Highfield Dinghies: Choosing Between Roll Up, Ultralight & Classic Models
If you’re in the market for a solid, well-built inflatable dinghy, Highfield is probably already on your radar. Known for their tough aluminium hulls and no-nonsense construction, they’ve become a favourite with cruisers, yachties, and weekend boaties alike.
But within the Highfield range, how do you choose the right model? They’ve got a few standouts—Roll Up, Ultralight, and Classic—each designed for different needs, space, and usage.
Let’s break them down so you can figure out which one fits your boating life best.
1. Highfield Roll Up: Lightweight & Packable
If you’re short on storage or need something that can stow away easily, the Roll Up series is the most compact of the bunch.
Key Features:
- Inflatable floor with a lightweight slatted deck
- No rigid hull – it rolls up into a bag
- Very light and easy to move around
- Quick to inflate/deflate
- PVC construction
Best For:
- Small boat tenders
- Caravanners and campers
- Occasional use
- Those who need to pack it down and store it in a locker, car boot, or on deck
Good to Know:
Roll Ups are great for convenience, but they’re not built for heavy-duty loads, outboards over 10hp, or rough water. They’ll get you to shore, carry a couple of people and some gear—but don’t expect planing performance.
2. Highfield Ultralight (UL): Rigid Hull, Minimal Weight
Looking for the toughness of an aluminium RIB without the bulk? The Ultralight range hits the sweet spot.
Key Features:
- Powder-coated aluminium hull (no flex, no rot)
- Flat, open deck – no floorboards or seats to install
- Lightweight build: 2.4m model weighs under 40kg
- Can be stored on davits or foredeck
- Available in PVC or Hypalon tubes
Best For:
- Yacht tenders where weight is a concern
- Solo boaters who need to haul the dinghy on and off the beach
- Day trips with light gear
- Pairing with smaller outboards (2.5–10hp)
Good to Know:
You get a rigid, stable ride in a very compact package. The trade-off? Less seating and storage space compared to larger models. But if you want the reliability of a hard hull with minimal weight, this is a top pick.
3. Highfield Classic: The All-Rounder
If you want a tender that can do a bit of everything—carry a load, handle rougher water, and get up on the plane—Classic is the go-to range.
Key Features:
- Full-length aluminium V-hull (stable, tracks well)
- Larger tubes for better buoyancy and drier ride
- Built-in fuel tank shelf and under-seat storage on some models
- Stronger transom for bigger outboards (up to 30hp on larger sizes)
- Available in both PVC and Hypalon
Best For:
- Families or cruisers with more gear to carry
- Coastal exploring and longer runs
- Beach landings or rougher anchorages
- Towing behind larger vessels
Good to Know:
The Classic is not the lightest model, so you’ll want davits, a trailer, or a strong back if you’re lifting it regularly. But it’s built to last and handles like a mini runabout when paired with the right outboard.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Roll Up | Ultralight | Classic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hull Type | Inflatable floor | Aluminium RIB | Deep-V Aluminium RIB |
| Weight | Very light (e.g. 25kg) | Light (30–45kg) | Moderate–Heavy (50kg+) |
| Storage | Rolls into a bag | Compact, rigid hull | Needs davits or trailer |
| Durability | Good (PVC only) | Great | Excellent |
| Ride Quality | Basic | Stable, firm | Best handling |
| Best Use | Short hops, tight storage | Lightweight tender | General-purpose / exploring |
Which One’s Right for You?
- Go for a Roll Up if you want a dinghy that packs away easily and you’re only using it for short runs or occasional shore trips.
- Pick the Ultralight if you need a lightweight, rigid tender with a small footprint but great build quality.
- Choose the Classic if you want a serious workhorse that can handle load, chop, and adventure—with comfort and style.
Final Thoughts
All three Highfield options are built to last and backed by a solid reputation. Your decision really comes down to how often you’ll use it, where you’ll store it, and what you need it to do.
Still unsure or tossing up between two models? Feel free to reach out with what you’re using it for—I’ll help you narrow it down!