|

Highfield Boats and Carefree Boat Club Announce Strategic Partnership

Highfield and Carefree Partnership

Sept 3, 2024

Club Locations Now Can Diversify Their Fleets with Highfield’s Aluminum-Hulled RIBs

Highfield Boats, North America’s leading Rigid Hull Inflatable (RIB) brand, and Carefree Boat Club, a dominant force in the rapidly expanding boat club segment with more than 145 locations across the U.S. and Canada, are proud to announce they have entered a strategic partnership. Carefree Boat Club locations now have the option of diversifying their fleets with the Highfield Sport 560, 660, and 760 model RIBs, supported by Highfield’s dedicated American team.

Highfield Sport 560
With a commanding 28% market share in the RIB segment, Highfield is poised to expand its product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities both in the U.S. and globally. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the mainstream adoption of RIB boats across North America, enhancing the boating experience for Carefree Boat Club members.

Some of the unique benefits that Highfield RIBs will bring to club members include:

            • Built-in fenders: Club members will appreciate the inherent safety and peace of mind offered by a Highfield RIB’s heavy-duty tubes.

            • Beach-ability: Highfield Boats’ heavy-duty aluminum hulls are rugged enough to withstand pulling up on a sandy beach without damage.

            • Smooth ride: Highfield’s deep-V aluminum hulls and tubes also provide a steady, stable ride in rough water conditions.

            • Expanded passenger capacity: In addition to premium helm and passenger seating, a Highfield RIB offers comfortable seating on its tubes.

            • Water-sports access: Entering the water for snorkeling and diving are easy from a RIB!

“Carefree Boat Club members can now ‘Dare to Explore’ in a Highfield RIB, as part of a broader fleet that includes day cruisers, center consoles, pontoons, and deck boats. Highfield’s innovative designs and commitment to quality, combined with Carefree Boat Club’s extensive reach and expertise, promise to deliver an exciting new chapter for boating enthusiasts across North America,” said Christophe Lavigne, president, Highfield Boats USA.

“Our partnership with Highfield Boats reinforces our commitment to delivering top-tier boating experiences,” said Travis Zielasko of Carefree Boat Club. “Our goal is to help our members create lasting memories on the water with family and friends. The introduction of Highfield RIBs enhances our fleet with a safe, exciting, and reliable new option for our members to enjoy boating without the hassles of boat ownership”

Related Posts




Recreational Marine Industry Applauds Removal of the Luxury Tax on Boats in Budget 2025

NMMA Canada

OTTAWA (November 4, 2025)—Canada’s boating industry applauds Budget 2025’s commitment to remove the devastating luxury tax on boats, a failed tax policy that unfairly punished Canadian manufacturers and workers. When the luxury tax was first implemented in September 2022, Canada’s marine industry leaders were quick to point out the impending losses of middle-class jobs, government tax revenues and sales declines.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Highfield Boats Announces New Escape Fiberglass-Hull Center Console Rib Series

Highfield Boats, America’s leading RIB brand, is proud to announce the launch the Escape Series, an all-new line of fiberglass-hull center console RIBS made in the USA. The first two models in the series, the Highfield Escape 650 and Escape 750, were unveiled during the Highfield Boats Dealer & Media Day Event at the company’s factory in Cadillac, Michigan.

Read More



RAILBLAZA AnchorPoint Phone Holder Ensures Device Safety on the Water

RAILBLAZA, manufacturer of premium quality, user-friendly electronics, fishing and boating mounting systems and accessories, has announced the launch of its AnchorPoint Phone Holder, an adventure-ready mobile device holder built for the harshest environments.

Read More