7 images

Put to the test: New SOLAS tenders from Williams Jet Tenders

28 September 2022 • Written by Chrissie McClatchie for Williams Jet Tenders

Williams Jet Tenders DieselJet range has long been a favourite for superyachts in search of a tender that matched the luxury, comfort, reliability and safety enjoyed on board.

The popularity is showing no sign of waning. “We’re currently building 100-plus units every year,” Mathew Hornsby, Commercial Director, tells BOAT International. Clients include leading shipyards such as CRN, Sanlorenzo and Benetti: in fact, you’ll find the DieselJet 625 was a specific owner requirement onboard GOGA, the newly-launched 37-metre Benetti explorer yacht.

DieselJet 565

Recently, along with some important upgrades, the range has also undergone what Hornsby describes as “a natural evolution”. In line with maritime regulations that require yachts over 500GT to have a SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) rescue tender, three models in the DieselJet range are now available as SOLAS-certified versions. Alongside the 565 and 625, the British manufacturer is premiering the SOLAS Dieseljet 505 at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.

When a SOLAS tender is a requirement, the DieselJet range offers distinct advantages. “We have been asked to produce SOLAS boats for a number of years now. As we aren’t a bespoke builder, our approach allows us to offer cost and production savings,” Hornsby explains.

The current delivery time is approximately 12 weeks and each tender can be customised in terms of hull colour and upholstery, along with a choice of added accessories.

DieselJet 505 by Williams Jet Tenders

Williams Jet Tenders SOLAS DieselJet 505

To meet stringent SOLAS certification requirements, the 505 model has been modified to incorporate all the capabilities of a SOLAS rescue boat. So, along with its tender and watersport functions, this 5.03-metre tender can also marshall and tow life rafts and serve in a rescue and recovery capacity.

This combination of aesthetics and safety has been achieved through rigorous testing, the craft proving itself through drop tests, self-righting trials and extreme weather conditions.

As the gold standard in rescue vessels, other functionalities include a SOLAS-approved Yanmar diesel engine, a fire-retardant laminate structure, high visibility and reflective panels, emergency beacons and an integrated lifeline rope.

The tender can carry six passengers, or five crew plus a stretcher, and can reach maximum speeds of 64 km/h.

The Williams Jet Tender DieselJet 415

DieselJet 415

For yachts 25 metres and longer that are in search of the signature style and performance that this range has become synonymous with, the 415 is the perfect answer. With an LOA of 4.16 metres, the tender can seat up to six people and delivers the full throttle Williams Jet Tenders experience in a compact size.

Like all other tenders in the range, the tube, upholstery and moulding colours of the 415 are fully customisable and the model is available in eight standard colour schemes. Clear and elegant displays, leg bolsters and handholds for guest comfort and security, and multiple boarding points are some of the other features you’ll enjoy on this small yet super sleek craft.

The DieselJet 445

DieselJet 445

The hugely popular DieselJet 445 was completely redesigned in 2021 with clever updates that only enhanced its reputation for luxury and reliability. These included a remodelled helm, increased storage capacity, a larger bathing platform and the incorporation of slash-cut tubes for improved stability and an even cleaner aesthetic.

At 4.5 metres long, the all-new 445 model can now accommodate eight passengers in total comfort and continues to be the industry-leading choice for yachts over 25 metres, powered by a 110hp Yanmar engine capable of reaching top speeds of 64km/h.

Williams' DieselJet 565

DieselJet 565

A fresh look for Williams’ popular 565 model was debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival in early September 2022. Thanks to a revised deck layout, the craft is now able to seat an extra passenger (10 in total) without compromising on its spacious and luxurious feel.

The model also newly incorporates the company’s signature slash-cut tube design, a feature that improves overall stability while underway. And, beyond the sleek lines, a remodelled transom also creates a larger bathing platform with the water easily accessed via a bathing ladder with a single grab handle.

Other updates to the upholstery, as well as a new helm and console layout, mean this 5.71-metre craft continues to be one of the preferred tenders of choice for yachts over 35 metres.

The DieselJet 565 is also available in a version with SOLAS certification.

The DieselJet 625 on board GOGA

DieselJet 625

Also unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival was a refreshed 625 model, featuring the same exciting updates as the 565, including the slash-cut tub design and revised transform. Both models can now have an illuminated yacht name added to the transom.

With an optimised layout that sees the seating capacity increased to 12 passengers, this is the largest tender in the DieselJet range at 6.32 metres long and typically accompanies yachts over 40 metres.

Like all Williams Jet Tenders’ craft, easy boarding and ergonomically-designed seating are hallmarks of the 625, as well as a flexible height that allows the craft to be stored in any garage.

Fitted with either a 195hp or 230hp Yanmar 4LV engine, this stylish tender is as much at home cruising through tranquil bays and coves as it is on adrenalin-inducing water sports adventures.

The DieselJet 625 is also available in a version with SOLAS certification.

To find out more, visit williamsjettenders.com.

Sponsored content created for Williams Jet Tenders