RIB Builder Highfield Boats Booming

Coming off the fall boat shows, Highfield Boats, the world’s leading aluminum-hull RIB manufacturer, reports it has expanded its already dominant share of the American RIB market to nearly 30 percent and continues to grow its network of U.S. dealer partners. Now, Highfield is headed to Orlando for 2024 Dealer Week, the MRAA Conference and Expo, December 8-11.

Expanding Product Range

“Nationwide, research shows that at least 16 percent of boat dealers are searching for alternative product and brands. Our goal has been to expand far beyond the tender market to give dealers a range of innovative, durable and affordable new RIB models to meet their customers’ needs and fulfill their dreams – including medium-sized center console outboard-powered RIBs, jet-powered RIBS, and RIBS with cutting-edge electric propulsion,” said Christophe Lavigne, President, Highfield Boats USA.

So far, this strategy has paid off, he continued. “We maintained our 2023 sales levels, and at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and Annapolis Sailboat Show, increased revenue and gained market share for Highfield, all despite a depressed domestic boating market.”

The Versatile Highfield Velox 420

In 2024, Highfield Boats improved on its line of consumer and professional RIBS ranging from 6’ to 30’, enhancing both comfort and utility, and introduced electric-powered RIBs developed in partnership with Flux Marine, Ilmor and Zero Jet. The brand also launched the new Velox 420 powered by the proven 90-hp BRP Rotax jet drive. “The new Highfield Velox 420 is completely sold out as of this date and we are selling bookings now into spring delivery,” Lavigne said.

In addition, this year Highfield launched U.S. production of its boats at its facility in Cadillac, Michigan.

Rapidly Growing Dealer Network

In 2024 Highfield Boats has already added 15 new dealer partners to its U.S. network, plus the latest addition being Sea Native Boat Sales in Key West, Florida. Located in the Perry Marina on Stock Island, Sea Native Boat Sales is a sister business to the successful Sail Away catamaran sales and charter business.

“Almost every one of the catamarans we sell has a tender, so this was a natural progression for our business to move in. We have always seen the smaller RIBS as essential to the cruising lifestyle, but we now realize that RIBS are ideal vessels no matter what your boating interest may be,” said Sea-Native’s Amy Michaud. “Highfield is a very well-respected brand known worldwide for its quality RIBS. The range of sizes, models and propulsion options Highfield offers means it has a RIB for every need.”

See Highfield at Dealer Week

If you are attending the 2024 Dealer Week in Orlando, be sure to stop by the Highfield Boats Booth, #493.

For more information, contact Michael Carroll, Marketing, Highfield USA