With upwards of 47,000 RIB deliveries since 2011, Highfield Boats has carved a leadership position especially in the American market. While its outboard-powered models sell well, it wanted to add a waterjet series. In collaboration with BRP, it now has one, the Highfield Velox RIB.
The first deliveries are in production, too, set for their owners this spring. The inaugural model is the Velox 420, 14 feet (4.3 meters) long. BRP’s 90-hp Rotax 903 ACE engine should permit the RIB to hit 38 mph. Waterskiiers, wakeboarders, and towable toy fans will be thrilled with that performance. The BRP Rotax engine has proven its abilities with a variety of tender and watertoy brands over the years, too. “When we met to discuss Highfield’s interest in getting into the recreational jet-boat market, we knew the Rotax 903 engine would be a perfect solution,” says Paul Blouin, BRP’s sales director and general manager for marine and Latin America.
Buyers seeking a sporty, dependable RIB for shuttling friends and family to and from shore will be happy with the package as well. Furthermore, “owners can add fun options like a sound system, roll bar, and bimini top,” Christophe Lavigne, Highfield Boats USA’s president, points out.
Design, engineering, and prototype development all took place on U.S. shores. Additionally, assembly for each Velox 420, available in four colors, takes place in a new facility in Michigan. The Highfield Velox RIB still follows the construction of the outboard-powered RIBs from the company, of course. Therefore, you’ll find an aluminum hull and rugged tubes. Notably, Lavigne adds, “our main goal was to make it affordable to many other boats in its size range.” The retail price is $35,000, excluding transport and prep.
If Highfield Boats is new to you, it not only supplies RIBs for recreational use, but also for high-profile yachting events. For instance, the Vendee Globe, Extreme Sailing Series, and ORC Championships have all used its boats. So, too, have the Invictus Games and Pan Am Games.
Highfield Boats highfieldboats.com
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