Redefining Tenders
The International Debut of MC-ZERO 450, The World’s First Carbon Fiber Twin 48V Electric Jet
By Jordan Balbresky
At this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show, I got a chance to witness something truly unique. Held in March 2026 in Palm Beach, FL, the Palm Beach International Boat Show typically caters to the yacht crowd and has displays you would expect from that class of boat owner. However, nestled between the high-end sports cars and personal airplanes, there was a display for the revolutionary MC-ZERO Tenders. Brought to life by the team at McConaghy Yachts, builder of luxury carbon fiber vessels and ZeroJet, builder of 48V electric jets, MC-ZERO Tenders, and its flagship MC-ZERO 450 is set to redefine the tender market. Fusing more than five decades of grand-prix carbon mastery and naval architecture, with award-winning 48V electric jet marine technology, MC-ZERO brings together high-performance DNA with sustainable energy-focused power to engineer the next generation of electric yacht tenders.
Created to solve the real-world frustrations of yacht ownership, the MC-ZERO 450 features a rigid carbon hull and world-first and patent pending “moveable helm” to give boaters back the versatility of increased deck space, to provide a stable and spacious platform that offers 40 percent more internal volume than a traditional RIB. The 450’s modular deck is enabled by fly-by-wire technology to transform the vessel from a guest shuttle to complete gear-hauler in minutes, making the flagship the ultimate SUV of the sea. Twin electric jets allow full redundancy if needed which is ideal for large vessels cruising in remote locations.
Maximizing space with smart functionality is the core premise of MC-ZERO tenders. At the bow, the 450 features electric drop-down steps to provide a stable access point for passengers stepping on or off the boat. Integrated into the bow and operated electronically, the system allows smooth deployment when needed and maintains the boat’s clean profile when closed, resulting in a safer, more controlled transition between boat and shore – particularly useful when landing guests, loading gear, or operating in shallow water. At the stern, a fully actuating electric transom deploys smoothly at the push of a button, extending the deck and creating a wide, stable platform. Whether used for swimming, boarding, or simply enjoying time closer to the sea, it adds both adaptability and comfort while keeping the operation effortless and in line with the boat’s all-electric philosophy.
Propelled by twin 30kW (equivalent 80HP) ZeroJet electric drives, the 450 delivers smooth, immediate power without the complexity, noise, exhaust or maintenance of combustion engines. Powered by the latest and safest 48V SAFIERY 32.4kWh solid-state battery system, the setup provides quiet, clean propulsion, designed specifically for modern yacht tenders. Measuring just under 15 feet, with a 6.6-foot beam, the MC-ZERO 450 weighs just 1,829 lbs. With a capacity of 8-9 passengers or 1,433 lbs it can reach a top speed of 25 knots.
“The MC-ZERO 450 serves as a benchmark in tenders,” says Chris Baird, CEO of MC-ZERO. “Traditional vessels are restricted by fixed layouts and protruding engine boxes. We’ve engineered the 450 from a clean sheet to remove these legacy compromises, allowing the boat to adapt to the user, rather than the other way around.”
For more information on MC-ZERO, please visit mc-zerotenders.com.