Williams vs Aspen: comparison 2026
We pit Williams Jet Tenders against Aspen Carbon Cat with the usual script: what each builds, with which materials, in which price range and which boater each makes sense for.
Williams 
Aspen Comparison table
| Williams | Aspen | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | United States |
| Founded | 2004 | — |
| Specialty | Jet tenders (waterjet propulsion, no propeller) for large yachts | Ultralight carbon-fibre tenders on a patented catamaran hull |
| Hull materials | Fibreglass (GRP) | Carbon fibre |
| Tubes | Hypalon (CSM) | No inflatable tube (rigid catamaran) |
| Size range | 2.8 – 6.25 m | 3 – 4.5 m |
| Price level | €€€€€ — Premium — from ~€30,000 for the smallest model | €€€€ — High |
| Ideal for | Owners of yachts with a garage who want a sporty, safe, luxury tender | Those who need the lightest possible tender to hoist onto davits or a roof |
Williams, in short
Williams Jet Tenders, founded in Oxfordshire (UK) in 2004, dominates the jet tender niche: tenders propelled by waterjet instead of a propeller. That makes them ideal for a yacht garage (minimal draft, contained length) and for swim areas (no exposed propeller). Standard or optional equipment at yards like Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline. Quality and price at the top of the market.
Strengths
- Jet propulsion: no propeller, maximum safety for swimmers and towed sports
- Minimal draft and compact size for yacht garages
- Luxury finish and sporty performance (Minijet, Turbojet, Sportjet, Dieseljet lines)
- De facto standard on 15 m+ yachts with a garage
Things to consider
- Premium purchase and maintenance costs
- The jet requires specialist servicing
- Less efficient than a propeller at low speed
Aspen, in short
Aspen Carbon Cat builds carbon-fibre tenders in the USA on a patented catamaran hull. The result: extraordinarily light, stable boats with a dry ride even in chop, and no inflatable tubes to maintain. The most exotic option in this comparison, designed for those who hoist the tender and count every kilo.
Strengths
- Carbon fibre: the absolute minimum weight for davits and cabin tops
- Patented catamaran hull: exceptional stability and a dry ride
- No inflatable tubes to maintain or puncture
- Built in the USA
Things to consider
- High price due to the carbon
- No inflatable-tube cushioning when coming alongside
- Very limited distribution in Europe
Our verdict
Choose Williams if you fit its profile: owners of yachts with a garage who want a sporty, safe, luxury tender. Choose Aspen if the opposite applies: those who need the lightest possible tender to hoist onto davits or a roof. And if budget rules, Aspen starts with a price advantage — though it always pays to compare specific models at equivalent specification.
Our practical tip: before deciding between these two, also get a price for an equivalent Navisoul model. With Hypalon available across the range and yard customisation, it often wins the comparison without the brand premium.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Williams or Aspen?
There's no single answer: it depends on use. Williams stands out for jet propulsion: no propeller, maximum safety for swimmers and towed sports, while Aspen stands out for carbon fibre: the absolute minimum weight for davits and cabin tops. On price, Aspen is usually the more accessible of the two.
Which is cheaper, Williams or Aspen?
In general Aspen sits at a lower price level (high) than Williams (premium — from ~€30,000 for the smallest model). The final price always depends on the specific model and configuration.
Are there alternatives to Williams and Aspen?
Yes. At dinguis.com we sell the Navisoul range (Caral Marine) and advise on any boat and brand on the market, as well as analysing them in our comparisons.
We help you decide
Tell us your boat, where you'll stow the tender and your budget, and we'll tell you which specific Williams, Aspen or Navisoul model fits best — with numbers, not fluff.
- A comparison tailored to your case
- Reply within 24 working hours
- No obligation
Williams, Aspen or another? We can help
We reply within 24 working hours with price, delivery time and customisation options.