Hit the throttles, and Highfield’s Sport 800 goes zero to 30 mph in 4.9 seconds. In fact, at 30, 35 or even 45 mph, the boat will firmly push you back into the leaning post when you lay on the gas. Do hold on.
Rigid inflatable boats—RIBs—such as the Sport 800 are up to 50 percent lighter than similar-size conventional boats. This superior horsepower-to-weight ratio is made even better in Highfield’s case because its aluminum hulls weigh even less. This is why the Sport 800 accelerates and attains the speeds that it does.
The helm is protected from the elements. Courtesy Highfield BoatsHandling matches the speed and acceleration. With the wheel locked over, even approaching 50 mph, the boat never let go, tracking around sharper, and with more G-force, frankly, than any normal boating scenario you are likely to encounter. In more-sedate maneuvers, it’s a joy responding and recovering instantly to input at the wheel, trim and throttle. The Sport 800 delivers a slam- and bam-free experience in chop.
The Sport 800’s hull is narrow, with deep deadrise, more so in both respects than a conventional boat’s hull. This accounts for the smooth ride. Furthermore, the tube provides stability, and, when the boat comes off a wave, it attenuates vibration.
The bow offers a sun lounge and a console seat. Courtesy Highfield Boats Interior and AccessoriesThe layout and features should please those in the market for a center-console dayboat. Certainly, one can fish or dive from this rugged, seaworthy performer. Two swim platforms with boarding ladders, plus a transom shower and ski pylon, serve for watersports. The aft lounge converts to a sun pad, and a cockpit table and a standard drawer-style refrigerator ensure entertaining prowess. In the bow, find a sun lounge and a console seat. The T-top provides weather protection, and a concealed anchor windlass hauls the hook.
Wiring is tidy and secure throughout. Courtesy Highfield BoatsWe noted many indicators of a quality build aboard the Highfield Sport 800. For instance, there’s a drip edge molded into the console to keep gear from sliding off. Hatches are finished on the underside, their hinges through-bolted, and gear stowed within kept dry by deep gutters. Wiring is tidy and secure.
A cockpit table and a standard drawer-style refrigerator ensure entertaining prowess. Courtesy Highfield BoatsRunning a RIB such as the Highfield Sport 800 is a different experience than running a conventional boat. Book a demo ride and see for yourself.
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The aft lounge converts to a sun pad. Courtesy Highfield Boats How We TestedCheck Brig’s Eagle 8 ($153,450; single Suzuki DF350 with contra-rotating props). It’s a single-engine boat, whereas the Highfield can use single or twin power. Its large console houses a head.
Pricing and Specs Price:$138,044 (with test power; excludes freight and prep)LOA:26’8″Beam:9’6″Draft (max):2’11”Displacement (approx.):2,469 lb.Transom Deadrise:26 degreesBridge Clearance:9’2″Fuel Capacity:66 gal.Max Horsepower:400Available Power:Single or twin outboards to 400 hp total Speed, Efficiency, Operation Highfield Sport 800 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine Contact HighfieldHighfield Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; highfieldnorthamerica.com
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