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With the Reef 320 Carbon and Reef 350 Carbon, 3D Tender offers a rigid tender that's not limited to the journey between boat and dock. Constructed in carbon sandwich, equipped for motoring, rowing and sailing, this range targets cruisers looking for a lighter tender than a conventional semi-rigid, without sacrificing on-board comfort.
A carbon annex to reduce on-board weight
On a cruising sailboat or motorboat, the weight of the tender counts quickly. You have to hoist it onto davits, pull it onto a beach, turn it over on deck or handle it at anchor when the wind picks up. And then, every kilo becomes an extra crew member.
The Reef 320 Carbone weighs in at 42 kg for 3.20 m. The Reef 350 Carbon rises to 48 kg for 3.50 m. These values place these tenders in the light category for rigid hulls of this size.
The carbon sandwich construction adds rigidity to the hull while limiting weight. This choice is of particular interest to yachtsmen who often handle their tender in pairs, or even alone. On the other hand, carbon comes at a high price, and requires vigilance against severe impacts, particularly when repeatedly beached on slips or abrasive shores.
Two sizes for two cruising programs
The Reef 320 Carbone is 3.20 m long and 1.75 m wide. Its interior length reaches 2.45 m, with an interior width of 0.99 m. It accepts a maximum motorization of 15 hp.
The Reef 350 Carbone is 1.75 m wide, but 30 cm longer. Its interior length is now 2.70 m. It accepts up to 20 hp.
The 320 is more suited to crews looking for a compact, easy-to-store tender for short trips. The 350 provides more space for carrying bags, supplies, diving equipment or several passengers.
In both cases, the advertised trough is 0.76 m and the drive shaft is a simple S-type.
A flat cockpit for loading and moving around
The Reef Carbone features an open cockpit with a flat floor. This is important in everyday use, as a tender is rarely used solely to transport people. It also carries cans, watertight bags, fenders, anchors, a wet nurse and sometimes a dog that refuses to get its paws wet.
The deck has an anti-slip coating and a front platform with a grip area for the nurse. Straps are provided to hold the tank in place.
EVA foam protectors cover the seats, sides and hull sides. On the sides, 3D Tender advertises a 2 cm thickness. The purpose is twofold: to protect the hull during docking and to make the seat more comfortable.
A dinghy also designed for sailing
The Reef Carbone comes with a rig. It can therefore be used as a small sailing dinghy, in addition to its engine or rowing use.
It's no substitute for a sporty dinghy, but it does open up an interesting program at anchor. For children, to reach a beach quietly or to make a few tacks in a sheltered cove, the sailing function gives the dinghy a second life.
It's also an argument for crews who want to limit the use of outboards over short distances. The fact remains, however, that setting up the rig requires a little space, time and a suitable stretch of water.
Equipment designed for mooring
The equipment includes a pair of oars, oarlocks with double fastenings, an anchor locker, a storage bag, an accessory bag, a 10-liter waterproof bag, a bow protection strip and an aluminum plate for engine mounting.
Handling is easy, with 6 carrying handles, 6 lifting rings, 4 lashing rings and 1 towing ring. For a rigid tender, these attachment points are useful on a daily basis, whether for davits, foredecks or towing behind the motorboat.
The Reef 320 Carbone starts at ?9,990 incl. VAT in white finish and ?11,490 incl. VAT in gloss carbon. The Reef 350 Carbone starts at ?10,490 incl. VAT in white and ?11,990 incl. VAT in glossy carbon. At this price level, this tender is not intended as an add-on purchase. Rather, it's aimed at owners who use their tender frequently and want to gain weight, rigidity and versatility in a compact format.
