Boat Test: 2026 Highfield ADV9
The ADV9 blends offshore capabilities with the comfort of a weekender.
Courtesy Highfield Boats
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Overview
When Highfield introduced the ADV9 earlier this year, it took a big step toward the future. “We wanted to build a cabin boat,” says Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield USA. “It’s a really good push forward. I think this is the future of RIBs, or it’s one aspect of the evolution.”
Most boaters know the rarity of having a cabin on a recreational RIB, seeing that many are used as tenders to get back and forth from the boat to shore or to get in close to a reef for snorkeling. Even overseas, where people employ larger-size RIBs as their primary boat, open layouts are the norm. Bridging the gap between traditional soft-collar RIBs and open sportboats, the concept of the ADV9 is to provide a crossover that blends offshore capabilities with the comfort of a weekender.
There’s a spacious recessed sun pad on the bow.
Courtesy Highfield Boats
The ORCA Hypalon tubes that surround the deep-V hull give rigidity to the topside while the entire craft delivers a safe environment. An innovative mounting system employed by Highfield allows the tubes to slide on and off, which makes repair or replacement easier compared to other RIBs. And, because this mount sets the tubes higher off the water, the hull has greater efficiency while underway. “Its flare deflects spray, and if you hit a big wave very hard, the tube will bring buoyancy,” Lavigne says. “These boats are not only very comfortable in chop, but they’re also able to bring the boat back up in big waves.” That was evident in the 3-to-4-foot waves we experienced in the ocean outside Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It bounced like any other boat, but the tubes made landings soft, and the hull kept the boat’s focus on directional control. In addition, the tube design is slimmer than traditional sizes (18 inches compared to 21 to 24 inches on RIBs longer than 20 feet) which creates a wider interior beam—nearly 8 feet—for a larger cockpit. The ADV9 also sports a deeper cockpit than other RIBs.
Highfield Boats is known for its aluminum-hulled RIBs, so when it introduced the ADV (Adventure) series with a fiberglass hull, it was big news. “We moved to fiberglass in order to obtain the style we were looking for,” Lavigne says. “The V in the front is very, very steep and very aggressive. It’s going to cut the wave like butter.” Shaping the hull and its rigid GRP deck layout is more easily sculpted in fiberglass than with aluminum, which allows a design for comfort while moving about the deck.
The helm has room for a full complement of optional control systems, such as two Simrad 16-inch multifunction displays and joystick control (with the twin Mercury 300 hp outboard option).
Courtesy Highfield Boats
Interior and Accessories
Comfort is key and the ADV9, with its deeper cockpit, incorporates luxuries not found in a typical RIB, such as aft side gates to access the generous swim platform, a U-shaped dining area, and the newly developed overnight accommodations. Convertible seating in the cockpit allows room to move about, especially for access to the transverse wet bar (with refrigerators, grill, stove, and livewell options). Our test model had the optional fold-up bench seats to port and starboard and attached to the wet bar that open to seat eight comfortably around the high-low folding table. Lower the table and the aft bench backrest to create a huge sun pad. You’ll also find a spacious recessed sun pad on the bow.
Optional fold-up bench seats to port and starboard and attached to the wet bar open to seat eight comfortably around the high-low folding table.
Courtesy Highfield Boats
The large hardtop with a stainless-steel frame keeps all the elements at bay and provides room on top for navigation and communication gear, rocket launchers, and an optional aluminum roof rack to carry adventure-sports equipment. The hardtop’s tempered-glass aft extension over the cockpit allows a more open feel yet protects guests from the elements. An optional sunshade extends that coverage, and for more protection, a full camp-like canopy completely encloses the cockpit, which creates another “room” when using the sun pad as an extra berth.
Under the hardtop’s protection, the helm has room for a full complement of optional control systems, such as two Simrad 16-inch multifunction displays, joystick control (with the twin Mercury 300 hp outboard option), Quick bow thruster, Lenco or Zipwake trim tabs, or Seakeeper Ride controls. The integrated full-height front windshield and side windscreens maximize the helm’s protection.
The cabin is equipped with a full-size berth, concealed head, and a sink.
Courtesy Highfield Boats
Three bolstered helm seats with heating options provide comfort at the helm, and when it’s time to call it a night, a tinted, sliding glass door starboard of the dash leads to an efficient cabin with a full-size berth, concealed head, and a sink. Large, tinted windows on each side with two hatches provide plenty of light, and optional cabin blinds will keep things private. Climate-control features will keep you cool or warm when desired.
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The large hardtop provides room on top for navigation and communication gear, rocket launchers, and an optional aluminum roof rack to carry adventure-sports equipment.
Courtesy Highfield Boats
Engines
We tested the ADV9 with twin 300 hp Mercury Verado V-8 outboards, which best maximizes the hull design and can reach speeds in the 50 mph range, even with the option for twin 250s or a single 450 hp engine. At 6,000 rpm, we hit 52 mph.
Zodiac’s new X10CC is 32 feet in length overall, carries 9 feet, 6 inches of beam and also offers a cabin. Twin 400 hp outboards are its recommended power. The X10CC starts at $254,565 with standard equipment, but without engines.
Seeking a sporty, soft-riding, adventure-boating glimpse of the future? Sea trial Highfield’s ADV9.
How We Tested- Engines: Twin 300 hp Mercury Verado 4.6-liter V-8s
- Drive/Props: Outboard/19″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: NA Water on Board: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 355 lb.
- It has a cabin!
- Elevated collar for improved water deflection and added buoyancy.
- Large, deep, versatile cockpit.
- Slide-on tubes are readily replaceable; can ease storage.
- Wet bar lacks standard amenities.
- No handholds as you make your way forward to the sun pad. Do not occupy this space underway.
Highfield ADV9 Certified Test Results
Boating Magazine
Contact Highfield
Highfield Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; highfieldnorthamerica.com
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