If you are looking to buy a Limousine Tender, there are several factors you need to consider. Our guide will help you to decide if these elegant tenders are right for you.
What is a Limousine Tender?
While some open-top tender boats are marketed as limousines, at YachtBuyer, we categorize limousine tenders as enclosed guest shuttles. These vessels are designed to provide a comfortable means of transportation for individuals from ship-to-shore (and shore-to-ship) while prioritizing privacy for those onboard.
Often fitted with interiors as luxurious as those found on the mothership, the enclosed guest shuttle ensures that users arrive at their chosen location unaffected by wind and spray — beneficial for those dressed in their best evening attire.
The vessel type — which draws inspiration from Venetian water taxis and Admiralty Launches — has gained significant popularity in recent years and since 2014 has accounted for approximately one-third of the semi-custom tender market.
Design and Build
As superyacht accessories, limousine tenders frequently feature entirely bespoke interiors and exteriors. Typically, these design elements align stylistically with those found on the mothership and incorporate classic and modern aesthetics. For those seeking convenience at a lower price point, however, numerous production models are readily available with a wide array of finishes.
The slim and sleek exterior of a limousine tender goes far beyond looks, enabling the boats to fit within the confines of a tender garage and its limited height offering. It is here that designers must trade headroom for practicality to ensure fitment within the confines of the mothership. Additional functional design elements of enclosed guest shuttles include flared bows and a deep vee hull to provide a journey that is both fast and smooth — so as not to spill the champagne.
Propulsion is often provided by either a single or twin inboard engine with a sterndrive, a shaft-drive, or a jetdrive.
Why choose a Limousine Tender?
If you own a superyacht measuring approximately 40m (131ft) or more and have the ability to launch and recover a tender of 7m (23ft) and above, a limousine tender could be suitable for your vessel. Enclosed guest shuttles are also well suited for charter yachts that often move a higher volume of people from location to location. So, if transporting (dry) guests to your chosen lunch or dinner spot is a priority, then a limousine tender could be for you!
The enclosed design does, however, mean that a secondary open deck tender — such as a RIB — is recommended for journeys where an open top is more practical, or if a wind-in-the-hair experience is desired.
Reasons to buy:
- Guest privacy
- Protection from the elements
- Bespoke and semi-custom build options
- Smooth ride
Things to consider:
- Less dayboat suitability
- Premium price
- Specialist tender
- Fully enclosed seating
The Stats
- Typical size range: 7.5m to 11.5m (24ft to 38ft)
- Guest capacity: 8 to 12
- Price range: EUR €750,000 - EUR €1m+ (USD $882,000 - USD $1.175m+)
- Size of mothership: 40m+ (131ft+)
Who builds Limousine Tenders?
Cockwells, Compass Tenders, Dariel, Hodgdon Yachts, Idesco, Imago, Konig, Onda, Pascoe International, Serenalla, SL Limousine, Vikal, Vripack, Wider, Windy, Xtenders and more.
