When it comes to the world of luxury yachting, a custom yacht tender is more than just a vessel—it’s an extension of the yacht itself, a statement of style, and a functional tool that enhances the overall experience.
At Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, we have spent decades perfecting the art of custom yacht tender building, combining innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration to deliver tenders that are as unique as the yachts they serve.
If you are new to the world of yacht and boat building, make sure you check out our guide on custom vs production boat building, where we talk in-depth about the custom experience, the quality and craftsmanship and the tailored design and versatility of custom yachts and boats.
For now, though, let’s dig into the art and precision of custom yacht tenders and discover why Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders stands out from the crowd.
Introduction to Custom Yacht Tenders
A yacht tender is not merely a means of transport; it is an integral part of the yachting lifestyle. Whether ferrying guests to shore, transporting supplies or serving as a platform for water sports, tenders are indispensable. However, a custom yacht tender elevates this utility into an art form, offering bespoke design and functionality tailored to meet the owner's specific needs.
At Lloyd Stevensons, we have long recognised the desire amongst the yachting community for custom tenders built to the highest standards. Whilst based in New Zealand, we have worked with clients from around the world to deliver custom yacht tenders that elevate their yachting experience to the next level.
In today’s ever-connected world, we have embraced the challenges of being located in remote little New Zealand and offer real-time connection to our international clients with 24-hour webcam access showing the progress of your build along with regularly scheduled video calls, ensuring you feel part of the project no matter where you are in the world.
Importance of Bespoke Designs in the Yachting Experience
Every superyacht is unique, reflecting its owner’s personality and vision. A custom tender should be no different. Bespoke designs ensure that every detail—from aesthetics to performance—is perfectly aligned with the mothership and its owner's requirements. At Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, we believe that a well-designed tender not only complements the yacht but also enhances its capabilities and elevates the overall experience.
The custom superyacht tenders we have built can be categorised into three general types : Limousines, Open Limousines and Utility. Each brings its own unique attributes with custom limousine tenders seen as the most luxurious and comfortable of them all.
Open tenders are the most versatile of all custom tenders – sleek and fast and fully equipped for water sports, relaxing or entertaining. The utility tender is the workhorse of the fleet yet don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s all substance and no style. At Lloyd Stevensons, we know where the extra attention needs to be paid to ensure these boats will perform as needed yet still be looking stylish in years to come.
Check out our recent post: "5 Essential Features Every Custom Yacht Tender Should Have," where we explore key elements that make a tender truly exceptional.
Lloyd Stevenson Yachts’ Unique Approach to Custom Tender Builds
For close to 20 years, Lloyd Stevenson Yachts has been at the forefront of yacht tender building, creating vessels that seamlessly blend functionality with elegance. Our approach is defined by:
- Collaboration: We work closely with owners, designers, and project managers to ensure every detail reflects their vision.
- Craftsmanship: Each tender is handcrafted in our state-of-the-art facility in East Tamaki, New Zealand.
- Innovation: From cutting-edge materials like carbon fibre and lightweight core materials to advanced propulsion systems, we incorporate the latest technologies into our builds.
Our reputation for excellence has led us to craft tenders for some of the most iconic yachts in the world, including those built for America’s Cup teams and award-winning superyachts like Sail Yacht A and Artefact.
Step-by-Step Process of Designing and Crafting a Custom Tender
Building a custom yacht tender is a meticulous process that begins with understanding the client’s needs and ends with delivering a masterpiece. Here’s how we do it:
- Concept Development: We start with discussions to understand your vision, intended use, and aesthetic preferences.
- Design Phase: Collaborating with top designers, we create detailed plans that balance form and function.
- Material Selection: Choosing high-quality materials tailored to performance requirements.
- Construction: Our skilled craftsmen bring the design to life using advanced build techniques.
- Finishing Touches: From luxury interiors to high-performance systems, every detail is perfected.
- Sea Trials: Rigorous testing ensures your tender meets our exacting standards.
For an in-depth look at this process, don’t miss our article: "The Design Process Behind Custom Yacht Tenders."
How Custom Tenders Enhance Yacht Functionality and Aesthetics
A custom tender is more than just a support vessel; it’s an enhancement to your yachting lifestyle. Key benefits include:
- Seamless Integration: Designed to match the mothership in style and functionality.
- Enhanced Utility: Tailored features like dive platforms, storage solutions, or limousine-style seating.
- Unmatched Performance: Optimised for speed, stability, and efficiency.
Our blog post on "What to Look for When Choosing a Custom Yacht Tender Builder" will guide you through selecting the right partner for your project.
Showcase of Notable Lloyd Stevenson Custom Tenders
Over the years, we have had the privilege of creating tenders for some of the most prestigious yachts in the world:
- Sailing Yacht A Tenders: Four bespoke tenders averaging 40 feet in length—an ambitious two-year project showcasing our ability to scale up while maintaining precision.
- Artefact Tender: This award-winning tender exceeded expectations with its innovative design and flawless execution.
- America’s Cup Chase Boats: High-performance vessels built for speed and durability on racing circuits.
- Catalyst Adventurer: The latest evolution of this versatile platform, follow along tender for superyachts
In our upcoming feature, "A Closer Look at the Custom Tenders Built for America’s Cup," we’ll delve deeper into these remarkable projects.
Why Choose Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders?
At Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, we don’t just build boats—we craft experiences. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction sets us apart in the competitive world of custom yacht tenders, read what our customers have to say. Explore our range of projects on our Custom Superyacht Tenders page or learn more about our philosophy on Custom vs Production Boats.
Whether you’re envisioning your first custom tender or seeking an upgrade for your superyacht fleet, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start your journey toward owning a bespoke masterpiece. Stay connected with our blog series as we continue exploring everything you need to know about custom yacht tenders!
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