BOATWORLD ST240 Roundtail Tender…
See it, Try it, Buy it at Nestaway Boats

The Boatworld ST240 Roundtail Tender stands out in the market for its innovative narrow transom, which is permanently built-in between the two halves of the stern tubes. This makes it easier to put together than other roundtails – which mostly have fiddly separate motor brackets you have to force into place when half-inflated – and brings the motor weight forwards in the boat (which is safer and more stable when you’re trying to fit it).

However the narrowness of the transom means this roundtail tender retains the main “roundtail tender advantages”:
– easy folding and compact folded dimensions
– loads of internal space for its length

It’s also a relatively efficient displacement hull shape, making it perfect for use in combination with electric outboard motors up to about 1kW. A 500W ePropulsion eLite pushes it along very nicely at 3.5 to 4 knots (7 to 8 kmph), and this is the motor we recommend for most users (unless you need a lot more range/speed).

On the subject of motors, one possible slight disadvantage of this design – not having tube extensions aft of the transom – is that we wouldn’t recommend you use anything more than 3hp (for this or any other roundtail type dinghy). It’s not the kind of boat to show off how big your motor is, nor attempt speed records in!

Under oars, it’s difficult to measure, but we think it feels less “draggy” than wide transom inflatables with tubes that extend further aft. It certainly rows quite nicely one-up.

ST240 Roundtail Tender / Dinghy Construction & Layout

If your previous experience of “roundtails” is limited to those with single layer fabric floors, with or without a few plywood slats – an ancient Avon Redstart perhaps – the Boatworld ST240 Roundtail Tender will be a revelation! We are in the 21st century now, things have moved on… it has a high-pressure dropstitch floor with a slight V at the bow. This is both more efficient through the water, and much more comfortable/reassuring to step down into (the floor isn’t all floppy and wobbly).

Another advantage of the roundtail tender type design is that you get more internal space for a given length. Mainly because the length quoted for dinghies with tubes that extend beyond the transom includes those extensions… but you definitely can’t sit in that area aft of the transom! So even within its compact 2.4m (8ft) overall length, the ST240 Roundtail still has a passenger space measuring 1.75 x 0.61m (roughly 6ft by 2ft), broadly comparable with “conventional” inflatables measuring 2.8m or more.

The 1.35m beam gives plenty of stability, and the tubes increase in diameter to 37cm at the stern for some additional buoyancy aft. Carrying capacity is rated at 280kg or 2 adults and 1 child. Unofficially – and in calm conditions – we’ve had four quite large adults in one of these and it was still fine to motor around in.

Two seats are provided as shown in these pictures. But if there are two or more of you on board we prefer sitting on the side tubes and balancing each other out (making it feel more spacious still). That may or may not be a RCD-compliant suggestion but it is what most people do, once they have a bit of experience. If you’re using the boat one-up, or rowing, you probably do need at least one of the seats (unless you sit on the floor).

What’s Included

The Boatworld ST240 is pretty well-equipped as standard, to include:
– hull with integral mini transom and dropstitch floor (the motor bracket and/or floor inserts are options for some other makes)
– oars and rowlocks (the oars are two-piece, so they fit in the bag)
– stainless steel eyes for towing (ready for you to set up with a proper bridle, if you plan to tow any distance)
– handles at bow, stern, and centrally on the inner side of the tubes (great if you need to carry it on your own when it’s inflated)
– pump
– storage bag
– repair kit

Folded Size?

The size of a folded Boatworld ST240 Roundtail Tender and all accessories, stored in the backpack provided is approx 100x60x30cm, total weight approx 25kg. The hull on its own (ex oars and seats) is about 20kg.

As with all fully-inflatable boats there is some flexibility in that, depending on how you roll it (and how much air you get out!). Ultimately it’s a bundle of rubber so you could end up with something wider but flatter for example. Many customers using these as tenders may choose to store the hull rolled up and tied on deck somewhere, with the oars and pump in a cockpit locker.

Boatworld ST240 Roundtail Tender / Dinghy – Where can I See, Try, BUY?

Stock of the innovative new ST240 Roundtail Tender / Dinghy is available now. The production models have the black logos you see in some of the more recent action photos, not the blue/yellow logo you see in others.

In case you hadn’t gathered yet we think this boat is brilliant, so we have an ST240 on display for you to see at our new Boatworld warehouse-showroom in Christchurch, Dorset. Two ST240s in fact, one inflated and one in the bag. Don’t expect a Debenhams-style retail experience though, it is also our workshop!

We are generally open normal weekday business hours, but if you’re making a special journey it’s worth calling first to check… sometimes we’re away at shows, for example.

To discuss further please call/WhatsApp Ian on 07768 600595, or email us on mail@nestawayboats.com