Chaseboat

What is a chaseboat?

A chaseboat - also called a shadow vessel or support vessel - is a separate, purpose-built yacht that accompanies a larger superyacht on its cruising programme, carrying overflow tenders, water toys, dive gear, helicopters, crew and provisions that would otherwise consume valuable space and weight on the main yacht. The concept emerged as owners' tender and toy collections outgrew the garages and deck space of even the largest motor yachts, and as helicopter operations, expedition cruising and complex guest programmes became more common at the top end of the market.

A typical chaseboat ranges from roughly 40 to 70 metres and is built to commercial or quasi-commercial standards, often on a converted offshore-support or trawler platform. It carries a large open aft deck or cargo hold for tenders and toys, a certified helideck and hangar in many cases, dedicated dive and dry-storage spaces, and accommodation for a substantial crew complement plus contingents of specialist staff such as helicopter pilots, dive instructors and security. Some chaseboats are styled as conventional yachts; others retain a deliberately rugged, working-vessel aesthetic.

Specialist builders dominate the segment. Damen Yachting offers the SeaXplorer support range, Astilleros Armon of Spain has built several notable conversions, and Lynx Yachts and Vripack are active at the smaller end. Well-known examples include Hodor, a 66-metre Astilleros Armon vessel that supports the 87-metre Lonian, and Game Changer, a 69-metre Damen Yachting build that has been associated with Project X. Some owners commission a chaseboat from new alongside the main yacht; others adapt a commercial vessel for the role.

Why it matters for yacht owners

For owners running ambitious cruising programmes - long-range expedition cruising, regular helicopter operations, large toy and tender fleets, or charter operations with high guest counts - a chaseboat removes operational constraints that would otherwise compromise the main yacht. The main yacht stays clean, quiet and dedicated to guest experience; the chaseboat absorbs the operational mess. The cost is substantial in capital, crew and berthing, but for the right programme the gain in guest experience and operational flexibility typically justifies the investment on the largest fleets.

Key facts

• A chaseboat is a separate support vessel that accompanies a superyacht to carry overflow tenders, toys, helicopter and crew.
• Also known as a shadow vessel or support yacht.
• Typical size range is roughly 40 to 70 metres, with the largest examples approaching 80 metres.
• Specialist builders include Damen Yachting (SeaXplorer support range), Astilleros Armon, Lynx Yachts and Vripack.
• Notable examples include Hodor (66 metres, Astilleros Armon, supporting Lonian) and Game Changer (69 metres, Damen Yachting, associated with Project X).
• Many chaseboats carry a certified helideck and hangar, dive facilities and dedicated workshop space.
• The chaseboat absorbs operational equipment and crew so that the main yacht remains dedicated to the guest experience.
• Capital, crew and berthing costs are substantial - the concept is typically justified by long-range or high-intensity cruising programmes.