International racing yacht builder McConaghy Boats and New Zealand-based electric propulsion solution provider ZeroJet have partnered to develop a new range of tenders.
The flagship of the new MC-ZERO Tenders range is the MC-ZERO 450, featuring a rigid carbon hull and a ‘moveable helm’- presented by the companies as a world-first and patent pending – to give boaters back the versatility of increased deck space.
The 450’s modular deck is enabled by fly-by-wire technology to transform the vessel from a guest shuttle to gear-hauler in minutes.
Twin electric jets allow full redundancy if needed.
Space with functionality
The vessel’s design has the ethos of maximising space with smart functionality.
At the bow, the 450 features electric drop-down steps to provide a stable access point for passengers stepping on or off the boat.
The system is integrated into the bow and operated electronically, designed for smooth deployment when needed and to maintain the boat’s clean profile when closed.
A fully actuating electric transom is installed at the stern which is deployed at the push of a button to extend the deck and create a wide, stable platform.
The vessel is powered by twin 30kW (equivalent 80hp) ZeroJet electric drives, incorporating a 48V SAFIERY 32.4kWh solid-state battery system.
Engineered from a clean sheet
“The MC-ZERO 450 serves as a benchmark in tenders,” explained Chris Baird, CEO of MC-ZERO.
“Traditional vessels are restricted by fixed layouts and protruding engine boxes.
“We’ve engineered the 450 from a clean sheet to remove these legacy compromises, allowing the boat to adapt to the user, rather than the other way around.”
The new vessel has a length of 14.8 feet/4.5 metres and a beam of 6.6 feet/2 metres with a seating capacity of up to nine persons.
The tender has a maximum speed of 25 knots.
MC-ZERO Tenders will make its world debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show taking place from March 25-29 2026 with its European launch scheduled to take place at the Palma International Boat Show taking place from April 29-May 2 2026.
