Williams DieselJet 505

Williams Jet Tenders, a company renowned for their class-leading jet drive tenders, have just launched a SOLAS version of their DieselJet 505. This luxury tender has been modified to meet the stringent requirements for SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) certification. SOLAS-certified boats are the ‘gold standard’ in rescue vessels, and this certification is a legal requirement for superyachts over 500 tonnes.

However, the DieselJet 505 is not just built to be a workhorse, as it looks good in the process. Powered by Yanmar’s 110hp 4JH4 diesel engine, it can reach speeds of 36 knots, so it is ideal for guest transportation and fast-paced water sports, while still enjoying the low draught of a jet drive when slipping onto a secluded beach. It has also been designed to be capable of marshalling, towing life rafts and acting as a man-overboard recovery boat, for which it has a specially designed lightweight stretcher. It has a built-in self-inflating ‘rollover framework’ that will activate in the case of a boat capsizing, so there are no ugly appendage-like self-righting bags. Effectively it can do it all, without compromising on appearance, and with the option to customise the tender to match the look and name of the mother ship.

This boat is also designed and offered with a stretcher for MOB situations.

Williams have partnered with Lloyd’s Register to certify their SOLAS range, which also includes the longer 565 SOLAS. This certification requires hull and topside construction to be of a fire-retardant laminate. Testing is rigorous, including a 3m drop test, self-righting, overload lifting, swinging against a hard wall and enduring heavy-weather sea trials.

High-visibility orange panels with reflective tape are distinguishing features, while the tender is also equipped with a high-intensity flashing beacon and integrated lifeline rope on the inflatable tubes. There is also a low-profile quick-release backrest on the aft seat.

Teak decking is one of many options.

With Williams being renowned for their ability to customise their tenders, the sponsons are available in carbon black, carbon white, a classic cream, dark grey and a standard grey. Standard upholstery is in vinyl, however there is an extensive list of Silvertex upholstery colour options, as this harder-wearing aesthetically pleasing fabric is a far better choice. Core accessories include automatic tube inflation, LED deck lights, shore power, teak decking, stainless steel hardware and a freshwater shower. In terms of luxury extras, you can order the 505 with a bimini top, boat cover, spray dodger, Raymarine electronics, including VHF, and a Fusion MP3 player. The DieselJet 505 is 5.03m in length, features a 68L fuel tank as standard and is rated for five crew, plus stretcher.