Absolute Customization: NextWave's NexTender Lets You Do Whatever You Want With It

The name NextWave may mean very little to you, and that's okay, but by the time we're done with this written composition about their newest venture, you, too, could be seeking out their expertise. However, you'll need to head over to Hong Kong to get your hands on a NexTender, the vessel we see in the image gallery.

Yes, the NexTender is, as you would expect from its name, nothing more than a tender. If this term is new to you, a tender is typically a smaller vessel that accompanies large superyachts and is used for surveilling, short-range transport, and even entertainment purposes. Well, the NexTender does all that and so much more, even though its looks would lead you to believe that this is a rather barren boat; looks can be deceiving.

For example, NextWave created a tender that's a bit different from others the industry is used to in that it's highly modular due to a deck that's absolutely covered in mounting holes. It's this feature alone that allows future owners to modify their experience to better suit the needs of the day. The only part of the boat that can't be shifted around is the center console.

Sure, it may not seem like a big deal, but imagine owning a NexTender and one day, you're out there using it for fishing, and the next, you take out all your outrigger rod holders and replace them with features like umbrellas and tables, and lounges for relaxing.

Does someone own some wakeboards or water skis? You can bet your bottom dollar this vessel can handle that, too. According to sources, up to two outboard motors can be thrown onto this bugger, so you shouldn't have any trouble staying afloat on a board, maybe even pop in a trick or two. Just don't expect any Red Bull-level stuff.

Part two of the NexTender's magic is all about how the hull interacts with the world around you. As you've probably noticed by now, each side of the hull features two drop-down platforms that make it look like the NexTender is opening its arms to all those on board.

Not only does this feature let guests move more freely around the ship, but it can also be used as a diving platform into the surrounding waters, a space where you can lay down and catch some rays, or be used to expand your floating playground with the presence of an inflatable island or platforms.

If you want to take things even further, grab a few inflatable decks and connect them behind the NexTender in a U shape from one platform to the other. Think about the sort of summer weekends or vacations you can access with this little "barren" boat. I'd call it 28 feet (8.5 m) of absolute customization.

As for a few other features we need to be aware of, nearly every inch of this boat's deck is covered with non-slip flooring, and countless cargo hatches can be spotted all over the place, too. But my personal favorite is those rear-facing seats that can be spotted right behind the motor.

The front of the ship includes some magic, too, expressed by a set of stairs that double as seating and even as a place where to dive into or come out of the local waters. In short, every inch of this watercraft can achieve more than it would seem at first. Even that bimini can be removed.

Now, let's say you've fallen in love with one of these vessels, and if that's the case, there's a catch; there's always a catch, but this one kind of depends on the amount of money you have. At this time, the NexTender is only available for charter through NextWave's services, but for the right amount of cash, I'm sure you can figure something out.

Currently, day charters of up to ten guests start at as low as $6,000 but can top $14K. While it's not specified, that price is most likely in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), so $14K is actually $1,792 American (at current exchange rates). We can make this assumption because all the other tours on NextWave's brochure are priced in HKD. Check out the eight-hour Geo Park Tour for $12,000 HKD ($1,535). Then there's the two-hour harbor tour that starts at $575 American.

All that's left to do now is make the phone calls or send out the e-mails, possibly travel to China, and then ship your new NexTender to wherever your superyacht of lifestyle awaits. Or, you can head out to Hong Kong on vacation and take one of those day trips.