Hodgdon Yachts is much like other Maine boatbuilders, keeping a low profile in favor of focusing on its projects. If you’re not familiar with it, make a point of doing some research. Not only is it a family-run company, now under the guidance of the fifth generation, but also it’s the oldest continuously operating yacht yard in the United States, dating to 1816. Hodgdon Yachts is the same builder responsible for beautiful power- and sailing yachts like Scheherazade… and now a line of custom tenders.
Designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design, three primary models are part of the Custom Tenders Line: Sport Tender, Center Console Tender, and Limo Tender (pictured). Each offers a variety of hull and deck colors, wood trim, soft goods for seating, and other features from which to choose and therefore personalize the boat. Hogdon says it will also work with owners from a clean sheet of paper, to ensure an even more customized design.
Regardless of choice, each Hodgdon custom tender is fitted with custom-cast cleats and other hardware, plus the same woodwork and some of the same systems you’ll find on its megayachts. The 34-foot (10.5-meter) limo tender shown here, for example, has leather seating for 12, a wetbar, an entertainment system, and, of course, air conditioning. The side windows slide down at the touch of a button to create boarding areas. The hardtop also rises for ease in boarding, or if guests want the wind in their hair while cruising.
Performance enthusiasts will appreciate Michael Peters Yacht Design’s contributions even more. The studio behind Jeanneau’s outboard-powered boats and megayachts like Devonport’s Lady Tiffany (now Rospiya), it knows how to get a boat up and going. The limo tender is said to top more than 30 knots even when fully loaded. When it’s time to return to the main yacht, crewmembers will appreciate built-in lifting points made to match the cranes.
Leave a Reply