In the quiet of an early anchorage, when the mothership is still and the crew are preparing for the day’s movements, the tender is often the first to break the surface tension. Traditionally, that moment has been accompanied by the rattle of an outboard and the unmistakable scent of combustion.
The new MC-ZERO 450 carbon electric jet tender proposes something different: silence, instant torque and a propulsion system hidden beneath the deck.
A joint venture between Australian performance boatbuilder McConaghy Boats and marine electric jet specialist ZeroJet, the MC-ZERO 450 is a 15-foot, twin-jet electric tender designed with superyacht crew and guests firmly in mind.
Twin Electric Jets — and Built-In Redundancy
At its heart are what the brands describe as a world first: twin 30kW ZeroJet electric jet drives, powered by the latest 48V solid-state marine lithium batteries. Combined, the setup delivers the equivalent of around 80hp and propels the 830-kilogram tender to a maximum speed of 25 knots.
For captains, however, the model’s reassurance lies in its redundancy. Two independent electric jets mean that if one system fails, the second provides a backup — a significant operational advantage for yachts relying on tenders for guest transfers, provisioning runs or safety support.
Unlike a conventional outboard installation, there is no large engine sitting on the stern. The propulsion system is integrated beneath the deck, freeing up valuable space and removing one of the most common service pain points for crew. Electric torque is delivered instantly, with smooth acceleration and confident handling — and none of the vibration or noise associated with combustion engines.
Performance DNA from the Racecourse
McConaghy Boats brings more than six decades of composite boatbuilding expertise to the project. The yard is known for regatta-winning race yachts, including the AC40 America’s Cup boat and hydrogen-powered chase boats used in the last Cup campaign. It has also built carbon fiber foiling Moths and is now expanding into the 130-foot catamaran sector.
That performance pedigree runs through the MC-ZERO 450. The carbon fiber hull and deck are engineered to be light and strong — a reflection of the yard’s racing background. At 15 feet, with a 6.5-foot beam, the tender weighs just 830 kilograms, making it manageable for modern superyacht crane systems while maintaining structural rigidity.
Downturned chines help keep passengers dry underway, while the hull form prioritizes stability at rest and predictable handling at speed.
Rethinking Space in a 15-Foot Tender
Rather than opting for a traditional tube-based RIB configuration, the designers focused on maximizing usable onboard space. The result is a 15-foot tender with as much internal space as many 20-foot alternatives.
A patent-pending movable carbon helm station can be positioned forward, amidships or aft, adapting the layout to suit different use cases. Four foldable seats allow the deck to be reconfigured for guest transfers, toy transport or dive operations.
With 22 square feet of deck space and capacity for eight to nine people, the MC-ZERO 450 offers up to 40 percent more internal space than comparable tenders. The open layout means it can carry a wide range of payloads — from water toys and dive gear to provisions — and even accommodate an Optimist sailing dinghy.
For yachts up to around 150 feet, ZeroJet notes that this size is particularly well-suited, though the partnership plans a full range. Next to launch will be the 10-foot MC-ZERO 325, aimed at the sub-78-foot market segment.
Turn-Key as Standard
In an era where captains increasingly favor plug-and-play solutions, the MC-ZERO 450 arrives fully equipped. Standard specification includes a nine-inch Garmin multifunction display, Fusion stereo system, VHF radio, internal RGB lighting and underwater lights. EVA foam decking offers a practical alternative to teak, while a robust, lightweight fixed surrounding fender provides protection during alongside maneuvers.
Operational details appear carefully considered. Bow electric dropping steps and an aft electric drop-down platform ease guest boarding. A stainless-steel transom ladder improves water access for swimming or dive support. A handheld shower with a pressure pump and a freshwater tank helps rinse salt from guests and gear.
Bow storage lockers provide space for lines and equipment, while flush pop-up cleats maintain clean deck aesthetics. All of these features are included as standard rather than as costly add-ons.
Optional extras include soft or hard biminis and solar panels, the latter reinforcing the tender’s electric credentials and offering supplementary charging potential.
A Quieter Future for Superyacht Tenders?
Electric propulsion in the superyacht space is no longer a novelty, but practical, serviceable and high-performance electric tenders remain relatively rare.
For crew, it promises fewer servicing requirements than combustion outboards, no fuel handling, reduced noise around guests and marine life and a propulsion system protected beneath the deck rather than exposed on the transom.
Superyacht captains and crew looking to assess the tender firsthand can view it at upcoming boat shows, including the Palm Beach International Boat Show and the Palma Superyacht Village, where the joint venture team will be presenting the model in the flesh. Contact the team at ZeroJet to arrange a viewing.
Sponsored content created for ZeroJet