Highfield Boats collaborates with BRP to launch the new Velox 420 Aluminum-Hull RIB with Rotax Jet Propulsion
Mar 5, 2024
Highfield Boats, the leading supplier of rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) in America, announced the launch of its all-new recreational jet boat series, Velox, during a well-attended press conference at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show. Designed and engineered in collaboration with BRP, Highfield Velox RIBs feature Highfield’s signature aluminum hull and heavy-duty tubes along with BRP’s award-winning Rotax® jet propulsion system.
The first model to launch in the series, the 14-foot Velox 420 with 90hp Rotax 903 ACE engine and CAT exhaust, is capable of speeds of up to 38 mph, making it a sporty watersports tow boat as well as a safe and dependable tender. Available in four colors, the Velox 420 already is in production with the first deliveries scheduled for this spring.
“The new Velox 420 is part of Highfield Boats’ ongoing initiative to work with forward-thinking engine manufacturers to create exciting new RIB models. Our goal is to expand Highfield’s operation and product offerings in North America in response to our growing market share here. The Velox was designed, engineered, and prototyped here and the boats are being assembled in our new Highfield facility in Cadillac, Michigan,” said Christophe Lavigne, president, Highfield Boats USA.
“We’ve had a very close collaboration with Christophe and his team on the Velox. 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. The Rotax 903, 90hp jet propulsion engine provides high level performance at an affordable price,” said Paul Blouin, BRP sales director & general manager, marine and LATAM (Canada).
“We designed the Highfield Velox for a new generation of boaters,” Lavigne said. “Owners can add fun options like a sound system, roll bar and Bimini top, but our main goal was to make it affordable compared to many other boats in its size range. The Highfield Velox 420 has a retail price of just $35,000 USD, plus transport and prep.”
