Onda Boats @ The Cannes Yacht Show
16 May 2019
Greek builder strengthens North American presence
28 July 2022
Center-console sales in the United States for use as dayboats, not just as primary boats, continue to skyrocket in the United States. Additionally, owners are increasingly seeking spiffed-up RIBs. Greece-based Onda sees more opportunities to address these needs, and therefore has partnered with One Marie Group as its exclusive U.S., Canadian, and Mexican sales rep.
Onda dates back to 1962, initially building RIBs for recreational and military use. In more modern times, it’s been collaborating with Sweden-based Mannerfelt Design to bring highly styled, custom tenders to customers worldwide. “We’ve sold a few of our boats in the U.S. for use as superyacht tenders, but we needed an experienced dealer on the ground to unlock the huge potential of the territory for us,” explains George Riginos, Onda’s CEO.
Frits van der Werft is the new Onda brand manager for One Marine Group. He echoes Riginos’ commentary about the United States’ huge potential. “We are excited to introduce an innovative and upcoming brand in the world’s biggest boating market,” he says.
Onda specializes in customizing its RIBs for clients. For instance, the 371GT tender resulted from a request for a crew tender with a berth. The owner and captain of a Turquoise-built megayacht additionally commissioned it for use as a chase boat and day cruiser. Therefore, besides having a berth beneath the sunpad, the tender has seating for 12 guests.
The working relationship with Mannefelt Design lends each of the tenders a sleek Scandinavian aesthetic. Furthermore, it ensures the tenders handle well in varying seas and at high speeds, too, if desired. Finally, since each tender is custom, clients can request limo configurations with skylights, or extra lengths for extra passenger comfort. The website allows customers to configure different models before drawing up a contract.
Onda Boats USA ondaboatsusa.com
