Solid Tenders - OC Tenders

[gbr]

I really want a new tender, and I had narrowed it down to either a Highfield 360 or an AB Aluminium 11 (possibly 12). That was until I cam across OC Tenders in NZ https://octenders.co.nz/

For the same size, they are lighter than both my chosen RIBs and appear to have a lower hp motor (so I could keep my existing 15hp yammie).

Does anyone have any experience with them? Can you see any downsides to having a solid tender as opposed to conventional wisdom of a RIB?

[Four Coconuts]

Bump....I’d like to know more about these, too. Anyone have experience?

[Dsanduril]

We have a Highfield and like it but have ridden in friend's OCs. We're a catamaran, use the davits, and never have a reason to deflate the RIB. With that use, if getting a new dinghy I'd go with the OC type. It has all the flotation and stability of the RIB without the soft air chambers that are subject to puncture. Rides well, planes well, holds about the same amount of stuff.

If you deflate for storage then the RIB wins, but if you're like us and never deflate then I really like the OC (won't be for a long time, our Highfield is the Orca Hypalon version and is still solid as a rock).

[Four Coconuts]

Great information here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=

Summary: 60 lbs lighter than a comparable AB aluminum 350, far more storage, planes easier, soft foam sides so as not to ding the mothership, designed in beach wheels, no tubes to go soft and overall far less maintenance.

[gmakhs]

If you keep it on davits or on deck and never deflate for storage go solid .
I had to fix my own dinghy to fit my boat to have a solid one , after so many problems with inflatable.

[406Columbia]

Those look very nice, certainty paying for it though.

[gbr]

Originally Posted by 406Columbia

Those look very nice, certainty paying for it though.

Yup, and shipping to the Carrib is USD1,000 to 1,500, so a big chunk of change down the drain. However, no-one seems to have anything bad to say about them, and I could keep my existing 15hp Yammie, rather than going up a size (in hp and weight) for a similar sized AB.

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by gbr

Yup, and shipping to the Carrib is USD1,000 to 1,500, so a big chunk of change down the drain. However, no-one seems to have anything bad to say about them, and I could keep my existing 15hp Yammie, rather than going up a size (in hp and weight) for a similar sized AB.

Wow, that's quite a bit for shipping. They need to get a network of stocking dealers, hopefully ship in bulk to reduce the costs. Fill up a shipping container or something. Anyway, cool looking tender.


Unfortunately, it appears that a porta-bote is in my future. They are way cheaper, fold flat like a surfboard, etc. Just disappointing you have to use such a little engine and they have lower capacity. Oh well, guess I cant have it all.

[Sawbonz]

Originally Posted by 406Columbia

Wow, that's quite a bit for shipping. They need to get a network of stocking dealers, hopefully ship in bulk to reduce the costs. Fill up a shipping container or something. Anyway, cool looking tender.

The problem is production. It’s a family making the boats in their garage till this point. They just built a new building, but it’ll take time to build the business inside of it. So a Ewok will be a long time coming, I think.

Ours is in transit. Over $3000 US I think, going to Ft Lauderdale.

[fivecapes]

A 360 seats 6, an OC350 seats 5 (or only 4, the website info isn't clear whether 4 "passengers" include the driver or not).

Either way, the capacity equivalent to OC350 would be the 290 or 310, and then the numbers start to look similar.

[Sojourner]

Just ditched my RIB for an amazing solid aluminum Oceancraft out of AU... Their little boats seem unbeatable, though the price is of course a bit more. Getting it in the mail in late september, and I'll for sure review it on our channel. But in the meantime, check them out. Owner's a solid guy too...

[Tillsbury]

I can see me getting one of the OC sailing tenders once they launch...

[gbr]

Originally Posted by Sawbonz

Ours is in transit. Over $3000 US I think, going to Ft Lauderdale.

Please let us all know what you think of it when it arrives. Pictures as well please!

[hpeer]

I just saw one in St Martin. Really caught my eye. At first I thought it was aluminum, now I see not. I wish their web site was more technically endowed.

We have a PB for the reasons above. Long story, I had a new 12’ PB shipped from Canada to Grenada, $3,300 including shipping. I’ve some issues with the new PB transom, not insurmountable but a PITA.

[deadliest catch]

A buddy here in Riviera Beach Marina in South Florida just had his delivered. He got the sail option which is really pretty cool. Center daggerboard and twin rudders. Beautiful piece of equipment. I said he paid around $17k total.