Say Goodbye to Heavy Tenders: Rover Marine's Battle Boat at Seattle Boat Show
Santa Ana, United States - January 23, 2026 / Rover Marine /
In the Pacific Northwest, the "dinghy" serves as much more than a mere accessory; it is an essential lifeline. It functions as the vehicle for transporting crab pots, the means for grocery runs in challenging harbors, and the landing craft for rugged shorelines. For years, however, PNW boaters have faced a dilemma, having to choose between two inadequate options: cumbersome, fiberglass hard tenders that are difficult to maneuver on a beach, or soft-bottom inflatables that struggle to withstand the choppy waters of Puget Sound.
This January, Rover Marine (exhibiting at Booth North 141 in partnership with POP Board Co.) will make its presence known at the 2026 Seattle Boat Show by introducing a third alternative: The Battle Boat.
"The Battle Boat was specifically designed for environments like this," explains a representative from Rover Marine. "The Puget Sound experiences 12-foot tides and beaches littered with barnacles and sharp rocks. A 300lb fiberglass tender is nearly impossible to drag above the high-tide line without risking injury. If left too low, it risks floating away. The Rover Battle Boat completely alters that scenario."
At Lumen Field Event Center, Booth North 141, Rover Marine will showcase why the "Microskiff" movement is ideally suited for the Salish Sea.
The "Dinghy Drag" is Over: Why Rover Excels in the PNW
The Seattle boating market is distinct. Unlike Florida, where boats remain docked in the water, PNW tenders are frequently transported-whether onto swim steps, beaches, or davits.
1. The "Beach Landing" Advantage Every cruiser visiting the San Juans understands the urgency of a falling tide. Upon arriving at Sucia Island, securing the tender high and dry is crucial.
- The Problem: A conventional hard tender is too heavy to move with ease.
- The Rover Solution: The Rover Battle Boat is considerably lighter than its fiberglass counterpart. Two individuals can effortlessly drag it up a shale beach well above the tide line, ensuring that the vessel remains safe while they enjoy their hike.
2. Tougher Than the Elements The term "inflatable" once implied "delicate." That's no longer the case.
- Military-Grade Skin: Rover boats are constructed with heavy-duty, reinforced PVC meant to withstand impacts against barnacle-laden pilings and rocky shores that would damage gel coats.
- Drop-Stitch Floor: The floor inflates to an incredibly rigid state. This rigidity allows users to stand while casting for salmon or stacking heavy crab traps without experiencing sagging or instability.
3. No Davits? No Problem. Docking in Lake Union and Shilshole can be costly, and extending your vessel's length with davits incurs additional expenses.
- The Stowaway Factor: The Battle Boat conveniently rolls up into a compact bag. For Trawlers or Sailboats lacking extensive davit systems, this feature is revolutionary. It can be stored in a lazarette, on the bow, or even in a car trunk, keeping the swim step unobstructed and the overall length (LOA) minimized.
Strategic Partner: POP Board Co. (The "Base Camp")
Rover Marine will be featured within the POP Board Co. Display (Booth North 141), creating a comprehensive "Adventure Ecosystem" for the PNW boating enthusiast.
While Rover supplies the vehicle for exploration, POP Board Co. offers the base camp.
- The POP Dock Upgrade: Also showcased is the POP Up Dock, an inflatable swim platform extension. For divers and anglers using Rover boats, the POP Dock serves as an ideal staging area. It facilitates gear loading, allows for washing off muddy boots, and provides safe access to the tender from water level, keeping the main vessel clean and dry.
The "Skiff" Capability: More Than Just a Tender
Rover Marine is redefining the perception of a tender as merely a slow shuttle. "In the Sound, currents can be swift," the team emphasizes. "You require a boat that can get on plane and navigate choppy waters." The Battle Boat is engineered for speed. With a rigid transom that accommodates gas or electric outboards, it performs like a sport boat. It slices through the wind-driven chop of the Strait, keeping passengers drier and ensuring faster travel to their destinations.
Why Booth North 141 is the "Tactical Upgrade" Center
The Seattle Boat Show is expansive, but Booth North 141 stands out as the go-to spot for the practical, hands-on boater.
- The "Knock Test": Visitors are encouraged to knock on the hull of a fully inflated Battle Boat. The resulting sound-a solid thud rather than a hollow ping-serves as the best testament to the drop-stitch technology.
- Electric or Gas: The team will be available to discuss motor pairings, from quiet electric outboards for early morning fishing to dependable gas engines for extended tender excursions.
The Venue: Lumen Field Event Center
Rover Marine and POP Board Co. can be found in the East Hall of the Lumen Field Event Center, the warm and dry hub for the show's accessories and trailerable boats.
- Dates: Friday, Jan 30 - Saturday, Feb 7, 2026.
- Location: 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA.
- Booth: North 141 (Look for the POP Board Co. Banners).
Industry Shift: The Rise of the "Microskiff"
The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a rise in "adventure angling"-fishing in shallow bays and estuaries that larger boats cannot access. Rover Marine is at the forefront of this movement. By offering a boat that requires only inches of water to float while providing a stable casting platform, they are unlocking miles of coastline that were previously out of reach for the average boater.
About Rover Marine Rover Marine specializes in creating the most capable portable boats available. By bridging the divide between soft inflatables and hard hulls, Rover's "Battle Boats" cater to explorers who demand a tender that is resilient, fast, and easy to store. They represent the ultimate solution for the "rugged water" boater.
About POP Board Co. The host of Booth North 141, POP Board Co. designs and manufactures premium inflatable docks and paddleboards. They are leaders in "Water Real Estate," assisting boaters in expanding their usable deck space with robust, high-performance inflatable platforms.
Get Rugged at Booth North 141 The waters of Puget Sound do not tolerate subpar equipment. Before embarking on your journey north to the San Juans or Desolation Sound this summer, consider upgrading your tender to one that can withstand the adventure. Visit Rover Marine at Booth North 141 during the Seattle Boat Show and discover why the Battle Boat is the tender that the PNW has been eagerly anticipating.
Contact Information:
Rover Marine
301 W Dyer Road
Santa Ana, CA 92707
United States
McKenna Lanfranco
(844) 207-6837
https://rovermarine.com
