After three years of development, testing and refinement, carbon fibre tender specialist ONETenders is preparing to expand internationally, seeking selected dealers and distributors to represent its growing range of lightweight rigid tenders.
Built around the philosophy of “ONE vision. TWO hulls”, the company has developed two distinct platforms designed to combine lightweight construction, stability, versatility and seakeeping performance.
Rather than offering numerous models for individual applications, ONETenders has concentrated on two adaptable hull designs: the M-Series monohull and C-Series catamaran.
The M-Series currently features the 3.5-metre M35, a lightweight monohull designed for responsive handling and general tender duties.
The C-Series offers a different approach, with twin hulls providing increased stability and usable deck space. The range includes the 3.5-metre C35 and 4.2-metre C42.
Both platforms can be configured for a variety of applications, from yacht tendering and guest transfers to fishing, diving, watersports and recreational boating.
Rethinking the traditional rigid tender
ONETenders founders Grant and Emma Nelson developed the range after examining the compromises commonly associated with compact rigid tenders.
“We looked closely at what was already available and the compromises owners were being asked to accept,” the founders explained.
“Our goal was to rethink the package rather than simply produce another version of what already existed.”
The design process placed particular emphasis on balancing low weight, usable space, stability and ride quality.
“We wanted to create what we believe is the ideal modern rigid tender – compact and lightweight, but with the ride and seakeeping capability to match the environments in which yacht tenders actually operate.”
The company believes modern tenders should offer considerably more versatility than simply transporting passengers between a yacht and shore.
Multiple seating arrangements, console options and open layouts allow each model to be configured for different operating requirements, from simple tiller-steered tenders to more extensively equipped recreational boats.
Lightweight carbon fibre construction
Carbon fibre construction is central to the ONETenders design philosophy.
The boats are manufactured using heat-cured prepreg carbon fibre, providing a combination of low weight, structural strength and stiffness.
For yacht owners and builders, reducing tender weight can provide advantages when considering davit capacity, tender garages, launching and retrieval systems, and overall vessel weight.
The lighter construction is also intended to improve responsiveness and handling without requiring excessive engine power.
Both hull platforms have been designed to accommodate conventional outboard engines or electric propulsion systems, allowing owners to select a configuration suited to their requirements.
ONETenders sees this propulsion flexibility as increasingly important as electric marine propulsion continues to develop.
Two hull designs for different applications
Although the M-Series and C-Series share the same construction philosophy, each offers different handling and operational characteristics.
The M35 monohull provides traditional monohull handling in a lightweight package, with a focus on versatility and responsive performance.
The C-Series catamarans place greater emphasis on stability, usable floor area and ease of movement around the boat.
Their twin-hull configuration provides additional usable beam within a compact overall length, making them particularly suited to guest transfers, diving, family outings and other activities where stability at rest is important.
ONETenders believes offering two distinct hull types allows customers to select a tender based on their intended use rather than adopting a single design for every application.
Three years of development
The company has spent the past three years developing its product range, refining construction techniques, testing configurations and establishing its manufacturing capabilities.
Rather than appointing international dealers during the early development phase, ONETenders chose to concentrate on product development before pursuing expansion.
“We have intentionally taken our time,” Nelson said.
“The priority was to get the product, manufacturing and overall proposition to a point where we felt confident bringing the right international partners into the business.”
With that development work largely completed, ONETenders is now opening discussions with potential dealers and distributors in selected international markets.
Seeking international distribution partners
ONETenders is targeting established marine businesses with experience in premium yacht tendering and recreational boating.
Potential partners include yacht dealers, tender specialists, marine distributors, yacht brokers and businesses with established relationships among yacht owners, captains, resorts and recreational boating customers.
The company says its focus is on building a network of suitable partners rather than simply maximising the number of territories represented.
“We’re still a family business, and that influences the way we want to grow,” Nelson said.
“We’re interested in partners with strong local relationships, good customer service and a genuine belief in the product.”
The company also recognises that different markets may favour different models.
While premium yacht tendering is expected to remain a key market, ONETenders believes the C-Series’ stability and versatility, together with the M-Series’ lightweight performance, could also appeal to recreational boat owners.
The next phase
With its initial development programme completed, ONETenders is now concentrating on establishing international distribution and expanding the market for its carbon fibre tender range.
The company believes its combination of lightweight construction, two distinct hull platforms, flexible layouts and propulsion options offers an alternative to conventional rigid tenders.
For founders Grant and Emma Nelson, the underlying objective remains unchanged: to produce compact, lightweight boats that deliver practical versatility, stability and seakeeping performance across a wide range of uses.
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