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Highfield ADV7: Rigid Inflatable As Dayboat

The first fiberglass boat made by Highfield blends the protective collar of an inflatable with the high freeboard, performance, and interior space of a fiberglass boat.

Man and woman wearing orange rain jackets aboard a silver and black fiberglass boat on the water.

his 23-foot Highfield ADV7 is marketed as a RIB fiberglass crossover dayboat. Photos courtesy, Highfield

Highfield ADV7

In Europe, rigid inflatable boats are considered a dayboat, while here in the States, we think of RIBs as dinghies or tenders for larger boats. Highfield aims to change that with its 23-foot ADV7, a RIB “fiberglass crossover” dayboat aimed at the next generation of American boaters. The “ADV” stands for “adventure,” and that’s what Highfield has in mind with this utilitarian craft with high freeboard and a heavy-duty roll bar with integrated tow point. But the ADV7 has comforts, too, with optional cockpit table, full electric head, and kitchenette with fridge. The Hypalon tubes come with a 10-year warranty, and the whole rig comes in at 2,700 pounds, making for easy towing.

Standout Features

  • Wrap-around windshield
  • Kitchenette behind leaning post
  • Console-controlled electric windlass
Adult male and adult female sitting on a orange filler cushion on the bow of a boat out on the water.

Filler cushions can turn both the bow area and the entire cockpit into sundecks. A standard T-top and sunshade offer protection from the elements.
A narrow collar tube sits high above the water, leaving the performance aspects of the boat to the fiberglass hull. The design enables about 75% of its beam to be available for seating — nearly a foot more than a standard RIB the same length.

View from behind a silver boat on the water showcasing a fiberglass hull and large motor.

Helm on a vessel at dusk showcasing lit twin displays and a bucket seat.

The ergonomically designed helm has room for twin displays, Fusion stereo unit, and Scanstrut phone chargers. The helm bucket seats have flip up bolsters to offer excellent visibility through the wraparound glass screen.
A standard anchor windlass makes dropping the hook from the helm a breeze.

Up-close view of a stainless steel anchor above water in the background.

View of an orange and silver cupholder vessel RIB.

Cupholders on a RIB? You’ll find 6 of them on the Highfield ADV7.

Main Specs

Length: 
22 11” 
Beam: 8 9” 
Draft 16” 
Engine 1 x 250 hp (max) 
Fuel Capacity 71 gallons
Capacity 8
Price Starts at: $126,000 with a 200-hp Suzuki
Learn More

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Author

Kelsey Bonham Bailey

Associate Editor, BoatUS Magazine

Kelsey is an associate editor and writer for BoatU.S. Magazine, covering everything from the environment to tech news, new media to personality profiles. A lifelong sailor, at 20 she refit her own boat top to bottom, then skippered the 30-footer down the ICW. She’s been a professional crew and instructor on boats up to 100 feet, written for several other boating magazines, and earned her 25-ton Master’s license in 2024.