's exact requirements: garage dimensions, davit capacity, operational profile, and budget.
Types of Tenders We Source
RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats)
The standard superyacht tender. RIBs range from 3.5m crew workhorses to 9m+ guest shuttles with full seating, sun shading, and premium upholstery. Key builders include Zodiac, Williams, Highfield, Scanner, and Lomac.
A 4.5m RIB with a 60 hp outboard typically costs €15,000 to €35,000. A fully specified 7.5m guest tender with twin engines, T-top, and custom upholstery runs €80,000 to €180,000. We source across the full range.
Jet Tenders
Jet-powered tenders are compact, fast, and safe around swimmers (no exposed propeller). They're the preferred choice for yachts with tight garage spaces or passerelle launching systems. Williams is the dominant brand in this category, with Castoldi and Novurania also producing excellent jet tenders.
Jet tenders typically range from 3m to 5m. They're quick to deploy, easy to handle, and ideal for short guest transfers and beach runs. Pricing runs from €25,000 for a compact model to €120,000 for a premium 5m unit.
Limousine Tenders
For yachts over 60m, the limousine tender is the guest transfer vehicle. These are enclosed, air-conditioned boats with premium interiors that match the mothership's styling. Guests board in their evening wear and arrive at the restaurant dock dry and comfortable.
Limousine tenders are almost always custom-built. Lead times run 6-12 months, and pricing starts around €250,000 for a basic 6m model, rising to €800,000+ for a fully custom 8m tender with matched livery and bespoke interior. We manage the entire specification and build oversight process.
Chase Boats
Chase boats are 10m+ support vessels that operate independently of the mothership. They carry toys, diving equipment, and crew for extended water sports programmes. Some also serve as secondary guest tenders for shore excursions beyond the mothership's anchorage.
These are significant vessels in their own right, often costing €300,000 to €1,500,000 depending on size and specification. We work with yards in Italy, Turkey, and the UK to source and oversee builds.
| Tender Type | Size Range | Typical Budget | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIB | 3.5m - 9m | €15,000 - €180,000 | 2-8 weeks |
| Jet Tender | 3m - 5m | €25,000 - €120,000 | 2-6 weeks |
| Limousine | 6m - 8m+ | €250,000 - €800,000+ | 6-12 months |
| Chase Boat | 10m+ | €300,000 - €1,500,000+ | 6-18 months |
The Specification Process
Every tender procurement starts with your vessel's constraints and operational needs. Here's how we work:
- Garage survey: we confirm the physical dimensions of your tender garage, davit or crane capacity, and launching system. This determines the maximum LOA, beam, and weight.
- Operational brief: how will the tender be used? Guest transfers, beach runs, diving support, water sports towing, or all of the above? Each use case influences hull type, engine choice, and deck layout.
- Shortlisting: we present 3-5 options from suitable builders, with specifications, pricing, and delivery timelines. For standard models, we source from dealer stock. For custom builds, we approach yards directly.
- Order management: once you've chosen, we handle the purchase order, build oversight (for custom tenders), progress reporting, and quality inspections.
- Delivery: we coordinate transport from the factory to your vessel's current port. This includes road transport, sea freight, customs clearance, and quayside handover.
Global Supplier Network
We've sourced tenders from builders in Italy, the UK, New Zealand, Turkey, Australia, and the Netherlands. Geography is secondary to finding the right tender for your vessel. Our logistics team handles international shipping and customs regardless of origin.
Delivery Logistics
Tender delivery is more complex than shipping a box of water toys. These are registered vessels that need proper transport, handling, and documentation.
For European-built tenders, road transport on a custom trailer is usually the most cost-effective option. A tender built in Italy can be at Grand Harbour Marina in Valletta within 3-5 days. For tenders from further afield (New Zealand, Australia), we arrange container shipping or deck cargo on commercial freighters, with transit times of 4-8 weeks.
We handle all customs documentation, including temporary importation paperwork for non-EU-flagged vessels. For EU-flagged yachts, we manage VAT documentation and registration.
To discuss your tender requirements, contact us at ops@merceryachting.com or call +356 79797962.