Tender Lift

What is a yacht tender lift?

A tender lift is the powered launch-and-recovery mechanism that moves a yacht's tender between its stowed position aboard and the waterline. It is the single piece of deck machinery that determines how quickly and safely a tender can be deployed at anchor.

Four configurations dominate. The hydraulic swim platform is a beach-club deck at the stern that lowers into the water; the tender either floats on and off or sits cradled on the platform itself. A dedicated transom-mounted tender lift is a vertical platform built into the transom, raising and lowering the tender on linear rails or articulated arms. Deck or garage davit cranes are articulated, often telescopic hydraulic arms. Side-hull beam cranes mount on the topsides amidships and handle larger chase tenders.

Italian specialists dominate the supply side: Besenzoni, Opacmare, Cramm and Tenderlift, alongside Phoenix Marine Solutions, Nautical Structures and H+B Technics for custom builds.

Why it matters for yacht owners

For an owner, the tender lift is the gating system between the yacht and shore. Cycle time, reliability and safe working load determine whether guests step into the tender in under two minutes or wait while crew wrestle straps and slings.

It is also a tight constraint on tender choice. A 1.2-tonne lift caps the tender at roughly 6 metres; stepping up to a 7-8 metre chase tender requires a 2-3 tonne system, often with structural reinforcement of the transom. Buyers should verify certified SWL, year of last load test, and service history before completing.

Key facts

• The powered mechanism that raises and lowers a tender between waterline and stowage.
• Four common configurations: hydraulic swim platform, dedicated transom tender lift, deck or garage davit crane, side-hull beam crane.
• Typical load ratings: 300 kg to 2,500 kg for transom platforms; davit cranes scale higher.
• Safe Working Load (SWL) should exceed the fully loaded tender weight with minimum 4:1 safety factor.
• Leading specialists: Besenzoni, Opacmare, Cramm, Tenderlift, Nautical Structures, Phoenix Marine Solutions.
• Hydraulic swim platforms double as the beach club's swim deck.
• Power is almost always hydraulic on superyachts.
• Annual load testing and seal-and-cylinder service are routine.