Carbon fibre racing yacht builder McConaghy Yachts and New Zealand-based electric propulsion solution provider ZeroJet are partnering to launch MC-Zero Tenders and its flagship MC-Zero 450 – the ‘SUV of the sea’.
The MC-Zero 450 features a rigid carbon hull and world-first and patent pending ‘movable helm’ to give boaters back the versatility of increased deck space.
According to the partners, the design offers 40 per cent more internal volume than a traditional RIB.
The 450’s modular deck is enabled by fly-by-wire technology to transform the vessel from a guest shuttle to complete gear-hauler in minutes. Twin electric jets allow full redundancy if needed which is ideal for large vessels cruising in remote locations.
The design ethos of the MC-Zero Tenders portfolio will focus on smart functionality and space optimisation onboard.
At the bow, the 450 features electric drop-down steps to provide a stable access point for passengers stepping on or off the boat. Integrated into the bow and operated electronically, the system allows smooth deployment when needed and maintains the boat’s clean profile when closed. At the stern, a fully actuating electric transom deploys smoothly at the push of a button, extending the deck and creating a wide, stable platform. Whether used for swimming, boarding or simply enjoying time closer to the sea, it adds a level of versatility and comfort.
Propulsion is delivered by twin 30kW (equivalent 80hp) ZeroJet electric drives. The electric drives are designed to avoid the complexity, noise, exhaust and maintenance of combustion engines. The ZeroJet electric drives are powered by a 48V SAFIERY 32.4kWh solid-state battery system.
Chris Baird, CEO of MC-Zero, says: “The MC-Zero 450 serves as a benchmark in tenders. Traditional vessels are restricted by fixed layouts and protruding engine boxes. We’ve engineered the 450 from a clean sheet to remove these legacy compromises, allowing the boat to adapt to the user, rather than the other way around.”
MC-Zero was created from a collaboration between international racing yacht builder McConaghy Boats and the manufacturer behind the 48V electric jets, ZeroJet. Fusing more than five decades of grand-prix carbon mastery and naval architecture, with award-winning 48V electric jet marine technology, MC-ZERO brings together high-performance DNA with sustainable energy-focused power to engineer the next generation of electric yacht tenders.
This latest collaboration by ZeroJet follows a run of notable strategic partnerships for the company. In 2025, ZeroJet revealed the development of its new electric RIB package, combining ZeroJet’s latest integrated jet propulsion system with the AB Inflatables Lammina AL platform.
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