Rigid inflatable boats have shed their reputation solely as tenders and have gone mainstream. A great example of that is the all-new Highfield Sport 800 rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that offers the same features and luxury as its full-fiberglass counterparts.
The Highfield Sport 800 made its debut at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. It’s the same show where Highfield Boats president Christophe Lavigne announced his company was joining forces with Nuova Jolly rigid inflatable boats to the U.S. market to add to Highfield’s offerings. The Italian-based Nuova Jolly boats for the U.S. market will be built at a new plant in Michigan.
One of the features of the Sport 800 is its aluminum deep V-hull, providing exceptional stability and handling in various sea conditions. The tube design, a trademark of RIBs, adds an extra layer of buoyancy and shock absorption, enhancing the overall safety and comfort of the ride.
The Sport 800 is offered with multiple engine options ranging from high-performance outboards to eco-friendly electric motors, users can customize their boat to suit their preferences and intended use.
“Our new engine partnerships and the investments we are making in sustainable technology will give our dealers and their customers a much wider choice of propulsion packages to equip their Highfield RIBS the way they want them,” said Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats USA in a press release.
The console on the Sport 800 is ergonomically designed, placing controls within easy reach and providing a clear line of sight. Integrated navigation systems and modern digital displays enhance the overall boating experience, and Highfield offers an optional carbon fiber dash. The Sport 800 (26’ 7” LOA, 9’ 8” beam) includes a table, sundeck and a platform with a ladder.
To enhance safety on the 26-foot boat, Highfield has appropriately placed grab handles, non-slip deck surfaces, and full navigation lights.
Highfield’s Sport series has been nine years in the making with the company offering models from 10’ to 26’. The Sport 800 has a 26-degree deadrise and the self-draining deck is standard. Towing eyes can be used to tow the kids around the water.
With a weight of 2,500 pounds, the Sport 800 is easy to tow, launch and recover thanks to its lightweight. Integrated davit lifting eyes will help the crew move the RIB from the ship to the water.
The entire boat comes with a two-year warranty and the hull is backed by a five-year warranty from Highfield.
Learn more at www.highfieldboats.com.