Highfield Boats: A Comprehensive Guide to Models and Performance
Highfield Boats is a renowned manufacturer of aluminum rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and tenders, earning its position as the world's number one company in its industry. Established to address the increasing demand for high-quality aluminum hull boats, Highfield has successfully designed and built a wide range of models to cater to various customer needs.
The company's diverse product lineup includes roll-up boats, ultralite boats, classic boats, and even commercial quality patrol boats. Each Highfield boat is meticulously crafted using the finest materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure durability, safety, and top-notch performance. Consequently, Highfield has gained a loyal following among boating enthusiasts and professionals, who appreciate the brand's commitment to quality and innovation.
Highfield's global presence is further strengthened by their network of dealers across different countries, making these aluminum RIBs and tenders easily accessible for people all over the world. The company's dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction continues to drive its success and growth in the boating industry.
Boat Models
Classic Series
The Classic Series from Highfield Boats is set to provide a great blend of performance and durability. These boats come with a range of features that help them tackle various boating situations and environments. Some key models in this series include:
- Classic 260
- Classic 290
- Classic 340
These boats are designed for day cruising and have spacious decks, excellent maneuverability, and a smooth performance.
Sport Series
The Sport Series from Highfield Boats is designed to redefine the concept of sport RIBs. With an array of models to choose from, such as the Sport 390, Sport 460, and Sport 560, these boats are perfect for an adrenaline-packed boating experience. They come equipped with heavy-duty hulls, high-performance engines, and the latest in boating technology.
Some noteworthy features for these models include:
- A 24-degree deadrise hull for a smooth ride
- Built-in under-deck fuel tank capacities
- High horsepower ratings, up to 115hp for the Sport 560
Patrol Series
Highfield Boats' Patrol Series is designed for professional usage and is built with durability and functionality in mind. The models in this series can tackle rough water conditions, provide a reliable performance, and handle heavy loads.
The Patrol boats come with various customization options, allowing them to be tailored for specific uses like coast guard operations, rescue missions, and military or commercial purposes.
Tender Series
The Tender Series from Highfield, including the Ultralite models, is designed to provide lightweight and easy-to-handle options for boating enthusiasts. These boats are ideal for couples or individuals with light loads, making them perfect for short trips and transfers to larger vessels. One popular model in this series is the Ultralite 240LT.
Key features of the Tender Series boats include:
- Lightweight construction
- Large tube diameters for stability and buoyancy
- Compact size, making them easy to store on deck or tow behind larger vessels
Performance and Features
Highfield Boats is the world's leading manufacturer of aluminum rigid inflatable boats (RIB) and tenders. Known for their durability and reliability, Highfield boats are designed with performance and functionality at the forefront of their philosophy.
One of the notable features of Highfield boats is their heavy-duty hull construction. For example, the Sport 560 model combines an aluminum deep-V hull with welded lift strakes, ensuring a smooth and stable ride even in rough water conditions. This design element also extends to other models, such as the Sport 330, which boasts a 20-degree hull for an enhanced performance.
When it comes to performance, Highfield RIBs are known for their shallow draft, which allows them to navigate through shallow waters with ease. This feature is particularly useful for boaters who frequent areas with shallow waterways, such as lakes or near shorelines.
In addition to their shallow draft, Highfield boats typically have a narrow beam, which contributes to their stability and maneuverability. This design aspect is particularly handy when navigating through tight spaces, providing boaters with the confidence to explore even the most challenging waterways.
Some of the standard features found in Highfield boats include:
- Lifting points for easy handling
- Excellent weight distribution for stability
- Internal fuel tanks for a clutter-free deck area
- Ergonomic layouts, providing ample space for passengers and storage
Furthermore, Highfield boats cater to various boating requirements, with models suitable for use as yacht tenders, family day boats, or even small runabouts. For instance, the SPORT 360 model is an excellent choice for those looking for a functional yet luxurious tender or a small boat to transport passengers to and from shorelines.
In summary, Highfield boats offer a wide range of performance and features, ensuring that boaters can find the perfect RIB to suit their needs. With a focus on durability, reliability, and functionality, Highfield Boats continues to set the benchmark for aluminum rigid inflatable boats in the industry.
Highfield Connect
Highfield Connect is a platform provided by Highfield Boats, the world's #1 manufacturer of Aluminum Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB) and tenders. This platform serves as a hub for Highfield Boats owners, prospective buyers, and enthusiasts to access relevant information, resources, and updates related to their boats and the company's offerings.
