In Brisbane, Northside Marine has welcomed Highfield boats to its offering, an addition which General Manager, Bill Hull says “makes perfect sense”.

“Highfield fits very well with our other brands, Jeanneau, Stabicraft, Surtees and Stacer. They are very different, being inflatables, and our first foray into RIBS.

“Highfield complements Jeanneau power boat, which are available in models up to 13-metres, so it’s great to be able to offer RIB tenders in house,” he continued.

“There are very few RIB dealers in Brisbane, particularly on the northside. We have watched the RIB market expand over the past few years and decided it was the right time.

“There has been substantial growth in the use of RIBS as a day boat. The jetski market has enjoyed growth of around 29 percent and now, many in that segment are looking enjoy time on the water with more people. RIBS offer a comfortable, ride, they’re stable, safe, wide and accommodate more people.

“The more we looked at Highfield, the more we realised it is a very viable brand that will stand on its own feet. They are very professional and well supported by the factory and locally. They have put a lot of investment and energy into the business and the Highfield website is so informative and has explanation, videos, 3D drawings and the options for every model.

“By the time customers come in to see us, they already know a fair bit about Highfield boats. We have already sold quite a few.”

On Moreton Bay for the start of this year’s Brisbane to Gladstone Race, 7 April, a Highfield 700 was the media vessel used for filming the Race start. Bill said he was impressed with how the aluminium-hulled RIB sliced through the water, despite the choppy conditions.

“On our way to RQYS, we saw three Highfield boats along the Brisbane River, which is very encouraging.”

At this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Northside Marine will have some of its brands on water and their Highfield RIB specialist, Chris Steffens, on hand at the Highfield Boats stand on The Promenade above F Arm.

“We are really looking forward to representing the brand and seeing the response to their new models including the Sport 660 at SCIBS.”