Highfield Velox 420: New Jet-Powered 14-Foot RIB from Highfield Boats

Highfield Boats, the Michigan-based builder known for its rugged rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), has unveiled the Velox 420, a new jet-powered recreational model designed for day trips, watersports and use as a yacht tender. The 14-foot RIB features an aluminum hull and was developed in collaboration with BRP, the Canadian manufacturer of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and personal watercraft. The Velox 420 is equipped with BRP’s Rotax jet propulsion system and positions itself as a versatile, affordable option in the small RIB market.

Design and Collaboration

The Velox 420 is the result of a cooperative design and engineering effort between Highfield Boats and BRP. Combining Highfield’s experience in building durable RIB hulls with BRP’s propulsion know-how, the model aims to deliver a compact craft that meets the needs of modern recreational boaters. The aluminum hull provides a balance of strength and weight, while the inflatable collar contributes to stability and buoyancy—attributes that RIB owners often seek for both family outings and utility work around larger yachts.

Propulsion and Performance

The inaugural Velox 420 is offered with a 90-horsepower Rotax 903 ACE engine paired with a Rotax jet drive and a catalytic (CAT) exhaust system. With that configuration, Highfield reports a top speed of 33 knots. Jet propulsion brings a set of advantages appealing to many operators: it eliminates an exposed propeller, can improve maneuverability in shallow water, and often reduces the risk of entanglement with debris or sea grass. These characteristics make a jet-driven RIB attractive for watersports, beaching and close-quarters handling alongside larger vessels.

Features and Options

Highfield positions the Velox 420 as a flexible platform that buyers can tailor to their needs. Owners can choose from several optional upgrades to enhance comfort and functionality, including a sound system for leisure outings, a roll bar for added mounting points and protection, and a Bimini top for shade. The model is available in four color options, allowing purchasers to match the boat to personal taste or to the aesthetic of a mother ship when used as a tender.

Value and Market Position

Pricing for the Velox 420 is set to be competitive. Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats USA, emphasized affordability as a key objective: “We designed the Highfield Velox for a new generation of boaters,” he 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, plus transport and prep.” This price point, combined with the durability of an aluminum hull and the safety features of a jet drive, is intended to appeal to buyers seeking a compact, capable craft without premium-level cost.

Availability and Series Plans

Initial deliveries of the Velox 420 are scheduled for spring 2024. Highfield has indicated that this model will be the first in a new series of jet-powered RIBs, signaling a broader push into jet-drive platforms. As the market for small, versatile recreational boats continues to evolve, Highfield’s collaboration with BRP places the company among manufacturers offering modern propulsion alternatives and entry-level pricing for new boaters and experienced owners alike.

Who the Velox 420 Serves

The Velox 420 targets a range of potential owners: weekend recreational boaters who want a compact, easy-to-handle craft; watersports enthusiasts looking for a stable platform for wake activities; and yacht owners in need of an agile, low-maintenance tender. Its modest footprint makes it suitable for trailering and storage, while the jet drive and inflatable collar broaden its utility in varied operating conditions.

With the combination of Highfield’s hull construction, BRP’s propulsion expertise, and an entry-level price point, the Velox 420 aims to offer a practical, fun and modern option for anyone searching for a small jet-powered RIB.