New Inflatable RIB

T

tmal2

Member
Feb 14, 2009
116
Warwick RI
Boat Info
1989 340EC
Engines
Twin 7.4L Mercruisers with Hurth transmissions
I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a new inflatable RIB. I'm looking to stay under $4000 and looking for something in the 9.5-10 foot range. I've narrowed my search down to the Highfield 290 classic and the Oxxean 290AL. Does anyone have any experience with either of these ribs or have any other suggestions?
I boat in salt water and usually keep the dinghy in the water all season which is May-October. During the off season it will be stored on a trailer and covered. Both of these boats have aluminum hulls and I will be painting the bottom with a copper free paint.
Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions.
 
Under $4K? Not with an outboard if looking for a complete dinghy. Anyhow the Highfield classic series is top in my opinion - I have one.
 
I own two of them a 310 and a 460 sport both hypolon and aluminum hull great boats
 
tmal2 said:
I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a new inflatable RIB. I'm looking to stay under $4000 and looking for something in the 9.5-10 foot range. I've narrowed my search down to the Highfield 290 classic and the Oxxean 290AL. Does anyone have any experience with either of these ribs or have any other suggestions?
I boat in salt water and usually keep the dinghy in the water all season which is May-October. During the off season it will be stored on a trailer and covered. Both of these boats have aluminum hulls and I will be painting the bottom with a copper free paint.
Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions.
Click to expand...
Not sure what dinghy an Oxxean 290AL is like HOWEVER, I have owned a Walker Bay, Mercury Marine (2-different sizes/styles, and two (2) Highfields. Hands down, the Highfield has been the best of them all!!
 
Have owned a Highfield 290 classic with 15 merc efi for 8 years now with no problems. I am in fresh water.
 
ttmott said:
Under $4K? Not with an outboard if looking for a complete dinghy. Anyhow the Highfield classic series is top in my opinion - I have one.
Click to expand...
I've already got a 15 Yamaha 2 stroke I'll be using. Thanks for the input
 
Havnfun2009 said:
Not sure what dinghy an Oxxean 290AL is like HOWEVER, I have owned a Walker Bay, Mercury Marine (2-different sizes/styles, and two (2) Highfields. Hands down, the Highfield has been the best of them all!!
Click to expand...

Highfields are like Sea Rays - every other slip has one in them! If you want to be a leader, not a follower, stick with the Walker Bay. :):)

I'm totally joking...mostly. But it is shocking at how prolific Highfield has become in the last 3-4 years. I am surrounded by them at my marina. My Walker Bay is a rare bird.
 
Stee6043 said:
Highfields are like Sea Rays - every other slip has one in them! If you want to be a leader, not a follower, stick with the Walker Bay. :):)

I'm totally joking...mostly. But it is shocking at how prolific Highfield has become in the last 3-4 years. I am surrounded by them at my marina. My Walker Bay is a rare bird.
Click to expand...
I’ve got one of each! Sea Ray and HF. I have the CL310. It was 50% more than your budget 2 years ago during the supply chain crisis. With inflation Im doubting the 290 would be in your budget either, unless you go PVC. Don’t go PVC. But Hf makes a nice dink. I get compliments all the time on the flat floor, the aqua mat flooring, the cabinet to hide the gas tank. Take a look at them.

Oh, and I run an 8HP 2 stroke. Gets me there just fine!
 
I've got a Achilles 310AL, I think is the model and have been very happy with it for the last 6 years...
 
scooper321 said:
Guess the can't be chastised as China-made crap anymore? I love mine!
Click to expand...

They will still say Made in China on the plate I'd bet. That story says "warehouse and rigging"....

So I'll still be able to tell all of my neighbors they're driving commie dinghies :):)
 
Stee6043 said:
They will still say Made in China on the plate I'd bet. That story says "warehouse and rigging"....

So I'll still be able to tell all of my neighbors they're driving commie dinghies :):)
Click to expand...

“made in USA with international materials” is a favorite of mine :)

I do love our CL310 though. The front tank storage/seat is awesome
 
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