Image courtesy of Superyacht Tenders and Toys
Watersport toys have become an integral part of the superyacht experience with charter yachts providing the perfect opportunity for exhilarating water-based fun for all the family. An increasing amount of toys are continuing to head down the inflatable route, with current models designed with practical and fast deployment, sensible pack downsizes and easy storage options all as paramount.
The latest technology in Superyacht Toys
With the latest drop stitch fabric technology developing at a rapid rate, inflatables continue to grow, allowing the build of new, innovative inflatables that are stretching superyacht world boundaries. Yachts too have also evolved, with more space for storing this seriously fun stuff in transom garages, on oversize swim platforms, and on upper decks with davits for launching them.
He with the most toys wins
The desirability of charter yachts to have a full inventory of inflatables means choosing the right selection of inflatable toys is essential. Superyacht Tenders and Toys, an innovative company that focuses on having fun on the water, are working together with leading inflatable experts. Able to advise on the right choice of inflatables to fulfil every charter guest’s needs and expectations, they focus on all aspects of toy outfitting. The practicality of storage, launching, and recovery are paramount to the success of making it work for both guests and crew alike.
Inflatables are king
Every inventory needs to start with a collection of towables that can safely accommodate nonstop fun for multiple riders of all ages. What could be more fun than being pulled along at great speed through the waves behind the tender. From donuts to tubes, and everything in between, these towables are equipped with industry leading features such as heavy gauge PVC lining and reinforced handles to ensure a long lasting product that outperforms in every way possible. With the added feature of small packed downsizes, these are a must for every garage.
Burning off the charter calories
With life onboard being one of sheer indulgence and opulence, many guests (and crew!) feel the need to stay on top of the fitness game whilst onboard. Full inflatable water playgrounds can be created with trampolines, climbing frames, volleyball courts, climbing walls, sea pools, and runway platforms, creating an exhilarating, aqua park experience to challenge even the most athletic of guests.
Slide through summer
Nothing says ‘fun’ quite like sliding into the sea and the Yacht Slide remains the most popular inflatable, with every new model becoming increasingly easier to launch and recover. Each slide can be custom made for the individual yacht taking into account the area in which it is to be deployed and can be produced in a variety of colours with logos and yacht name added if desired.
In addition, the availability of off the shelf stock options in sizes 4-9m are becoming increasingly popular, as time is of the essence for many clients.
Superyacht Tenders and Toys have teamed up with Freestyle Slides, the creators of the world’s first sealed air inflatable yacht slide in 2008, custom fitted to MY Lazy Z. Since then, the FreeStyle Cruiser yacht slide has become a worldwide phenomenon developing the most comprehensive line of bespoke inflatable products in the industry with over 1000 units sold. “Clients always want bigger, better toys that weigh less, require less storage space and inflate and deflate in mere seconds, which presents quite a challenge, “says Tom Addoms, Director of Sales and Marketing at Freestyle, “We are constantly innovating our products and manufacturing materials to accommodate these requests without compromising on the heavy duty durability and manufacturing strengths for which FreeStyle Slides is known.”
Off the shelf delights
For a host of quirky, fun off the shelf inflatable options like Gladiator Jousts, Slides, Blobs, Golf Rings, Platforms, Loungers and Climbing Walls, Superyacht Tenders and Toys work closely with Fun Air Inflatables, whose product innovations bring people together for lasting memories. The company was founded and started in the mega yacht space building products of the highest quality that integrate seamlessly into these yachts. John Courtney, Director at Fun Air is very passionate about their products, “We are a team of people that work hard, play hard, love the environment, and love each other. Our team invites you to join the fun.”
They’re yacht protectors too
Of course, it is not always only about the fun. There is a degree of practicality involved in the realm of inflatables. Whether you want to protect the transom of the mother ship from jet-ski’s, tenders or Seabobs providing a safe place for them to dock or simply add an additional deck or chill out space, inflatable docks are becoming an essential piece of kit for every yacht out there. They can be a quick relatively low cost off the shelf purchase or custom built up to any size and shape to cover all eventualities. Clay Builder, Director and Co-Founder of Nautibuoy Marine Platforms says “Our whole business specialises in creating modular inflatable docks and platforms that add that extra space to any size yacht. The platforms are designed to not only make water sports more accessible but also, with our range of leisure accessories, make relaxing in comfort at water level possible. We wanted to provide the perfect base for family and friends to enjoy all the toys whilst also protecting the yacht.”
With the advances in technology and innovation in the world of yacht toys, we are able to experience what was never before possible. However, the need for pure, easy fun is still out there and in response, we have seen a trend towards novel inflatable toys. Indeed, inflatables have probably impacted yacht toys the greatest over the last couple of years, offering simple and fun ways to spend time with family and friends just messing about on the water.