Williams vs IRON: comparison 2026
We pit Williams Jet Tenders against IRON Boats with the usual script: what each builds, with which materials, in which price range and which boater each makes sense for.
Williams
IRON Comparison table
| Williams | IRON | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | Sweden |
| Founded | 2004 | 2019 |
| Specialty | Jet tenders (waterjet propulsion, no propeller) for large yachts | Sporty day boats with a patented rigid perimeter fender (RIB looks without the air) |
| Hull materials | Fibreglass (GRP) | Fibreglass |
| Tubes | Hypalon (CSM) | Patented rigid fender with air chamber (not a classic tube) |
| Size range | 2.8 – 6.25 m | 5 – 8.5 m |
| Price level | €€€€€ — Premium — from ~€30,000 for the smallest model | €€€€ — High — Scandinavian premium |
| Ideal for | Owners of yachts with a garage who want a sporty, safe, luxury tender | Those who want RIB looks and practicality in a sporty day boat without inflatable tubes |
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
IRON, in short
IRON Boats was born in 2019 in Billdal (Sweden) from the Peterson brothers and the Mannerfelt design studio. Its original proposition: replace the RIB's inflatable tube with a patented rigid perimeter fender with an air chamber, inspired by modern naval vessels. The result is a sporty day boat with RIB practicality but none of the tube maintenance. Nearly 1,000 units built already back it up.
Strengths
- Patented rigid perimeter fender: RIB toughness without punctures or tube maintenance
- Design by Mannerfelt studio, a benchmark in fast, efficient hulls
- Scandinavian finish and ergonomics
- Very fuel-efficient hulls
Things to consider
- Young brand (2019), service network still expanding
- Not a 'real' RIB: the fender doesn't provide the buoyancy of an inflatable tube
- Premium price
Our verdict
Choose Williams if you fit its profile: owners of yachts with a garage who want a sporty, safe, luxury tender. Choose IRON if the opposite applies: those who want rib looks and practicality in a sporty day boat without inflatable tubes. And if budget rules, IRON 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 IRON?
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 IRON stands out for patented rigid perimeter fender: rib toughness without punctures or tube maintenance. On price, IRON is usually the more accessible of the two.
Which is cheaper, Williams or IRON?
In general IRON sits at a lower price level (high — scandinavian premium) 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 IRON?
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, IRON or Navisoul model fits best — with numbers, not fluff.
- A comparison tailored to your case
- Reply within 24 working hours
- No obligation
Williams, IRON or another? We can help
We reply within 24 working hours with price, delivery time and customisation options.