Authors of the photos: Gelex Global Group
Upon finding a hidden bay for a picnic and anchoring your yacht, having a tender boat is crucial for ensuring comfortable docking. Furthermore, a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tender, featuring inflatable sides and a hard bottom, is perfect for watersports, diving, and basking in the sun. The Ukrainian company Gala, one of the leading global manufacturers of aluminum RIBs, sells its boats in numerous countries via an extensive dealer network.
A yacht tender should not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yacht but also provide excellent functionality, seaworthiness, comfort, and safety. There are several important factors to consider when choosing a tender, which we will discuss.
Advantages of RIB Tenders
Initially designed as tenders, RIBs have become the preferred choice for yacht owners. Safety is the top priority when at sea. In the ever-changing marine environment, you need a boat that can be deployed quickly and is equipped to handle a variety of tasks. The distinctive design of RIBs, which combines a strong V-shaped hull with the cushioning of an inflatable boat, ensures high seaworthiness, substantial buoyancy (making them nearly unsinkable), and excellent stability. This is why coast guards, militaries, and police forces around the world utilize RIBs—they perform exceptionally well in rough waters and achieve impressive speeds. Militaries also rely on RIBs in harsh ocean conditions for patrolling and landing operations.
RIBs are extremely durable, have a long lifespan, and the risk of capsizing is minimal. Boarding a RIB is more convenient compared to traditional boats. Inflatable sides significantly enhance load capacity, and RIBs are lighter than solid-hull boats of the same length, allowing them to travel further on the same amount of fuel. An inflatable tender ensures safer transport of luggage and cargo to your yacht in choppy waters.
When docking with your yacht, you can leave the boat unattended without worrying about hull damage. Some prefer towing the tender instead of storing it in a dedicated compartment or on the deck. RIBs require less maintenance and are less prone to damage. Gala’s aluminum hulls are extremely strong and nearly impossible to puncture. The inflatable tubes are made from high-quality reinforced PVC or Hypalon, which is easy to clean. On the water, inflatable sides absorb wave impacts, making them ideal for diving.
How to Choose the Right Tender Boat
First, consider these three questions: What length of tender does your yacht need? How many people will it need to accommodate? How do you intend to use your tender?
Choosing the right size tender for your yacht is crucial. Often, people opt for the cheapest option, but remember that tenders are hardworking boats used for watersports, sea excursions, and fishing. A good rule of thumb is to buy a slightly larger boat if you can afford it. People often underestimate the boat size they need and end up replacing it. Clearly understand the size of the tender your yacht requires. Comfortable passenger accommodation and ample storage space often dictate the boat’s size. If unsure, measure the storage area on your yacht or consult your dealer—they can provide specifications and an appropriate size range.
How many people will your tender need to carry? If your yacht hosts many passengers, you’ll need a tender that can carry a large number of people, avoiding multiple trips to shore. The tender should hold enough passengers and cargo. Extra space is always beneficial, making the boat safer and more comfortable.
If you have a small yacht and don’t plan on engaging in watersports, a smaller model might suffice for trips to shore.
Follow these five steps to choose the right RIB:
- Determine the tender size your yacht can accommodate.
- Assess the number of passengers and the amount of gear you’ll carry.
- Decide how you plan to use your tender.
- Choose a model that appeals to you.
- Test the boat in action.
The right tender is a vital part of your yacht, providing essential transportation when at anchor or docked. It offers high functionality without compromising on style.
The ATLANTIS-LITE, ATLANTIS DOUBLE-DECK, and ATLANTIS AQUAHELM series boats, ranging from 2.4 to 3.9 meters in length, can carry 2 to 6 people. These incredibly light and economical tenders are suitable for various conditions and purposes.
The ATLANTIS DELUXE series boats, ranging from 3 to 5 meters in length, can carry 4 to 9 people. These are more comfortable tenders for larger yachts and more passengers.
The VIKING series boats are the most comfortable, ranging from 3.3 to 8 meters, and can carry 5 to 14 people.
Whatever your needs, Gala offers the best lightweight tender options for your yacht. Explore our models and make your choice. We look forward to your call.
Join the Gaelix Marine Service Team!
Welcome to Gaelix Marine Service. We are the exclusive representative of the world-renowned brand of aluminium inflatable boats (RIBs) GALA in Greece. If you are looking for the perfect combination of reliability, lightness, safety, and comfort, our GALA aluminium tenders are exactly what you need.
By choosing Gaelix Marine Service and GALA aluminium RIBs, you are opting for superior quality, reliability, and the joy of marine adventures. Contact us today to learn more about our range and receive personalized consultation. Join the community of happy GALA owners and enjoy the sea like never before!
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