Custom Highfield Patrol RHIB observing surfers – Credit: Highfield

Aug 19, 2025

By Mathew Channer

There are many different reasons to go boating, but those seeking adventure are now leaning more toward Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). Highfield Boats aren’t just a key player in North America’s RHIB market, they’re one of its driving forces, one that embodies the spirit of marine adventure.

While RHIBs have not historically been widely used for recreational boating in North America, that is rapidly changing. Recent economic uncertainty has helped shift an already evolving attitude toward the recreational use of RHIBs in Canada and the US. Today’s rigid inflatable market is looking strong, and Highfield Boats is among its oldest and most established contributors.  

Highfield has served the private yacht industry for a long time, building boats to a very high standard for conditions that often extend far beyond average recreational use.

“We have customers that do everything from spearfishing to living on their boats full-time to arctic expeditions with a Highfield,” said Highfield Boats General Manager of Canada Jamie Small.

“Our boats are used in conditions that most people wouldn’t go out in, and it puts our products to the extreme test. And what we learn there translates down to the average customer. If it can survive what these guys put them through, we know the recreational user is going to be very happy.”

Beyond building high quality vessels, Small says he believes part of his and his company’s role is to protect the buyer. According to Small, one of Highfield’s biggest benefits to consumers is accountability, choosing a brand that has been around for decades and that knows how to, and always will, provide support. And with an influx of new companies hitting the market and a constantly shifting global supply chain, accountability and a company-managed global part supply chain is something Small encourages boat owners to prioritize.

“When you’re spending thousands of dollars on a product, you should do some research, find out how long the dealer has been around, and decide based on the whole picture.”

This is perhaps most critical when it comes to rigging new boats, where seller experience can make a big difference in what the customer gets and how much they are able to enjoy it.

“Our dealers have 30 and 40 years of experience doing that,” Small says. “And that can be the difference between a boat that runs great and a boat that doesn’t.”

“That’s why we’re selective about our dealers—we only have about a dozen locations in Canada [plus 86 in the U.S.]. We want people that know the product, so if you ever have an issue, they have the answers.”

Even with only a limited number of dealers, Canadians can shop in person for a Highfield on both coasts and in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.  

“All our engineers, dealers and distributors all have a voice, and that all leads to how our products evolve,” Small said. “Having a company like that that makes decisions as a group is refreshing.”

Standby for exciting announcements from Highfield Boats following their upcoming North American dealer meeting in September.

Check out some of the latest Highfield Boats adventures on their website.