Folding Tender Cradle
A tender on the swim platform has to sit securely through swell and heavy seas. But the moment it is in the water, the chocks that held it become obstacles — trip hazards for the crew, fittings that snag mooring lines, technical components that disrupt the look of the stern. The Folding Tender Cradle resolves this contradiction with a single mechanism: adjustable stainless steel side supports secure the hull during storage, and once the tender is launched, the entire cradle folds into a chamfered recess and sits flush with the platform surface.
What remains is uninterrupted deck. No raised fittings, no dirt traps, no compromise on the appearance of the stern. The folding mechanism is purely mechanical — stainless steel hinges with maintenance-free plain bearings, with no electrical connection or hydraulic lines running to the cradle. One person can fold the system in or out in under 30 seconds. Each unit is engineered specifically for the vessel's platform geometry, manufactured from electropolished AISI 316L stainless steel at our facility in Münster, and delivered fully pre-assembled and function-tested.
Engineered for permanent saltwater exposure
Manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel with a minimum 2% molybdenum content — a material developed specifically to resist pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments. The alloy retains its mechanical strength under sustained UV exposure and temperature swings between –20°C and +60°C — relevant for yachts moving between northern European waters and tropical cruising grounds.
Conventional 304 stainless steel, commonly used in lower-cost marine hardware, shows tea-staining and surface corrosion after only a few months of continuous saltwater contact. 316L avoids this entirely. For shipyards specifying components with a service life matching that of the vessel itself, this removes the need for scheduled replacement or refinishing of the cradle structure during refit cycles.
Less fouling, longer cleaning intervals
Electropolishing removes the outermost material layer under controlled electrochemical conditions. The result is a microscopically smooth surface with reduced roughness, to which salt crystals, algae and organic deposits adhere far less readily. Compared with brushed or satin stainless steel, cleaning intervals extend considerably — a factor particularly relevant for charter yachts with tight turnaround times between guests.
Beyond the maintenance benefit, electropolishing improves corrosion resistance by removing micro-inclusions and surface contaminants left over from production. The passive chromium oxide layer that forms on the treated surface is denser and more uniform than on mechanically polished steel — an additional barrier against chloride ions in seawater and coastal humidity.
Flush integration, zero dependency on onboard systems
The mechanism operates on a purely mechanical basis using stainless steel hinges and maintenance-free plain bearings. Neither electrical connections nor hydraulic lines run to the cradle — the system works independently of the onboard power supply and is therefore less prone to failure than electromechanical alternatives. Folding and raising is done manually by one person in under 30 seconds.
When folded, the cradle sits in a chamfered recess in the platform surface. The depth of this recess is defined during the engineering phase so that the supports finish exactly flush with the surrounding teak or composite decking. No raised edges, no visible hinge pins, no gaps that become hazardous underfoot or collect dirt. To the owner, the swim platform simply looks like a swim platform — not like a storage area with visible hardware.
Visual overview
See how the Folding Tender Cradle integrates into the swim platform — from the locked position through to fully retracted, from every angle.
Technical Specifications
This system stores tenders securely on the swim platform using a purely mechanical folding cradle. No electrical or hydraulic connection at the cradle — one person handles the entire operation in under 30 seconds.
Material
AISI 316L stainless steel, electropolished. Minimum 2% molybdenum content for pitting resistance in chloride-rich marine environments.
Finish
Electropolished to reduce surface roughness. Denser passive chromium oxide layer than mechanically polished alternatives. Resistant to salt crystal adhesion, algae growth and organic fouling.
Side supports
Adjustable for different hull geometries: RIBs, rigid inflatables, jet skis. Protective cushioning material at the contact surfaces. Repositionable without tools.
Folding mechanism
Purely mechanical. Stainless steel hinges with maintenance-free plain bearings. No electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic connection. Single-person operation, under 30 seconds.
"The lifts are not just functional — they match our design and standards. With H+B, it feels more like a team than a supplier relationship."
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about the Folding Tender Cradle
The Folding Tender Cradle is configured individually for every project. The adjustable side supports adapt to different hull shapes and beam widths — RIBs, rigid inflatables, jet skis and other watercraft. Maximum load capacity and dimensions depend on the specific platform geometry and are defined during the engineering phase. We have configured systems for tenders ranging from compact 2.5-metre jet skis to 4-metre RIBs.
The mechanism uses stainless steel hinges with maintenance-free plain bearings. There is no electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic connection to the cradle — nothing that can lose power, develop a leak or require software. The supports are released manually, fold into the recess through gravity-assisted rotation and are pushed flush. Setting them back up takes the same 30 seconds. Because the system is purely mechanical, the failure scenarios of electromechanical alternatives simply do not apply.
Fixed chocks remain permanently mounted on the platform — even when no tender is on board. They interrupt the walking surface, collect dirt in the corners and visually mark the stern as a storage area. The Folding Tender Cradle disappears completely when not in use. The platform looks and functions exactly as if no storage system were installed. On charter yachts and superyachts, where the stern is the first impression for guests, that is a measurable advantage.
Yes, provided the swim platform offers sufficient structural depth for the folding recess. Our engineering team assesses feasibility based on platform drawings or an on-site survey. Retrofit projects are coordinated directly with the owner or the service yard. Since the cradle is delivered fully pre-assembled, installation on board is possible without hydraulic commissioning and is completed within a short time.
Lead time depends on the complexity of the platform integration and the current production schedule. Typical projects run 6–10 weeks from order confirmation to delivery. Because every system is engineered individually, we begin with a detailed alignment of the platform geometry before production starts. Your project manager at H+B technics will provide a binding schedule after the initial technical review.
Need more help?
Our team is ready to answer your questions
Customization option
Tailored solutions perfectly suited to your needs. At H+B technics, we not only offer our proven products but also the opportunity to customize them according to your specific requirements. Our experienced team is ready to support you in developing and realizing bespoke products for your yacht or project, always with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and precision.
Whether it’s special dimensions, functions, or an entirely new design, we bring your vision to life. Rely on our expertise and let’s make your ideas a reality together.
Robin Zimmermann
Sales
Start your project
Every Folding Tender Cradle is configured individually for your vessel. Send us your platform drawings or tender specifications — we will guide you from the first concept through to the finished installation.
