New Zealand electric propulsion company ZeroJet has teamed up with AB Inflatables to bring a fully integrated electric tender package to the cruising market. The partnership pairs AB's lightweight Lammina AL RIB with ZeroJet's Gen-3 tiller steer jet drive, combining the two into a coherent, cost-effective solution for boat owners looking to move away from petrol-powered tenders.
At the core of the package is ZeroJet's latest drive unit, a 15kW electric jet that delivers performance comparable to a 20hp outboard. Power comes from two 2.7kWh semi-solid state LiPo4 batteries running on a 48V dual-pack arrangement. The chemistry was selected for its stability and safety credentials, and the redundant dual-pack configuration gives owners added confidence when venturing further from the mothership.
The complete Lammina AL setup, jet drive and batteries included, weighs just 180kg. Range reaches up to 26 nautical miles, and fitting additional battery packs pushes cruising range beyond 20NM at 12 knots. For most cruising scenarios, whether shuttling crew to shore, exploring a stretch of coastline, or moving gear between boat and beach, that kind of range is more than adequate.
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the design is the fully concealed jet unit. Because there is no exposed propeller, swimmers are safer around the boat and operation in shallow water becomes straightforward rather than stressful. That opens up beaches, anchorages, and inshore areas that a conventional propeller-driven tender might struggle with.
The tiller steer layout keeps the deck clear and handling intuitive, while also freeing up the forward locker for storage, a practical bonus on a vessel where space is always at a premium.
Ownership costs are another strong argument in the package's favour. No servicing is required during the first three years, and both the jet unit and the battery system carry a warranty across that same period. For cruisers who value low maintenance as much as quiet, emission-free running, the Lammina AL package removes much of the friction that comes with conventional outboard ownership.
The ZeroJet-powered Lammina AL will be available through authorised AB Inflatables and ZeroJet dealers before the end of 2025. The initial rollout will cover the United States and Europe, with Australia and New Zealand set to follow in subsequent markets.
For anyone rethinking what a tender should be, the combination of efficiency, safety, quiet operation, and minimal upkeep points toward a genuinely different approach to RIB design, rather than simply another variation on a familiar theme.
