American yard Reliant Yachts has announced plans to branch out into building superyacht tenders with the new Reliant X40 range.
Based on the Reliant Commuter 40 range, this new 12.26 metre cruiser will be built from a lightweight carbon fibre hull and teak deck. The launch is scheduled for early 2018, when she will be delivered to Italy and serve as a tender for the owner’s new superyacht.
Jim Ewing, principal of Reliant Yachts, told Boat International: “Several items contribute to the X40 being a great superyacht tender. The total clearance is 2.9 meters, so she can be easily lifted and stowed by crane into a tender garage. We also have the flexibility to modify both height and length to work with the needed clearances.”
Key features include a private forward cabin with a queen sized bed and en-suite shower, as well as a state of the art audio system. Seakeeper stabilisers will ensure a smooth cruising experience, while the swim platform will be fitted with a heated shower.
Power will come from a pair of 320hp Yanmar 8LV engines for a sporty top speed of 40 knots that means she can hold her own among the world’s fastest superyacht tenders. Meanwhile a total fuel capacity of 1,100 litres should allow for extended coastal cruises away from the mothership.
Based in Newport, Rhode Island, Reliant Yachts was founded in 2016 as a partnership between Ewing and David MacFarlane. Together they have produced a series of classically styled designs measuring up to 29.57 metres.