Highfield Connect delivers several benefits, including:
- Access to the latest product news and updates
- Exclusive content such as videos and articles
- A platform to connect with Highfield Boats representatives and other Highfield Boats owners
- Periodic newsletters featuring valuable information on boat maintenance, safety, and more
The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and find the information you need. Highfield Connect also offers customization features that allow you to personalize your experience on the platform, tailoring it to your specific needs and preferences.
Highfield Boats is committed to providing exceptional support to its customers, and Highfield Connect is just one of the many tools available to accomplish that goal. By signing up and participating in Highfield Connect, you can ensure that you stay informed and make the most of your Highfield boat experience.
Boat Hull Types
Highfield Boats are known for their aluminum rigid inflatable boats (RIB) and tenders, which offer versatility, durability, and performance. The hull design plays a crucial role in achieving these characteristics. In this section, we'll discuss various boat hull types and explore their relevance to Highfield's offerings.
There are several common boat hull types, including:
- Round-bottomed hulls: These are found in sailboats and handle well in rough water.
- Flat-bottomed hulls: Typical of fishing boats, these hulls are very stable in calm, inland waters.
- Multihulls: Catamarans utilize this design for its stability and buoyancy.
- V-Shaped Hulls: Powerboats often feature these hulls, which are fast and comfortable in choppy conditions.
- Pontoon hulls: Known for their speed and stability, these hulls are found in pontoon boats source.
Highfield's RIBs and tenders fall under the category of inflatable boats. Inflatable boats include a range of designs, such as roll-up and rigid hull variations. Roll-up inflatable boats typically have a soft, flexible material, which can be rolled up or folded for easy storage, while rigid hull inflatables have a solid hull, usually made of aluminum or fiberglass source.
Highfield offers roll-up boats with lengths ranging from 2 to 3.2 meters (approximately 7 to 10.5 feet), allowing for easy transportation and storage source. These boats typically have a flat-bottomed hull design, providing stability for various activities on calm waters.
In conclusion, Highfield Boats focus on rigid inflatable boats with various hull designs to suit different purposes and environments. Their roll-up boats offer convenience and versatility, making them a popular choice for users who value portability and ease of storage.
Propulsion Systems
Highfield Boats offers a variety of propulsion systems for their rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and tenders. One of the key propulsion options available is the outboard motor. Outboard motors are gas-powered engines mounted externally at the rear of the boat, providing convenient access for maintenance and repairs.
Recently, Highfield Boats unveiled its first electric jet propulsion tender at Boot Düsseldorf, called the 3.4m Classic 340 E. This tender is powered by an electric jet propulsion system developed by ZeroJet, a specialist in electric jet systems based in New Zealand. The partnership between Highfield Boats and ZeroJet aims to combine the performance and strength of Highfield's boats with the efficient and powerful electric system of ZeroJet.
Another option for Highfield Boats' customers seeking electric propulsion is the ePropulsion systems. ePropulsion, a global leader in marine electric propulsion systems and services, has been selected to power Highfield Boats' 3.4m Classic 340 E tender.
Here is a comparison of the propulsion systems offered by Highfield Boats:
| Type | Power Source | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Outboard | Gasoline | Quick acceleration, easy maintenance, and repair | Noise, pollution, fuel costs |
| Electric Jet Propulsion | Battery | Quiet, zero-emissions, efficient | Limited range, higher initial cost |
| Electric ePropulsion | Battery | Clean energy, reduced noise, low maintenance | Limited range, higher initial cost |
It is important for boat owners to consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a propulsion system. Factors such as range, noise level, environmental impact, and maintenance should be weighed against the initial costs and performance expectations. Highfield Boats provides options for both traditional gas outboard motors and more sustainable electric alternatives, catering to a wide range of customer requirements.
Pricing and Dealers
Highfield Boats is a leading manufacturer of aluminum rigid inflatable boats (RIB) and tenders. Their boats come in various sizes and models, catering to different needs and budgets.
When it comes to pricing, Highfield boats are available in a wide range of prices. For instance, on YachtWorld, Highfield boats are offered from $2,560 up to $137,201, depending on the specific model and features. A more detailed examination of boat prices can be found on boats.com, where they have listed boats like the Highfield Patrol 760 for $124,999 and the Highfield 800 Sport for $116,356, among others.
