T/T Marie
Herreshoff-inspired Yacht Tender (24 ft)
Desiged by Matthew SmithA Herreshoff classic reborn in power: T/T MARIE fuses timeless styling with a planing hull and push-button systems, delivering 20 knots of vintage grace for a 1930s motoryacht.
The Elegant Strength of Tradition Meets Performance
The owner of a 1930s steel motoryacht commissioned a tender that would both honor the aesthetic legacy of Herreshoff launches and perform at the level expected of a modern, functional yacht tender. T/T MARIE had to look as though she could have been built a century ago—low sheer, graceful overhangs, Herreshoff hardware style—yet function as a high-speed launch capable of planing performance. The owner requested 20+ knots under power to ensure swift transfer from mother ship to shore, even when anchoring offshore.
Engineering, Harmony & Discretion
While the styling cues draw heavily on vintage Herreshoff launches, naval architect Matthew Smith was commissioned to reinterpret those lines for planing performance. He retained key elements—the bow profile, cockpit layout, twin-cockpit massing—but reimagined the underwater sections as a chine hull capable of lift at speed.
To deliver planing with modest power, weight distribution was critical. The 110 hp Yanmar diesel was located to optimize the center of gravity; structural support and sub-frames were reinforced accordingly. A tunnel drive was chosen—not for shallow draft, but to reduce draft and maintain a low deck profile, especially under the surrey top.
Specifications
Features
Details that embody the intention and spirit of the designer