Reliant Yachts of Newport, R.I., said a new build is under contract for a 40-foot limousine tender using the company’s X series platform.
Reliant principal Jim Ewing said the goal was to create a tender that “shares the beauty and functionality of the classic Venetian water taxi, but in a completely modern way.”
“The contemporary megayacht tender has to be a proper yacht unto itself, able to deal with diverse sea conditions, so hull design and stability are key,” Ewing said in a statement.
The tender is slated for completion in early 2018 and will be delivered to Italy to be a luxury tender to a large new-construction megayacht.
“Although the parameters of the tender garage offer challenges — tight clearances, load restrictions, crane pickups — we see that as a way to utilize our design and building skills,” Ewing said. “We have to make incremental adjustments everywhere to accommodate the garage plan, but without losing functionality or compromising the lines. Frankly that will always be the case when building a tender for a megayacht; where and how it is stored is always critical.”
Engines will be aft to minimize noise in the main cabin.
The company said the construction uses carbon fiber to keep the weight down while maintaining structural integrity. The hull, as with all of the X series hulls, will be a deep-vee. Speeds are anticipated in excess of 30 knots.
Reliant said the interior features a large powered overhead hatch and wraparound glass cabin sides. Where the head is located aft, the glass transitions to tinted privacy glass without the use of visible mullions on the exterior.
Guests may enter forward or aft with a private sitting cockpit aft. Other features include a generator, air conditioning, a wet bar with a refrigerator, leather seating, intercom communication with the helm and a state-of-the-art entertainment system, the company said.
“A Seakeeper stabilizer is being installed to provide the most comfortable experience possible for passengers,” Ewing said. “Megayachts are often berthed a fair distance from port, so having to traverse through chop is not uncommon. We want this tender to be every bit as comfortable as it is beautiful.”
