Choosing the right tender is one of the most important decisions for any yacht owner. A tender is not just a small boat — it is transport to shore, a support vessel, and often an essential safety tool.
The GALA Atlantis range includes several aluminium hull RIB series designed for different yachts, storage options and styles of use. This guide explains the differences and helps you choose the right Atlantis tender for your yacht.
What Makes GALA Atlantis Different?
All GALA Atlantis tenders are built on rigid marine-grade aluminium hulls.
Compared to soft-bottom inflatables or fiberglass RIBs, aluminium offers:
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lower lifting weight
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strong impact resistance
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no risk of cracking
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long service life in saltwater
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predictable handling even when fully loaded
Each hull is chemically passivated (ENVIROX) and powder-coated, and key areas are reinforced for beaching and frequent launching — ideal for Mediterranean conditions.
Understanding the Atlantis Series
The Atlantis family includes several product groups. Each solves specific tasks, but all remain lightweight, practical and reliable.
1. Atlantis Lite — Ultra-Light Tender Solutions
Designed for yachts where lifting weight and storage space are critical.
Best for:
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sailing yachts
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davits
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compact stern platforms
Main advantage: simplicity and minimum weight.
Typical models: A240, A270, A300, A330
2. Atlantis Double Deck — Dry and Comfortable
These tenders feature a raised double deck. Passengers stand higher above the water, the deck stays dry, and boarding becomes safer.
Best for:
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families
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active tender use
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charter operation
Model range: A240D, A270D, A300D, A330D, A360D, A390D
3. Atlantis Aquahelm — Console-Controlled Tenders
Equipped with a steering console, these tenders provide precise control and comfortable steering position.
Designed for:
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longer routes
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higher cruising comfort
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confident navigation
Models: A300Q, A330Q, A360Q, A390Q
4. Atlantis Deluxe — Premium Finish and Larger Sizes
Atlantis Deluxe combines aluminium hull performance with a more refined, stylish layout.
Available models:
A300L, A330L, A360L, A400L, A450L, A500L, A550L
Smaller sizes may be used as tenders.
Larger models are often used as day boats, passenger RIBs or leisure boats — offering more comfort than a typical tender.
Comparison Guide — GALA Atlantis Series
| Series | Typical Sizes | Key Feature | Best For | Comfort | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantis Lite | A240–A330 | Ultra-light hull | Small yachts, davits | Basic | Very light |
| Atlantis Double Deck | A240D–A390D | Raised dry deck | Families, charter | Medium | Light |
| Atlantis Aquahelm | A300Q–A390Q | Console steering | Longer trips | High | Medium |
| Atlantis Deluxe | A300L–A550L | Premium design | Owners, leisure cruising | Very high | Medium–Heavy |
Quick Selection Guide by Yacht Size
| Yacht Length | Recommended Atlantis Models |
|---|---|
| up to 30 ft | A240 / A270 |
| 30–35 ft | A270 / A300 / A300D |
| 35–40 ft | A300 / A330 / A330D / A300Q |
| 40–45 ft | A330D / A360D / A330Q |
| 45–50 ft | A360D / A390D / A360Q |
| 50+ ft | A390D / / A360Q / Atlantis Deluxe (A400L+) |
These are general recommendations. Final selection depends on lifting capacity, storage dimensions and usage profile.
Gaelix Marine Service helps calculate correct fit before purchasing.
Weight Comparison — GALA Atlantis Models
When choosing a tender, weight is just as important as length.
It affects davit limits, lifting safety, engine choice and handling.
The table below shows the approximate hull weights for the main GALA Atlantis models.
| Model | Series | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A240 | Atlantis Lite | 40 kg |
| A270 | Atlantis Lite | 44 kg |
| A300 | Atlantis Lite | 50 kg |
| A330 | Atlantis Lite | 56 kg |
| A240D | Double Deck | 54 kg |
| A270D | Double Deck | 60 kg |
| A300D | Double Deck | 67 kg |
| A330D | Double Deck | 72 kg |
| A360D | Double Deck | 84 kg |
| A390D | Double Deck | 98 kg |
| A300Q | Aquahelm | ~97 kg |
| A330Q | Aquahelm | ~103 kg |
| A360Q | Aquahelm | ~109 kg |
| A390Q | Aquahelm | ~123 kg |
| A300L | Deluxe | ~95–105 kg |
| A330L | Deluxe | ~110–120 kg |
| A360L | Deluxe | ~135–150 kg |
| A400L | Deluxe | ~160–180 kg |
| A450L | Deluxe | ~190–210 kg |
| A500L | Deluxe | ~240–270 kg |
| A550L | Deluxe | ~290–320 kg |
Note: weights shown are for the boat only (without engine, fuel or accessories).
Always keep a safe lifting margin when choosing davits or stern lifting systems.
Which Engine Should I Choose?
Because Atlantis hulls are lightweight, they perform well with relatively small engines.
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Lite series — 5–10 HP
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Double Deck — 10–25 HP
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Larger tenders — up to 30 HP
We always match engine power to:
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passenger load
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storage requirements
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cruising expectations
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safety limits
PVC or Hypalon?
All Atlantis tenders are available with PVC or Hypalon tubes.
PVC
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economical
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good for seasonal or moderate use
Hypalon
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superior UV and heat resistance
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ideal for Mediterranean exposure
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longer lifespan
For boats kept permanently in the sun, Hypalon is strongly recommended.
Davits & Lifting Systems
Many yacht owners use lifting systems for Atlantis tenders.
Gaelix Marine Service recommends and configures NorDav stern lifting systems, selecting the right model based on:
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tender size
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yacht stern design
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lifting weight
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installation method
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right GALA Atlantis tender means balancing:
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size
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weight
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comfort
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lifting capability
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budget
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usage style
As the exclusive representative of GALA Boats in Greece and Cyprus, Gaelix Marine Service provides complete support — from consultation to delivery and after-sales service.
Your tender should match your yacht — not compromise it.
FAQ — Choosing a GALA Atlantis Tender
Q1: Is a larger tender always better?
Not necessarily. A bigger tender may give more comfort, but it can exceed davit limits, reduce visibility, or make storage difficult. The correct size is the one that safely fits your yacht and lifting system.
Q2: How do I know whether to choose Lite, Double Deck, Aquahelm or Deluxe?
Start from how the tender will be used.
Daily transfers and light duty — Lite.
Family use and charter — Double Deck.
Longer trips and helm control — Aquahelm.
More comfort and style — Deluxe.
Q3: Do I need Hypalon, or is PVC enough?
PVC works well for seasonal use and shaded storage.
Hypalon is preferable for strong UV, high heat and long-term Mediterranean exposure.
Q4: Can Atlantis tenders be used with davits and stern lifting systems?
Yes. Most models are designed with reinforced lifting points.
Gaelix Marine Service can also help choose compatible NorDav lifting systems.
Q5: Can you help choose the right engine and configuration?
Yes. Matching the tender with the right engine, weight, accessories and storage setup is essential — and we help configure everything correctly.