Each January, the Düsseldorf Boat Show becomes a pilgrimage site for captains, yacht owners, and gear-hungry professionals searching for the next great tender or chase boat. Tucked between the high-gloss superyacht halls and the outboard pavilions is a special micro-universe: the chase-boat/tender corner, where seaworthiness, practicality, and style compete for attention in equal measure.
This year, three boats in particular shaped the conversation – not because they resemble each other, but because they represent three distinct philosophies of what a tender can be: the Ribco 28 T, the Bold Craft Bulldog 600, and the Nex 34. Together, they show the full spectrum of what today’s owners expect from their workhorses on the water.
RIBCO 28 T – THE OFFSHORE ATHLETE
At first glance, the Ribco 28 T looks like it’s coiled and ready to launch itself down a wave face, even while sitting on the exhibition floor. Ribco has long built a reputation for producing tough, performance-driven RIBs with competition-grade heritage, and the 28 T pushes that ethos forward.
Key impressions:
– A deep-V hull and high bow deliver soft landings and directional stability that professional chase-boat crews love.
– The helm is unapologetically driver-focused: bucket bolsters, unobstructed 360° visibility, and an ergonomically sculpted console.
– Despite its performance edge, there’s room for guests, gear, and watersports toys – ideal for yacht shuttling or adventure cruising, while also offering the possibility of being towed effortlessly.
In the chase-boat world, the Ribco 28 T stands as a pure sports machine, built to cover distance, cut through chop, and keep the mothership in sight no matter the conditions.
NEX 34 – THE STYLISH HOST
The Nex 34, by contrast, is a masterclass in modern dayboat design and proof that a tender can be both functional and luxurious. With its sculpted lines, integrated lighting, and warm textures, the Nex pavilion feels more like stepping onto a boutique hotel terrace than a working boat. Only a year after the world premiere of the model N39 in Düsseldorf, Nex is ready to present the new version of its smaller, even more compact tender – the N34.
Why visitors lingered here:
– A refined cockpit with elegant seating arrangements invites comfortable guest transfers.
– Optional hard-top or canopy adds weather protection without compromising aesthetics.
– A small but clever cabin and premium materials elevate it into a leisure platform that just happens to perform tender duties gracefully.
If the Ribco represents raw capability and the Bulldog the industrial backbone, the Nex 34 is the ambassador – the tender you’d proudly send to greet guests at the marina.
BOLD CRAFT BULLDOG 600 – THE MODULAR PERFORMER
In stark contrast to the offshore athlete sits the Bold Craft Bulldog 600, a fresh interpretation of what a six-meter tender can be. Rather than choosing between comfort and utility, the Bulldog 600 blends both, offering a modular platform adaptable to a wide range of tender, shuttle, and leisure applications.
What makes it stand out:
– A versatile platform that adapts quickly to guest transport, watersports support, or leisure cruising, with smartly organized deck storage that maximizes comfort.
– A practical layout that favors function: quick boarding from multiple angles and protected seating, with heavy-duty cleats, rails, and fenders built to survive constant docking, towing, and lifting.
– A balance of stability, modularity, and reliability tailored to everyday yacht operations.
– The Bulldog 600 ultimately represents a new wave of compact tenders – vessels that can shift roles seamlessly while maintaining a high standard of comfort and usability.
A CORNER THAT SHOWS THE FULL SPECTRUM
The Düsseldorf chase-boat corner this year wasn’t about comparing apples to apples; it was about seeing three philosophies of purpose side by side:
– Performance and reliability with the Ribco 28 T
– Modularity and versatility with the Bulldog 600
– Comfort and style with the Nex 34
Together, they drew a steady stream of visitors, each stepping back to consider what kind of tender they really need. Whether for shuttling, offshore support, workboat tasks, or hosting, these three boats proved that a “tender” is no longer a simple accessory – it’s a defining part of a yacht’s identity and capabilities.
STAND NUMBER: 9C39
LOCATION: Hall 9
CONTACT:
RIBCO 28 T
mz@yacht-in.com
NEX N34
office@nex-tenders.com
BULLDOG 600
office@bold-craft.com
