Folding Tender Cradle
A tender sitting on the swim platform needs to stay put in a beam sea. But the moment it goes into the water, the chocks that held it become obstacles — trip hazards for crew, hardware that catches dock lines, visual clutter that disrupts the stern. The Folding Tender Cradle resolves this with a single mechanism: adjustable stainless steel side supports lock the hull in place during storage, and when the tender launches, the entire cradle folds into a machined recess and sits flush with the platform surface.
What remains is uninterrupted deck. No raised hardware, no dirt traps, no compromise on the aesthetic the naval architect intended. The mechanism is purely mechanical — stainless steel hinges with maintenance-free plain bearings, no electrical connection or hydraulic lines to the cradle. One person folds or deploys the system in under 30 seconds. Each unit is engineered from scratch for the specific platform geometry of the vessel, manufactured from electropolished AISI 316L stainless steel at our facility in Münster, and delivered fully assembled and function-tested.
Engineered for permanent saltwater immersion
Manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel with a minimum 2% molybdenum content, specifically engineered to resist pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments. The alloy retains its mechanical strength under prolonged UV exposure and temperature fluctuations between –20°C and +60°C — relevant for yachts operating between Northern European waters and tropical cruising grounds.
Standard 304-grade steel, commonly used in lower-cost marine hardware, develops tea staining and surface corrosion within months of continuous saltwater exposure. 316L avoids this entirely. For shipyards specifying tender storage components with a service life that matches the vessel itself, this eliminates scheduled replacement or re-treatment of the cradle structure during refit cycles.
Reduced fouling, extended cleaning intervals
The electropolishing process removes the outermost material layer under controlled electrochemical conditions. The result is a microscopically smooth surface with reduced roughness, where salt crystals, algae and organic deposits adhere far less readily. Compared to brushed or satin-finished stainless steel, cleaning intervals are significantly extended — a factor particularly relevant for charter yachts with tight turnaround schedules between guests.
Beyond the maintenance advantage, electropolishing improves corrosion resistance by eliminating micro-inclusions and surface contaminants embedded during fabrication. The passive chromium-oxide layer that forms on the treated surface is denser and more uniform than on mechanically polished steel, providing an additional barrier against the chloride ions present in seawater and coastal humidity.
Secure hold for any hull shape
The adjustable side supports adapt to the specific hull geometry of the tender, RIB, or jet ski being stowed. Unlike fixed chocks that only accommodate one hull profile, the supports can be repositioned to grip varying beam widths and hull contours. This means the same cradle can secure a Williams 345 for the summer season and a Highfield CL 340 for delivery trips — without replacing any hardware.
Each support contact surface is lined with protective cushioning material to prevent gelcoat damage and hull marking during transit. The locking mechanism holds the tender firmly even in rough conditions: at sea state 4, lateral forces on a 400 kg tender stowed on the swim platform reach levels where conventional unsecured storage becomes a genuine safety risk. The Folding Tender Cradle keeps the hull centred and immobile without relying on additional ratchet straps that can work loose over time.
Visual overview
Explore how the folding tender cradle integrates into the swim platform — from the locking position to the fully retracted state, seen from every angle.
Technical Specifications
This system securely stores tenders on the swim platform with a purely mechanical folding cradle. No electrical or hydraulic connection at the cradle — one person operates the full cycle in under 30 seconds.
Material
AISI 316L stainless steel, electropolished. Minimum 2% molybdenum content for pitting resistance in chloride-rich marine environments.
Surface 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.
Platform Integration
Custom-machined recess for flush fit when folded. Platform surface remains fully walkable and trip-free. No visible hinge pins or raised edges.
Folding Mechanism
Purely mechanical. Stainless steel hinges with maintenance-free plain bearings. No electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic connection required. One-person operation, under 30 seconds to fold or deploy.
"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 individually configured for each project. The adjustable side supports adapt to different hull shapes and beam widths — RIBs, rigid inflatables, jet skis, and other personal watercraft. Maximum load capacity and cradle dimensions are determined by the specific platform geometry 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. You release the supports manually, they fold into the recess by gravity-assisted rotation, and you press them flush. The reverse takes the same 30 seconds. Because the system is purely mechanical, the failure modes associated with electromechanical alternatives do not apply.
Fixed chocks remain permanently mounted on the platform, even when no tender is aboard. They interrupt the walking surface, collect dirt in their corners, and visually mark the stern as a storage area. The Folding Tender Cradle disappears entirely when not in use. The platform looks and functions exactly as it does without any tender storage system installed. On charter yachts and superyachts, where the stern is the first impression for guests, this is a measurable advantage.
Yes, provided the swim platform has sufficient structural depth to accommodate 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 service yard. The cradle ships fully pre-assembled, so on-board fitting requires no hydraulic commissioning and minimal installation time.
Lead time depends on the complexity of the platform integration and the current production schedule. Typical projects run 6–10 weeks from confirmed order to delivery. Because each system is engineered individually, we begin with a detailed alignment on the platform geometry before manufacturing starts. Your project manager at H+B technics will give you a binding timeline after the initial technical review.
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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 individually configured for your vessel. Share your platform drawings or tender specifications, and we support you from the first concept to the finished installation.
