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Dinghy Types in Australia: Tenders, RIBs, Tinnies & Sailboats
The Australian dinghy market should not be treated as one category. Shopping in the wrong one is the fastest way to buy the wrong boat — and almost everyone does it at least once.
Seven Dinghy and Tender Types Compared
Market 01
Packable Yacht Tenders
Roll-up and air-floor inflatables that deflate into a locker or a foredeck bag. The default answer for monohulls without davits.
Market 02
Rigid Inflatable Yacht Tenders
Aluminium and fibreglass hulled RIBs from 2.3 to 4.7 m. The davit-hung workhorse of the cruising fleet.
Market 03
Inflatable Catamaran Tenders
Twin-tube, open-transom tenders. Huge stability and payload per kilogram, a completely different ride.
Market 04
Aluminium & Polyethylene Dinghies
Tinnies, punts, car toppers and polyethylene tenders. Hard boats that shrug off oyster racks and boat ramps.
Market 05
Sailing Dinghies
Class boats for training, junior development and racing. Buy the fleet, not the boat.
Market 06
Club, Rescue & Commercial RIBs
Coach boats, regatta support, rescue craft and marina workboats from 3.8 to 10 m+.
Market 07
Premium & Jet Yacht Tenders
Jet-drive and luxury console tenders for yachts with a garage, a crane and a crew.