Most cruise ships don’t get the ease to approach a dock for disembarking. Some docks have narrow, shallower waterways, making navigation impossible or tricky for passenger ships. Some ships are too big for a port, so docking is not an option. As a result, the cruise ships anchor a small distance from the shore in deeper water.
Let’s say you are sailing on a large boat. You come across a tropical inlet, but the waterway is too shallow for you to approach the shore. So, what do you do?
In such scenarios, a tender boat comes to the rescue.
What’s a Tender Boat?
It’s essentially a dinghy that big boats use to run errands on the shore. Think of it as a little boat that runs back and forth from the cruise ship to the port.
Boat Features
Usually, boat owners can strike a deal to include a tender boat in their purchase of the original boat. You can also buy it individually. Let’s look at some of the features of a tender boat:
- It comes in a range of sizes from 9 feet to 24 feet and can carry around 2 to 50 people
- Serves as a rescue boat in emergencies
- Navigates shallow water more easily than large vessels
- It offers loads of comfort, convenience, and ease to transport provisions from the ship to the shore and vice versa.
- Offers security, quality, and grandness to ships like a yacht
- Allows you to assist sick passengers and those with mobility issues on the ship easily
Where to Store a Tender Boat?
The location, type, and size of your storage space tell you how big and heavy of a tender boat you should buy. A tender boat comes in two different types: Inflatable and fiberglass. While the former can be stored easily on your cruise ship, the latter needs to be assigned a specific spot so it can be accessed easily.
You can also store your tender boat in your garage or the roof. You can also hoist it on the cruise’s deck. We recommend designating the tender boat in a berth area if you own a yacht. Another option is to tow it through the cruise’s hydraulic swim step. This option will allow you to launch it easily by simply unclipping the hook.
Before choosing one, assess the size of your boat’s storage area, map out your journey and destination, and then look for the abovementioned features. If you buy a tender boat with a motor, store it in a dry place and pay attention to its maintenance. You don’t want the motor to sputter in an emergency.
In conclusion, a tender boat allows you to make shore excursions easily and without worrying about navigating your cruise ship in shallow waterways and approaching a crowded dock.
If you are having trouble finding the right design for your dock, get in touch with Nor Col EZ Dock experts. They offer plastic docs in Ontario, available in different materials. Their dock accessories will help you store your fishing gear and boat tenders. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
