ZAR mini Appoints Inflatable Boat Pro as US Importer for Tender Range

An established tender distributor takes the lead in America

ZAR mini has reorganised its United States distribution through a new importer, Fort Lauderdale-based Inflatable Boat Pro, and has established ZAR Mini Boats USA as the central commercial contact for the market. The European aluminium RIB and inflatable-boat brand, operated by MS Marine GmbH, says the new business began handling American orders on 1 September 2026, with the changes announced publicly on 8 October.

The relationship is not entirely new: Inflatable Boat Pro was the brand's first US dealer and, according to ZAR mini, was already its highest-selling dealer in the country. The expanded mandate is intended to coordinate product availability, after-sales communication and future dealer appointments, rather than merely redirecting sales through a different website.

Why local distribution matters to superyacht tenders

Large-yacht owners frequently depend on compact inflatable and rigid-inflatable craft for transfers between the parent vessel, moorings and shore facilities. A small tender can be used many times in a single day, so reliability and access to spare parts are practical priorities even when the boat's purchase price is relatively modest. Establishing a clearer importer and service network may reduce the time spent locating compatible parts when a craft is operating far from its European manufacturer.

For US-based yachts and cruising crews, a useful dealer network needs to do more than supply hulls. Operators may require the correct valve fittings, tubes, consoles, lifting hardware, repair materials and technical guidance, often against an imminent departure date. A change in the importing arrangement does not automatically guarantee stock for a particular model or part, but it creates a defined commercial route through which enquiries and warranty questions can be handled.

Aluminium-hull models and fitment considerations

ZAR mini's catalogue ranges from small roll-up inflatable boats to aluminium-hull RIBs and larger LUX Rider models. The manufacturer's RIB range includes 3.6-metre and 5-metre models, while certain configurations are equipped with bow lockers, double floors and optional helm stations. These different sizes and layouts can appeal to owners seeking a tender that fits a restricted garage or handling arrangement.

A yacht owner should not select a tender solely because its advertised length fits a garage opening. Total weight, loaded centre of gravity, lifting geometry, fuel arrangements, fendering and the boarding relationship to the mothership all need to be reviewed together. A light aluminium hull may simplify handling for some applications, but complete lift weights must include the engine, fuel, equipment and agreed safety margins.

Product development and the US business

Inflatable Boat Pro is led by Jeff Rodgers and has served the US inflatable-boat, tender and high-performance RIB market for more than 15 years. ZAR mini says the companies intend to cooperate on new models influenced by American customer requirements while seeking additional retailers to extend geographic coverage.

The agreement reflects a growing emphasis on serving local boating conditions and providing support rather than relying entirely on long-distance shipments. For superyacht technical departments the immediate development is a new US point of contact for ZAR mini boats and parts, not the launch of a new superyacht or a confirmed order for a named mothership. The image accompanying this report comes directly from the manufacturer's official RIB photography.