Luxury Day Boats
For those who seek more than just a tender, a day boat is a necessity, not a luxury. These versatile open tenders redefine freedom on the water, giving guests the ability to spend extended time away from the mothership without sacrificing comfort.
Offering the best of both worlds—many of the conveniences of a larger yacht, yet in a compact and nimble package—day boats are the ideal choice for those who want to make the most of their time at sea.
Characteristics of a luxury day boat
Unlike smaller general-use tenders, day boats provide a seamless blend of utility and lifestyle, allowing guests to confidently venture beyond the main yacht.
Whether exploring remote islands, catching a fresh lunch, or enjoying uninterrupted watersports sessions, a day boat offers the autonomy to extend the experience well beyond a simple transfer.
Key features that set day boats apart from standard tenders include:
- Overnight capabilities – A fully enclosed cabin that typically accommodates 2-4 people, complete with a wet-room style bathroom and, in many cases, a convertible seating area for additional sleeping space.
- Home comforts – A day head, deck shower, and dining area—all luxuries rarely found on smaller, general-purpose tenders.
- Sun protection – A T-top or hardtop (often an extended windscreen) ensures shade for guests.
- Lounging – Unlike smaller tenders that require reconfiguring seats for different activities, day boats feature fixed dining and social areas, enhancing convenience and ease of use.
- Larger transoms and storage – Designed for seamless access to the water, day boats typically feature generous transoms, dedicated gear storage, and integrated toy compartments—perfect for SEABOBs, dive kits, and paddleboards.
For guests who want to be on the water without constantly returning to the mothership, a day boat is the ideal solution—offering the space, performance, and flexibility to transform any excursion into an effortless adventure.
Size, layout and performance
A comfortable day boat typically start at around 10-12m long, providing enough space for essential amenities while remaining manageable. Anything above 20m begins to blur the line into standalone superyacht territory, and at that scale, onboard accommodation and operational demands increase significantly.
Standout models
- ROAM 12 – 12m
- Wajer 44 S – 13.1m
- Wallytender 43 – 13.2 m
- Bekkers Azur 45HT – 13.5m
- Vandal 46 – 14m
- Anvera 48 – 14.5m
- Xtenders Day Cruiser – 16m
- VanDutch 56 – 16.4m
- Pardo GT52 – 16.58 m
- Novamarine BS 200 – 20.1m
The Anvera 48, for instance—featured in our Top 4 Chase Boats of 2024—pushes the boundaries of design.
With an expansive 5.51m beam (with folding bulwarks down), a vast aft deck is created that’s perfect for socialising or launching water toys. Unlike smaller tenders that require reconfiguration, the Anvera 48 features permanent dining and seating spaces, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment.
Beyond the deck space, hidden storage compartments—such as the dedicated SEABOB storage on the Anvera 48—enhance usability, keeping equipment secure yet easily accessible.
Day boat range
Day boats aren’t just about luxury—they’re built to perform. With ranges often far exceeding 250 nautical miles, they offer true autonomy at sea, significantly surpassing smaller tenders like the Cobra RIBs 6.2m, which offers around 150.
- Bekkers Azur 45HT – 248 nm
- Vanquish Yachts VQ52 – 250 nm
- Anvera 48 – 370 nm
- Xtenders Day Cruiser – 500 nm
This expanded range and fuel capacity allow for extended exploration, making them perfect for day-long excursions, island hopping, and even overnight stays—without requiring constant refuelling or reliance on the mothership.
Operational considerations
Unlike smaller tenders, day boats are rarely stored onboard—functioning as chase boats, operating independently, following the mothership when underway.
One exceptional case is U-81, which carries an astonishing fleet of tenders, including a 22m Princess 72 and eight tenders ranging from 11m to 17m.
U-81 is also equipped with a 12-ton crane, a rarity even in the superyacht world. The crane is also used to deploy their giant sea pool (proudly supplied by us).
Such capacity allows for large tender storage onboard, but for most superyachts, day boats are kept separate from the main vessel and managed by a dedicated crew or captain.
How do chase boats and day boats differ?
The terms day boat and chase boat are often used interchangeably, but the distinction comes down to context. Most chase boats are day boats, but whether they offer true day-long comfort depends on their amenities. Does it have a toilet? A galley? A shower? A day boat suggests a level of luxury designed for extended time onboard, while a chase boat that isn’t considered a day boat is likely more utilitarian—prioritising performance and functionality over onboard comfort.
The role of day boats in a superyacht fleet
A day boat doesn’t replace a tender. While it can easily handle transfers, its true value lies in its ability to offer a standalone luxury experience.
Many superyachts with day boats still carry a general-purpose tender, ensuring they have versatility across all guest needs. The day boat, however, remains the ultimate tool for exploration, socialising, and all-day adventures—ensuring guests never have to cut an excursion short due to logistics.
A dedicated day boat is essential for those serious about enhancing their time on the water. From long days on the water to secluded overnight stays, these versatile open tenders offer guests the freedom to roam, relax, and revel in the superyacht lifestyle.
Bekkers day boat for sale
The Bekkers Azur 45HT costs €1,895,000 off the production line. However, through our brokerage, we currently have one listed for €1,300,000.
