Chase Boats
Creating a sense of drama not always associated with other types of tenders, the quintessential chase boat is central to a superyacht’s inventory.
Able to largely operate independently by “chasing” the mothership, a chase boat has traditionally been too big to live onboard and has therefore been towed rather than stowed.
Often owing styling to its mothership, a superyacht chase boat marries agility and seaworthiness with luxury and grandeur.
In an era of superyacht volume and range being larger than ever, the chase boat is no longer an isolated category and now means different things in different circumstances.
For many of the largest yachts (80m+), garage space is often dedicated to an array of custom tenders, while for many ‘smaller’ boats, a conventional chase tender either transported or on tow remains an indispensable solution.
How big are chase boats?
Chase boats are typically in the region of 8-20m.
Can a RIB be a chase boat?
Yes — Rigid Inflatables Boats are frequently used as chase boats. Where they are often less beguiling in design, they make up for in all-around versatility.
Does a limousine tender fit the bill?
Whilst many limousines offer a dry and luxurious ride with a fully enclosed cabin, they are not ideal for towing.
Thanks to their low profile, they are generally a great candidate for stowing in a superyacht garage. Moreover, they are mostly limited to guest transfer as opposed to the relative versatility of a conventional chase boat that suits other daytime activities.
Do chase boats have a dedicated captain?
Often, yes – especially where chase boats are operated completely independently of the mothership.
Is a shadow vessel a chase boat?
In theory, a shadow vessel is a chase boat, but not in the traditional sense.
Arguably embodying everything you could ever need in a stand-alone chase boat, the only major drawback is its size.
A conventional chase boat, often called a day boat, typically grants easy access to marinas and shallower areas. While our ROAM Shadow has a draft of just 1.7m, the ROAM 10 or our Beachlander would take you to shore.
Characteristics of a chase boat
A well-proportioned cabin
In most cases, the cabin on a chase boat is forward of the helm (aft—the shallowest part of the boat—is generally reserved for a roomy swim platform).
Occupying the entire forward area maximises space to house a combined bedroom/lounge, fully equipped head with a shower, and a compact galley. This seamless integration of essential living spaces ensures a cosy yet spacious retreat away from the elements. Perfect for guests seeking a little peace and quiet!
An adaptable layout
As a dynamic platform for adventure and leisure away from the mothership, guests often spend many hours on a chase boat.
Typically catering for up to sixteen guests in close proximity away from the privacy of the mothership, chase boats need to excel in versatility.
Seamless transitions from water sports to food service, hot sun to wet weather, and guest transfers to overnight stays are essential considerations in their design.
Ingenious toy storage
Adventure and entertainment are at the heart of the chase boat experience, granting guests the closest access to utopian water sports locations.
Facilitated by innovative storage solutions for several select water toys, the savviest chase boats include storage within side doors, bow lockers, deck hatches and on T-Tops. Occasionally a chase boat will include a small crane for deploying heavier toys stowed on the deck.
Ample power
A chase boat is defined not just by its luxury and versatility but also by its power and agility.
Engineered for those who demand performance, chase boats usually boast impressive horsepower, typically starting from around 600 hp and soaring to over 2,000.
This power ensures swift, responsive navigation, enabling quick location changes or a rapid return to the mothership.
Our Top 4 for 2024
Richard Booth, our Senior Project Manager and former tender captain, shares his top four chase boats for 2024.
Anvera 48 // 14.5 m
They say to fill a space with oversized furniture to make a room feel bigger. That may be how Anvera have created such an extraordinary sense of freedom on their mid-range 48. It boasts the look of a fighter jet with the space of a Freightliner!
A testament to Anvera’s commitment to deliver unparalleled spaciousness in a chase boat, you’ll find a vast beam of 5.51m (with the terraces open), roomy seating, a comfortable cabin, a large engine bay, a spacious helm station, giant displays—and so much more.
Vanquish VQ45 // 13.6 m
A titan in our top three last year, the Vanquish VQ45 remains a jewel in the crown of any superyacht inventory. A headliner from our visit to Boot in February, the alpine green open version offers space for up to sixteen people. Enjoy a very comfortable day boat or the tranquillity of a secluded weekend escape.
An emblem of Dutch craftsmanship, the VQ45 offers a bespoke experience with extensive customisation options. Its generous 4.1m beam lays the foundation for an adaptable layout, including galley or bathroom extensions to suit your needs.
Wally 43 // 13.2 m
Beyond its striking appearance, the Wally 43 is everything a day tender should be: fast, fun and uncomplicated. A user-friendly platform with an unmistakable avant-garde design, the flawless Wally 43 looks good, feels good, and goes like a rocket.
We love the stealth-like design, expandable swim platform, and walk-in shower. Powered by an impressive 880 hp, it offers unparalleled speed, style, and sophistication.
ROAM Series 10 // 10 m
Building on the legacy of our ROAM 8, the ROAM 10 Series emerges as the newest icon in our lineage of adventure-ready chase boats.
Recognised for their build quality, seaworthiness, and versatility, our rugged aluminium tenders continue to cater to the adventurous spirit of their owners.
A beacon of adaptability, watch out for a ROAM onboard some of the most anticipated superyachts of 2024.
Our Top 3 from 2023
Vanquish Yachts VQ45
The pinnacle of exquisitely styled superyacht chase boats, the already ultra-luxurious VQ45 offers an abundance of customisations.
Ticking all our boxes for speed and agility, with an extra wide 4.1m beam for adaptable layouts, we can’t think of a more suitable chase boat we’d rather spend long periods on.
Stunning to look at and easy to live on, the VQ45 is our ultimate pick for 2023.
ROAM 12 Adventure RIB
Fully equipped with a luxurious double berth cabin, toy and tank racks, and seating for fourteen, our ROAM 12 has much to offer in 2023.
A feature-packed RIB with clever ergonomics providing ample protection from the elements, the ROAM 12 is propelled by twin 440HP Volvo Penta D6 inboard engines.
More than a day boat, our ROAM 12 is the perfect partner to any owner with a heightened sense of adventure.
Novamarine HD 120
A high priority on seating makes a Novamarine RIB a great superyacht option.
Not just a big and powerful chase boat, this 12m HD 120 can accommodate up to 25 people!
Founded in 1983, Novamarine has been refining the construction of tubular boats for forty years.
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