A new import structure for inflatable yacht tenders
ZAR mini, the inflatable-boat and RIB brand belonging to MS Marine GmbH, has appointed Inflatable Boat Pro as its new United States importer. The agreement has created ZAR Mini Boats USA, a central organisation that began handling American orders on 1 September 2026.
The development builds on an existing commercial relationship rather than introducing an unfamiliar company to the brand. For owners selecting a yacht tender or small auxiliary boat, the important question is whether the new structure improves the availability of models, replacement parts and local service.
Fort Lauderdale is a practical base
Inflatable Boat Pro operates in Fort Lauderdale and is led by Jeff Rodgers, who has worked in the inflatable-boat market for more than 15 years. The company was ZAR mini's first American dealer and has been described by the manufacturer as the highest-selling dealer in its existing US network.
South Florida is a prominent market for yacht ownership and service, with boatyards and retailers accustomed to equipping cruising craft. A Fort Lauderdale import operation can help connect manufacturers to customers whose tenders may spend most of their life aboard larger yachts rather than operate from a conventional trailer.
The range extends beyond one type of inflatable
ZAR mini sells inflatable boats, aluminium-hulled rigid inflatables and yacht tenders. These products meet different needs, from a compact tender stored deflated to a more substantial small RIB used for everyday transfers and coastal excursions.
For an owner with a 12-to-24-metre yacht, the tender must suit the carrying capacity, lifting arrangements and usable deck area of the parent vessel. A visually attractive boat can become inconvenient if its weight, beam or outboard height makes launch and retrieval difficult.
Dealer expansion is the next task
The newly established importer is seeking additional retail partners and plans to work with MS Marine on product supply and future development. The companies have indicated that American requirements will influence later product decisions, although specifications for unannounced models are not yet available.
Expanding a dealer network takes more than signing contracts. Technical training, clear warranty responsibility and reliable supply of consumables are essential if customers are to obtain practical support after the initial sale.
What an owner should compare
Prospective buyers should examine the quality of tube materials, the practical arrangement of seats, drainage, anchor storage and the suitability of the propulsion package. Different tenders also demand different cleaning and storage routines, particularly when used in strong sunshine and salt water.
The relationship with the mother yacht matters. Owners should check documented weights with engine and fuel included, compare them with the capacity of the davit or platform, and ensure that securing points are compatible with the intended method of carriage.
A distribution announcement, not a new model launch
The October 2026 announcement concerns the importer and the dealer organisation, rather than the release of a specific new hull. The company has expressed an intention to grow its presence, but the actual number of new dealers and delivery times remain to be confirmed.
For yacht owners and builders, the arrangement is most relevant as a possible improvement in aftersales access. The practical benefits will become measurable through order fulfilment, availability of service and the consistency of support as the network develops.
