Adventurer’s choice, Highfield RIBS to wow at SCIBS

Highfield, the world’s leading builder of aluminium-hulled, rigid inflatable boats, will launch the all-new Sport 660 at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, 25 to 28 May.

Highfield Boats’ CEO, Julien Carussi will join Australian National Sales & Marketing Manager, Peter Pembroke in hosting the Australian debut of the Sport 660, a 6.6-metre offshore capable RIB that will form part of the brand’s impressive display spanning 200-square-metres.

With a hull deadrise angle of 26-degrees, integrated fuel tanks, EVA teak flooring and fantastic family-friendly features such as cushioned seating, sundeck, plenty of storage, swim platform with ladder and shower kit, the new model is rated for up to 13 people, the Sport 660 is powered by a 200hp engine with 140 Litre fuel capacity.

Also among the Highfield line-up at SCIBS 2023 will be the popular Sport 560, versatile Patrol 460, and from the Classic range, the 380GT, 360FCT and 340, along with models in the Ultralite and Roll Up ranges.

The centrepiece of the Highfield display will be the customised Patrol 660 built for Youtuber, Nick Fry. The 23-year-old Brisbane outdoor content creator and adventurer produces inspiring clips that present the wonders and extremes of coastal and inland Australia, the ocean, lakes, rivers and reef habitats, capturing the imaginations of his 1.6 million subscribers.

The Patrol 660 was built to Nick’s specific brief as the perfect vessel for his “off the grid” adventures in remote wilderness regions around Australia.

Built to commercial standard, the Patrol 660 will withstand anything nature and its owner can throw at it.

The hull is built from 5083 aluminium plates with 6 and 10mm stringers. With its super deep-V hull with keel guard, wide chines and large diameter tube, it delivers high manoeuvrability, safety and a soft, dry ride, even in the roughest conditions.

“I first came across Highfield when I bought a second-hand 540 on the Gold Coast,” he recounts. “I’d previously owned a tinny and I found RIBS to be very capable and a lot more capacity. You can beach them, they’re durable and the deep-V hull cuts through choppy water.

“I’m sad to see her go, but I’m very happy to replace her with the Patrol 660. It’s my dream adventure boat! It’s a lot bigger, wider non-slip decks and looks awesome on the water. I chose gun-metal grey and charcoal. People stop and tell me how stealth it looks! It’s powered by an F200 Yamaha engine, which is quiet and smooth.

“What I love about this model is there’s plenty of room on board for all my equipment – dive gear, spear fishing, wet suits, camera gear, esky, fridge, swag and eventually, a hammock, so I can overnight on board. We’ve just installed the reinforced T-top, solar panels and fold-out table.”

Nick will be joining Julien, Peter and the Highfield Australia team for SCIBS 2023, and says he’s eager to speak with showgoers about his adventures.

“Since I was 15, my passion has been the great outdoors. I’m so grateful I have the following I do, and the support of Highfield, so I can pursue my passion full-time.”

Since 2011, Highfield has built a reputation for designing and manufacturing sturdy, reliable and durable aluminium-hulled RIBS perfect for the Australian boating environment. Highfield operates world-class facilities in China under French management, using the highest quality Hypalon and PVC tube materials from Mehler and Orca.

Performance and strength are Highfield’s core values. Constructed in powder-coated aluminium, the hulls are dry-riding, seaworthy and highly engineered.

The supplier of choice for RIB tenders used by charter operators, rental fleets and shipyards such as Horizon, Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Outremer and Leopard, Highfield is the support boat of choice for events worldwide, including Vendee Globe, Invictus Games, Pan Am Games, Extreme Sailing Series, ORC Championships, TP52 and the Route Du Rhum.

In 2022, Highfield sold a massive 10,000 boats. With more than 45 distributor countries and a worldwide dealer network, the company is committed to continued investment in R&D, innovations and new models.

With the tagline “Dare to explore” Highfield boats are popular as luxury day boats or reliable inshore and offshore adventure RIBs for fishing, diving, exploration and intrepid liveaboard families.

The Highfield range starts with the versatile Roll Up models as a lightweight portable tender, through to the Ultralite and Classic ranges, which are the perfect tenders for coastal cruising, and at the upper end, the functional Patrol range and new stylish Sports range, the perfect day boat or family runabout.

Highfield CEO, Julien Carussi said SCIBS 2023 will be a major showcase for the brand.

“Australia is a critical market for Highfield, as it’s where our brand originated and from where we continue to take inspiration when designing new models and ranges.

“Sanctuary Cove is also a major event for us globally as it’s the opportunity for us to showcase our new models, seek feedback and input from our local owners, dealers and prospects along with the global awareness the show attracts.”

For more visit highfieldboats.com.au