To find local Highfield boat dealers, the Dealers Locator on the Highfield Boats website can be helpful. It allows you to search for dealers in various countries, including the United States. In addition, Highfield Boats has a dedicated North American website which offers a Find a Dealer feature to easily identify dealers in the United States and Canada.
Highfield Boats has built a strong global network of dealers, ensuring that potential buyers have access to their products and services. For customers in the United States, Highfield Boats has numerous dealers across various states. By utilizing the search tools provided by Highfield, prospective buyers can locate the nearest dealer to explore their desired boat models, get detailed pricing information, and ultimately make a well-informed purchase decision.
International Presence
Highfield Boats is a world leader in aluminum rigid inflatable hull boats (RIBs), with a strong international presence. Since its inception in 2011, the company has delivered more than 37,700 RIBs globally1. The wide range of Highfield boats covers tenders measuring 2.4 meters to larger boats in the 5-meter-plus sector, catering to diverse market needs.
In recent years, Highfield has focused on expanding its footprint in the United States. The appointment of Christophe Lavigne as President of Highfield USA2 demonstrates the company's commitment to accelerating international development. Moreover, in 2021, Highfield Boats launched a new website specifically designed for the North American market3, showcasing their dedication to reach and serve customers in the region.
Highfield Boats has an extensive network of dealers in countries such as:
- United States
- Croatia
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- France4
The dealer network plays a crucial role in maintaining Highfield's international presence, ensuring that customers receive timely and personalized service.
As Highfield Boats continues to grow, it is evident that their passion for providing quality aluminum RIBs and tenders is not just limited to one region but shared across the global boating community.
Footnotes
Popular Activities
Highfield Boats is a top manufacturer of aluminum rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and tenders, known worldwide for their reliability and versatility. With a variety of models available catering to families, yacht clubs, and watersport enthusiasts, there are numerous activities that people can engage in using Highfield boats.
Watersports are an exciting way to maximize the enjoyment of owning a boat. Highfield boats, especially the Sport series, are designed for exceptional performance and maneuverability, making them perfect for waterborne activities such as:
- Wakeboarding
- Waterskiing
- Tubing
- Kneeboarding
Apart from watersports, Highfield boats also excel in other water-based activities. Due to their aluminum construction and innovative design, they can be used for:
- Fishing: The versatile design of Highfield boats enables great adaptability for fishing trips, with ample deck space to accommodate necessary equipment.
- Cruising: The comfortable seating arrangements and smooth performance make these boats perfect for leisurely cruises with friends and family, exploring different waterways.
- Island hopping: The lightweight and durable build of Highfield boats allows for easy transportation between islands, opening up opportunities for adventure and exploration.
- Tendering: Highfield's reputation in the industry as a leading manufacturer for tenders makes them a popular choice among yacht owners. The variety in size and capacity allows for a perfect match with yacht size and intended use.
Highfield constantly introduces new vessels that cater to different needs, enhancing the opportunities for various water activities. Their dedication to quality and innovation makes Highfield boats an excellent choice for those looking to engage in any water-based pursuits.
Conclusion
Highfield Boats is a popular manufacturer of aluminum rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and tenders. They have established themselves as a leading name in the industry since their inception in 2011. Known for their lightweight and versatile designs, Highfield covers a wide range of boat types for various users and activities.
The brand offers different classes of boats such as:
- Roll Up: Small tenders from 2-3.2m, suitable for 2-4 people.
- Ultralite: A series of lightweight boats ranging from 2.4-3.4m, perfect for 3-6 passengers.
- Classic: A line of classic boats with sizes varying from 2.6-4.6m, accommodating 3-9 users.
- Sport: Ranging from 3-8m, these boats cater to sport enthusiasts and families alike.
Highfield boats are designed to meet the needs of recreational users, professional boaters, and commercial operators. With their strong, durable aluminum hulls, Highfield boats can withstand tough marine conditions, making them a reliable choice for long-range cruising, work, and leisure activities. In addition, their high-quality construction ensures safety and longevity, while their innovative designs offer improved performance and comfort.
In summary, Highfield Boats provides a versatile assortment of aluminum rigid inflatable boats catering to various needs and interests. Their prominent presence in the industry and commitment to quality make them an outstanding choice for boaters looking for lightweight, durable, and well-designed RIBs and tenders.