Delivering a High-Quality, Versatile 5.6m Custom Superyacht Tender
SPARK Marine Projects prides itself on delivering a fully integrated service, designed to meet the needs of each client. When the owners of a 50m superyacht approached SPARK with a specific brief for a replacement 5.6m custom tender, it was clear that a joined-up, detailed approach would be essential to achieve the desired outcome.
This case study highlights SPARK’s comprehensive approach across the project, showcasing how the backgrounds of its co-founders, Cyril Le Sourd and Charles Dence, enabled SPARK to deliver a high-quality tender that met client expectations.
1. Understanding the Client’s Needs
The project began with a detailed consultation involving both the client team and mothership crew. The brief required a multi-role open tender capable of serving as a reliable, functional vessel for guest transport and watersports, while fitting within the garage constraints of the mothership. This meant addressing challenges related to size, crane limitations and launch/recovery procedures.
The client also expected superior equipment specification and construction quality standards beyond what was typically available in this size range. SPARK’s experience of delivering other high-spec and high-quality projects allowed them to understand these needs and overcome potential hurdles.
2. Tender Conceptualisation
Once the client’s goals and challenges were fully understood, SPARK moved into the conceptualisation phase. Drawing on Cyril’s expertise in design, naval architecture and boatbuilding, the team proposed an innovative design that offered 25% more internal space than comparable RIB tenders. This increase in space enhanced guest comfort and improved the tender’s practicality for the crew during day-to-day operations.
Crucially, the tender had to perform well under various conditions. The deep-V hull was chosen at this stage for its superior sea-keeping characteristics, ensuring the tender would remain stable and comfortable during guest transport, even in more choppy waters.
3. Shipyard Selection
Selecting a suitable shipyard was important for ensuring that the tender met the client’s quality standards. Charles and Cyril's network in the superyacht sector enabled SPARK to identify shipyards capable of delivering a high level of craftsmanship. SPARK also provided commercial and contractual support, guiding the client through negotiations and securing a construction slot at the selected yard.
4. Design Development
The SPARK team developed a robust 3D model and naval architecture package that optimised the waterline length and bow volume, ensuring both stability and comfort. When compared to other tenders in this size range, this resulted in a drier ride due to the slightly flared bow and successive chines to prevent water climbing to the bulwark, plus wraparound fender which also acts as an efficient deflector. For more challenging conditions, a removable custom spray dodger was integrated.
One of the main difficulties in designing a vessel of this size was the limited footprint available for integrating systems and equipment. In larger tenders, there is greater flexibility and more volume to allocate systems without impacting the overall design or other features. However, with a compact 5.6m tender, the project team had to carefully balance different elements including technical equipment, access and storage, without compromising guest comfort or performance. This required innovative solutions such as recessing fender racks, boarding steps and speakers into the bulwarks, a hinged driving console, quick-release steering wheel and removable seat-back, while still maintaining the clean, streamlined design the client expected.
5. Specification Development
In parallel to the design work. SPARK worked closely with both the client and the chosen shipyard to develop and review the tender’s specifications. Each detail was carefully considered, from the engine (Yanmar 4LV 170hp) delivering a top speed of over 30 knots, to specific client-driven features such as a retractable internal boarding step, carbon boarding handholds, a wraparound fender and high-performance sound system. A stern-drive with duoprop was favored over waterjet propulsion to provide stronger thrust for watersport activities. These features were not just functional but were tailored to enhance both guest experience and crew usability.
Throughout this phase, SPARK ensured that the tender’s specifications would also align with the mothership’s technical requirements, including garage space, crane capacity, and overall storage limitations.
6. Project Supervision
Throughout the construction process, SPARK provided hands-on project supervision. On-site inspections allowed the team to validate progress at key milestones, ensuring that build quality and finish aligned with both the design intent and client expectations.
SPARK’s proactive approach to problem-solving ensured that any issues encountered during construction were quickly identified and resolved. Cyril’s technical oversight was essential in maintaining the build’s accuracy and integrity, ensuring that the tender was delivered in a timely manner without compromising quality.
7. Mothership Integration
One of the key challenges was integrating the tender with the mothership’s existing garage and crane system. SPARK also conducted a comprehensive garage review, identifying necessary improvements such as modifications to the chocks, door-sill roller, fenders, lifting hooks and an upgrade to the garage crane’s capacity. These changes significantly improved the tender’s launch and recovery operations, making it easier and safer for the crew to handle during daily activities.
By focusing on mothership compatibility from the outset, SPARK ensured that the tender could be launched and recovered smoothly, reducing operational complexity for the crew.
8. After-Sales Support and Client-Requested Upgrades
Following delivery, SPARK’s commitment to client support continued. The team provided after-sales support including warranty services and handling client-requested upgrades.
Conclusion: Delivering Value Across The Project
The successful delivery of the 5.6m custom tender highlights the SPARK commitment to providing a fully joined-up, end-to-end service. From understanding the client’s needs through conceptualisation, shipyard selection, specification review and design development, to overseeing construction and integrating the tender with the mothership, SPARK handled each phase with precision and expertise.
The end result is potentially the smallest fully custom high-quality project delivered to a superyacht that meets such a comprehensive client brief. The tender’s versatility and comfort make it ideal for guest use, watersports and crew operations. Feedback from those who tested the boat described it as “fun to drive” and praised its responsive handling, comparing it to driving a go-kart on water, a testament to SPARK’s success in developing a compact, high-performance vessel.
Despite the design constraints, SPARK’s co-founders, Cyril and Charles, leveraged their combined experience in design, construction, commercial strategy and client focus to guide the project to a successful outcome. The result was a tender that not only exceeded expectations in terms of functionality and quality but also integrated well with the mothership’s operations.
For clients seeking specialist, high-quality products in the superyacht sector, SPARK Marine Projects’ integrated approach, backed by over 50 years of combined industry experience, provides key ingredients for a successful and customer-focused outcome.
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