Anvera 48 Chase Boat
Chase Boats
What is a superyacht chase boat?
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, these tenders marry agility and seaworthiness with luxury and grandeur.
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 typically range between 8 to 20 metres, striking a balance between capability, convenience, and performance. Most chase boats operate as highly capable day boats, offering ample deck space, luxurious seating, and robust performance—perfect for exploring away from the mothership with total ease. They provide the freedom to venture into secluded bays, access remote beaches, or cruise at high speeds while delivering a comfortable and dry ride.
13m Bekkers Azur 45HT
8.2m SuperRib Open 27 SO
Can a RIB be a chase boat?
Yes. Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are frequently chosen as chase boats, particularly for their exceptional versatility and performance. While they may lack the striking aesthetics of more traditional open chase boats, they more than compensate with their lightweight construction, high-speed handling, and practical layout. Ideal for everything from watersports to guest transfers, a well-designed RIB can be an invaluable addition to any superyacht fleet.
Can a limousine tender be used as a chase boat?
A limousine tender delivers a dry, sheltered, and luxurious ride, making it an outstanding choice for discreet guest transfers. However, its enclosed cabin and design priorities mean it lacks the adaptability of a conventional chase boat.
Limousine tenders are generally not well-suited for towing. While they offer a low profile for easy stowage in a yacht’s garage, their functionality is largely limited to passenger transport. A classic chase boat, by contrast, is built for versatility—capable of towing toys, handling rougher conditions, and supporting a wide range of daytime activities.
10m Compass Tenders Limousine
12m Vanquish VQ40 Sports Line
Do chase boats have a dedicated captain?
In many cases, yes. A dedicated captain is particularly common when the chase boat is operated independently from the mothership, allowing for greater flexibility in guest excursions and logistical support. Larger chase boats, or those frequently used for long-range trips, often warrant a full-time captain and crew, ensuring they’re always ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Is a shadow vessel a chase boat?
Technically, a shadow vessel can function as a chase boat, but it serves a broader purpose than a traditional day boat.
A shadow vessel is the ultimate support craft, carrying everything from additional tenders and toys to crew quarters, helicopters, and even submarines. While it offers unparalleled versatility, its larger footprint limits access to certain areas—shallow anchorages and compact marinas may be off-limits.
For example, the ROAM Shadow, with its 1.7m draft, can handle a variety of scenarios, but when it comes to beach landings and nearshore access, a more agile model like the ROAM 10 or Beachlander is the better tool for the job.
35m ROAM Shadow Support Vessel
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 5 Chase Boats for 2025
ROAM Landing Craft
The ROAM Landing Craft is built for superyachts that demand both luxury and capability. Its open deck, hydraulic bow door, and modular layout make it as suited to guest transport as it is to carrying equipment.
Seating for 16, premium finishes, and an electric bimini ensure comfort, while twin Yanmar 370HP engines and Hamilton water jets provide powerful, reliable performance.
Whether delivering guests to shore in style or loading ATVs, bikes, and water toys for adventure, this landing craft adapts to every need—combining practicality with the high standards expected on board a superyacht.
Cobra Boats has earned its place among the most trusted names in the superyacht sector, delivering tenders that embody performance and reliability.
The Navis N40 is no exception—designed to push the boundaries of luxury and capability. Built with a deep-V hull for superior handling and powered by twin 500HP Mercury engines, it offers an exhilarating ride with unwavering stability.
The meticulously finished cabin blends style with practicality, featuring premium materials, integrated lighting, and a retractable dining table. With seating for 16 and a 1000L fuel capacity, the Navis N40 is the ultimate expression of Cobra’s innovation and build quality.
Reborn 40 R
The Reborn 40 R is a masterclass in Dutch craftsmanship—designed for those who expect luxury without compromise.
Below deck is a spacious cabin with two berths, a seating area, and a full-height shower. A generous 2-metre headroom makes it a beautifully comfortable weekender.
Up top, an al fresco deck layout with a generous dining area complement a giant aft sunpad and spacious transom.
SuperRIB Open 30 SO
The high-performance SuperRIB Open 30 SO (Special One) is a chase boat built for pure adrenaline.
With over 600 hp on tap and a heavy-duty carbon racing hull, this machine is designed to push boundaries—hitting speeds of up to 70 knots with ease.
Built for high-speed transfers and thrill-seekers alike, it’s engineered to perform at the highest level.
Vandal 46
Designed for serious adventure, the Vandal 46 is the perfect support boat for yachts pushing the limits in 2025 and beyond.
Stripping away the unnecessary, it delivers pure performance, durability, and style.
A collaboration between Tender Works, Espen Øino, and Scott Jutson, this 46-foot powerhouse blends rugged elegance with industrial-chic aesthetics and an innovative hull design for greater range and stability.
Our Top 4 from 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.
ROAM 12 Chase Tender
Fully equipped with a luxurious double berth cabin, toy and tank racks, and seating for fourteen, our ROAM 12 has much to offer.
A feature-packed chase tender with clever ergonomics providing ample protection from the elements, the ROAM 12 is propelled by twin 440HP Volvo Penta D6 inboard engines.
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. View Novamarine in our brokerage.
