With the ASTender 310, AST from Potsdam is introducing a new size of carbon dinghy. The 3.10 metre long model closes the gap between the 280 and 340 models in the existing series. Buyers can choose between three steering options: Tiller, jockey console or side console.
Folding mirror saves space
AST now offers a folding transom for the 280, 310 and 340 models. This design reduces the overall length when stowing and facilitates handling in narrow tender garages on yachts. According to the manufacturer, the mechanism can be operated quickly and should save time when slipping. The function is particularly aimed at owners with limited storage space on board.
Lightweight carbon construction
All ASTender models are made of carbon in a closed mould construction. The 280 model weighs from 44 kilograms, making it one of the lightest rigid dinghies on the market. The low weight results from the sandwich construction with recycled PET foam as the core material. According to AST, the design should require at least 30 per cent less propulsion power than conventional inflatable boats or jet tenders of the same size. This also makes the boats suitable for electric outboards, which often reach their performance limits in comparable inflatable boats.
Security concept with four chambers
The ASTender series has four separate buoyancy chambers in the hull. Each chamber is sealed watertight. If one chamber is damaged, the other three remain functional. AST claims that this makes the boats practically unsinkable. The tenders comply with CE category C, which is valid for voyages up to wind force 6 and wave heights of up to 2 metres. According to the manufacturer, the AST tenders are the only rigid tenders with this certification in their weight class.
Configuration options
AST estimates the possible combinations of layout, surfaces, drive and accessories at 5.8 billion variants. Buyers determine the gelcoat colour, deck material, seating arrangement and navigation electronics individually. The tenders can be visually customised to match the mother ship. There is a choice of different types of wood for decks, different upholstery and several console designs. There are also no specifications for the motorisation - everything is possible, from small electric outboards to powerful combustion engines.
Production with emission control
AST manufactures in closed moulds with controlled extraction. This process reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds during the curing of the resin. The recycled PET foam in the fuselage core comes from recycled plastic waste. Production aims to minimise waste. The low weight reduces fuel consumption during operation, which is reflected in reduced emissions over the service life.
Technical data
- Certification: CE category C
- ASTender 310: Length 3.10 metres
- Weight: from 44 kilograms
- Material: Carbon sandwich with recycled PET foam
- Buoyancy: Four independent watertight chambers
- Control variants: Tiller, jockey console, side console
- Folding rear-view mirror available for models 280, 310 and 340
Here to the manufacturer!
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
Ole Puls was born in Schleswig in 1999. He quickly swapped the football pitch for the Schlei and grew up sailing a wide variety of dinghies and tall ships. From his grandfather's self-built wooden opti and a Europe to a 49er and an X362 Sport, there was a lot to choose from. After leaving school, Puls decided to train as a boat builder at the high-tech shipyard Knierim Yachtbau in Kiel in 2016. He successfully completed his training in 2020 and stayed at the shipyard as a bachelor. In 2022, he decided not only to build boats, but also to test them. Since then, he has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag in the Test & Technology section of BOOTE magazine. The training he received and the eye for detail and quality of workmanship he acquired help him immensely today. Even though he is a regatta sailor with heart and soul, he feels right at home on motorboats and enjoys separating his professional and private lives and yet combining them. Because we all know one thing: there is simply no better place to be than on the water.
