always inflated tender for hanse 588

Pzucchel --

I've had my first experience with the True Kit Navigator 3.0. While it doesn't meet your "always inflated" criteria, the 2.5m model would. However, I have a collection of gear taking up garage space, so I'd need to partially deflate the 2.5m as well. A marina neighbor owns the 2.5m version – it would handle two people plus shopping well, though not bikes or scooters. I'd compare the 2.5m to the Plastimo inflatable I've seen and used on a 575 (I'm sure you're familiar with those too). It's definitely a downgrade in the "sport" department compared to a Williams tender, but if your basic need is getting that last mile to the beach, dinner, or shopping, it would do the job.

Regarding the 3.0m: they rate it for up to 10hp, which must make for a wild ride. They also claim it seats four people, but I think that's only realistic in flat water or with passengers who don't mind the occasional splash. I was looking for something that could move 3-4 people while remaining very compact – when fully folded, it's both small and lightweight. The ability to stow it overnight with partial deflation, and fold it completely for longer-term storage when I need garage space, makes me happy with the choice.

As you noted, the complex geometry is problematic, specifically the bow rise dimension where the garage height becomes limiting. That's one factor that pushed me toward a catamaran-style inflatable with a high-pressure floor rather than relying on a rigid hull.

For propulsion, I chose the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus. The performance felt like roughly 3hp – definitely more than 2hp but less than 5hp. With 100 lbs of boat plus 400 lbs of people and cargo, it performed well, hitting about 5.2 knots top speed in flat water. On the return trip, we faced 2 miles of 1-1.5 foot waves with a 10-knot headwind. It was a bit damp (similar to what you'd expect from the Plastimo), but we made it through. After a 4.5-mile round trip at high speed with choppy conditions on the return, we still had 30 minutes of battery life remaining.

The removable battery weighs 20 lbs, and the outboard is another 20 lbs. While I can easily lift a 5hp engine, I don't enjoy the awkwardness of mounting or removing one, even with a lifting crane available. This lightweight is nice to work with. I'm planning to store the motor in the bow locker when away, since the cockpit drains send everything into the garage. While the range is quite good, there are some interesting spots in our bay where I'd need to anchor far out, making 8-10 mile round trips impossible. Additional batteries are available but cost about $1400, so I'll wait to see how much of a limitation this becomes. I was equally interested in the Torqueedo option.

Thanks for the tip!

I don t know about the 588, but in my 575, i use since 10 years the Genius 290 with a 20 HP and can keep it almost completely inflated in the garage, check on Genius.it.

I met the inventor 10 years ago and i loved the idea.