McConaghy, ZeroJet Join Forces to Revolutionise Global Yacht Tender Market

New MC-Zero tender line will debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March.

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Who among us hasn’t marvelled at the extraordinary technology and innovation found in the foiling monohulls which have come to dominate international sailing competitions like the America’s Cup? Blending advanced composites with bleeding-edge engineering, these remarkable vessels continue to astound sailing fans all around the world by achieving unprecedented levels of performance.

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If a new collaboration between New Zealand-based propulsion system manufacturer ZeroJet and Australian racing yacht builder McConaghy Boats has its way, everyday yacht buyers will soon be able to enjoy the fruits of this advanced engineering in an all-new line of yacht tenders that the two companies believe is poised to dominate the global tender market.

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Leveraging McConaghy’s more than 50 years of experience working with advanced composites – including an extensive heritage of building high-tech race boats specifically for Americas Cup competition – and ZeroJet’s equally extensive expertise in electric propulsion, the new joint venture aims to disrupt the tender segment with what the firms describe as the most technically advanced support craft ever built.

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Dubbed the MC-Zero, the new tender line will debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March with the launch of its twin-engine MC-Zero 450, targeting the 4.5m or 14.75ft category. At the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in May, MC-Zero will present the global debut of its single-engine MC-Zero 325, aimed at the 3.25m or 10.7ft category. Both vessels are powered by ZeroJet’s 48-volt, 30-kilowatt (40 horsepower) electric jet that the firm says is the most efficient propulsion system of its type in the world.

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Power Centre

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Introduced at the 2025 Metstrade, the new 30 kilowatt jet is itself powered by new 3C semi-solid state batteries from Australian supplier Safiery Pty Ltd. The high output, 3C LiPo batteries support a continuous discharge rate of up to three times their capacity, making them ideal for high draw applications like vessel propulsion says MC-Zero general manager, Chris Baird.

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“The C-rating on a battery measures the speed at which it can safely charge or discharge relative to its maximum capacity. It acts as a multiplier indicating how many times the battery’s capacity it can provide in one hour,” he explains. “The higher the C rating, the faster the battery’s energy can be released, and that is what makes it desirable for high performance applications like powering a tender.”

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Between the high capacity batteries and ZeroJet’s 30kW propulsion system, the new MC-Zero models eliminate the need for a yacht to carry a separate supply of petrol to fuel the tender, or the need to provide a feed from the vessel’s main diesel fuel tanks. That, says Baird, represents a key competitive advantage for the MC-Zero product.

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Beyond improving onboard safety by eliminating fuel handling concerns, the electric propulsion platform provides a sustainable, emissions-free experience for owner comfort, he adds, while ensuring the tender is able to comply with local environmental regulations that could otherwise prohibit navigation through fragile near-shore areas. “That’s a consideration that we’re seeing more and more all around the world,” notes Baird. “Because it is a zero-emission product, the MC-Zero is fully compliant for operation in ecologically sensitive zones.”

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With no exposed propeller, the MC-Zero’s jet propulsion platform further allays any concerns about striking rocks when operating in shallow water, while providing parents with an extra assurance of safety when children may be swimming near the craft.

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Moreover, says Baird, the 48-volt, 30-kilowatt jet pump delivers impressive power for carrying passengers and their gear.

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“That’s especially true in the case of the MC-Zero 450, which is the first twin jet electric tender in the world,” he says. “It has ample power for moving people and gear, and there’s the added safety benefit of having twin engines. That redundancy assures owners that they can always get back to the yacht.”

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Better by design

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Matching the propulsion for high tech is the MC-Zero’s unique design and build, reflecting McConaghy’s extensive experience hand-crafting carbon fibre for everything from luxury yachts to Americas Cup contenders.

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“The MC-Zero electric jet tender is a natural extension of McConaghy’s boat building DNA,” said McConaghy Boats group director, Mark Evans. “For more than six decades, we’ve been at the forefront of carbon construction, lightweight engineering and systems innovation in high-performance yachts. The MC-Zero applies those same core competencies – advanced composites, weight discipline, and intelligent integration – to a revolutionary new platform. This is a genuine technology crossover that reflects our vision for the future of yachting: efficient, electric, and entirely uncompromising in performance.”

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Both the MC-Zero 325 and 450 models deliver full carbon fibre construction for extraordinary strength and light weight. The design is focused on providing luxurious comfort in a versatile layout, and makes extensive use of retractable gunnel seating – two seats aft in the 325 model, and paired bow and stern seating in the larger 450. Both provide a bow seat and midships entry steps, along with electrically activated, fold down bow entry steps for easy boarding off a beach or when moored Mediterranean style in the port.

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At the stern is an electrically activated, fold-down swim platform. It’s not only a great spot from which to dangle one’s toes in the water over morning coffee, but a useful gateway for loading bulky or heavy gear – another key competitive advantage that Baird says is impossible for outboard-powered competitors to replicate.

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The modern helm console in both MC-Zero models folds down to provide clearance when stowing the tender in a stern garage with limited overhead space. The MC-Zero 450 helm not only folds, but can be repositioned throughout the boat as required – forward, aft or amidships – in an industry first that greatly contributes to the tender’s ability to handle a wide range of loads. Combined with the vessel’s tailgate-like swim platform, the MC-Zero 450’s moveable helm gives it an unmatched ability to carry people and their gear.

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“What this does is give the tender an exceptional level of versatility,” says Baird. “It allows the MC-Zero 450 to easily accommodate things that would be impossible to load onto any other tender on the market, like a couple of electric bikes, a mobility scooter, SUPs or even an OPTI sailing dinghy. Because the design uses a fly-by-wire control, we’re able to easily move the entire helm console and the helm seat to wherever it needs to be, which is truly unique in the world.”

He adds that it’s also patent-pending, giving the MC-Zero a further competitive advantage that competitors can’t match.

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“We’ve met with a number of major boat builders internationally and we’re extremely encouraged by the strong interest that they’ve shown,” he says. “They appreciate the unique features of the product, and how it fits easily in standard tender garages. And they particularly appreciate the advantages of the electric propulsion system and eliminating the need to handle fuel onboard. But mostly they appreciate the unique capabilities of the product, because there simply isn’t another tender like this.”

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With the joint venture looking to debut publicly in March and rapidly expand its product line with additional models to address further size categories, Baird says MC-Zero faces a busy year ahead. “We’re aiming to solve problems for boaters, and we’re aiming to solve problems for boat builders,” he says. “The MC-Zero does that, and that’s why we’re confident it will very quickly become the default tender option on luxury yachts all around the world.”