Highfield just announced that it will launch two new sport RIBs at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, starting Oct. 26. For the U.S. market, Highfield will introduce the Sport 900, an almost 30-foot company flagship, and the slightly smaller 25-foot Sport 760.
Highfield has been making premium aluminum-hulled RIBs from 10 to 30 feet in China since 2011; they are now sold in 38 countries around the world. The company actually is launching a total of five new models for 2023. They have military-grade, high-tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminum hulls, based on Highfield’s commercial Patrol series, with enhanced stability, seaworthiness and stability.
Until now, Highfield has been targeting smaller RIBs for the U.S. market. But with the introduction of the Sport 900 at Lauderdale, company president Christophe Lavigne said, “We designed their decks to meet the demands of American boaters, with expanded seating and deck space, along with new eating and lounging areas, including built-in sinks and refrigerators in the larger boats.”
The Sport 900 (pictured at top) has a new high-performance hull with a 26-degree deadrise at the transom and welded lifting strakes. A large RIB, it can hold 15 people.
Power comes from two 300-hp outboards, delivering a 60-mph top speed. The helm console has room for two 12-inch MFDs. Standard equipment includes a Sunbrella top, an on-deck galley with a fridge, and a large settee aft with a table.
On the bow, the seating converts to a large sun lounge; another sun pad is aft. The swim platform extends the full width of the transom, and it includes a handheld shower. A fiberglass hard top and sun shade are options.
The Sport 760 is a versatile RIB, serving as a tender or as a platform for day boating or water sports; it can hold ten people. It too has welded lifting strakes, and the top speed is 55 mph with a single 300-hp outboard.
The 760 has a standard roll bar and a helm console that’s large enough for a portable head. The aft cockpit seating area has facing settees and a pedestal table where six adults can dine or enjoy an evening drink. The bow seating area doubles as a sun deck. Read more:
