RIB and tender maker Protector Boats is expanding its customisation capability for the superyacht sector, a move that the firm says reflects shifts in how chase boats and tenders are specified and used by owners and captains.
Protector Boats is a New Zealand-built RIB brand owned by Rayglass Boats and represented in Europe by PB Europe, part of the Ancasta Group. The company says that increased cruising ranges and operational expectations for superyachts have altered the functional role of support vessels.
‘Superyacht tenders are no longer off-the-shelf solutions’
“Superyacht tenders are no longer off-the-shelf solutions,” says Andy Andrews, European sales manager for Protector Boats. “Owners and captains are asking for craft that mirror the ambitions of the main yacht — whether that’s pushing into remote cruising grounds, supporting expedition-style itineraries, or delivering a far broader range of onboard watersports and activities.”
Protector Boats confirms that several vessels are currently under construction for superyacht clients, with delivery scheduled for the first half of 2026. These include the Targa 410 Expedition, a model developed for expedition-style use.
“This particular design evolution was driven by a client seeking an explorer-style chase boat for a charter adventure yacht,” says Andrews. “As superyachts head further afield — from the Norwegian fjords to the atolls of the Pacific — their tenders must be equally capable, autonomous and resilient.”
The Targa 410 Expedition was developed in collaboration with two captains, with specifications based on operational requirements. Modifications include replacing standard outboard engines with twin inboard Volvo diesel engines to support a single-fuel policy, redesigning the cabin profile with increased headroom and improved visibility through a reshaped, raked-back windscreen, and integrating a solar power system to support autonomy during extended operations.
Additional features include shock-mitigation seating from Shoxs Helmaster, increased storage capacity for kayaks, SUPs and water toys using a bespoke roof-mounted rack system that preserves deck space, and an upgraded onboard sound system.
“This is not cosmetic customisation,” Andrews says. “It’s engineering-led adaptation, driven by how these boats are actually used – often in challenging environments and far from immediate support.”
Protector Boats also reports that a customised Targa 310 is under construction for operation from a Damen support vessel serving a larger superyacht. The company describes the vessel as configured for use as a compact cabin tender and watersports craft. The build includes exterior colour-matching and branding to align with the main yacht and support vessel, as well as onboard features such as a compact galley, enclosed toilet facilities, a freshwater washdown system, and overnight accommodation for crew.
Design, engineering and construction are carried out at Rayglass’s facility in New Zealand, supported by remote design reviews and specification approvals, with a number of finishing and functional elements completed in the UK.
The company also notes growing demand from superyachts operating year-round in the Middle East. In response, Protector Boats says it is developing region-specific specifications intended to support operation in high-temperature environments. These include integrated air conditioning, extended deck shading solutions, specialised decking materials, and solar charging systems.
“The strength of Protector lies in its DNA,” says Andrews. “That commercial-grade build quality allows us to push the boundaries of what a luxury tender or chase boat can do, without compromising reliability or safety.”
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