Rondal in the motor yacht industry

ULTIMATE RELIABILITY AS A GAME CHANGER

The motor yacht market is fundamentally different from the sailing yacht market. Owners do not compromise on comfort or privacy; their yacht must be a safe haven and a private retreat. Yet the demands on technology and dependability are every bit as high as in the sailing sector. 

As motor yachts of 80 to 90 meters have become the standard and 100-meter yachts are no longer the exception, their scale and complexity bring both new challenges and opportunities. This is where Rondal’s DNA makes the difference. With nearly five decades at the top of the superyacht industry, our promise to motor yacht builders is straightforward: in everything we do, we design for ease of mind.

Transforming trends into opportunities

As Sales Manager Ron Koekenbier explains, one of the strongest shifts in motor yacht design is the move towards outdoor living. Owners increasingly want to spend more time outside, which is why beach clubs and owners’ decks are growing, while traditional interiors are becoming more compact. This trend is shaping the way shipyards and designers approach new builds, demanding larger openings and seamless transitions in the systems that make it possible. Rondal’s custom-engineered windbreaks and sliding doors are the direct answer to this demand. They not only create the open-air lifestyle owners desire, but also ensure safety, durability and perfect integration into the yacht’s overall design. “These features are not just comfort enhancers; they are critical elements of modern motor yacht architecture. That is exactly where Rondal adds value,” says Ron.

Mooring winches: redefining safety and control

One of the biggest surprises for many shipyards has been that the Rondal captive reel winches, originally developed for sailing yachts, also work seamlessly for mooring. With 35 years of experience in captive winch systems for sail handling, we’re now applying that same knowledge to the world of large motor yachts.
“A major advantage is the clean, uninterrupted deck layout. Because it’s a captive system, there’s no need for bollards or mooring lines on deck.” Says Ron. “The result is smooth surfaces and a streamlined profile, just what designers and owners are looking for in today’s motor yachts.”
“Following the delivery of our first mooring winches, we’ve seen growing interest from designers, naval architects and shipyards.” Ron mentioned. “These mooring winches are installed below deck and can be operated via wireless remote control. A single crew member can trim, check, or release each line with precision, without going on deck or touching a line. “It isn’t just aesthetics. It’s a safe way to moor and complies with the new SOLAS requirements for hands-free mooring on vessels over 3,000 GT, introduced in 2024.”

The road ahead

Ron sees big opportunities in windbreaks, sliding doors, mooring winches and standardized hatches for the motor yacht industry. “These are not just addons, they are essential systems that help define the safety, reliability and comfort of a yacht. By working with naval architects and designers from the earliest stages, we can ensure seamless integration and solutions that won’t let you down,” says Ron.
For builders and owners who don’t want to compromise on comfort or performance, the message is clear: Rondal offers more than hardware. We deliver proven systems that do what they’re built to do, year after year.