A Bold Move
Highfield takes a new direction with the ADV9.
Published: Thursday, August 20, 2026 9:00 am
By: Steve Davis
Since 2011, the high-performance and offshore capabilities of Highfield Boats’ design and construction continue to evolve, and the introduction of the ADV9 takes owners onward to new adventures.
“We wanted to build a cabin boat,” says Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield USA. “It's a really good push forward. I think this is the future of RIBs, or it's one aspect of the evolution.”
Most boaters know the rarity of having a cabin on a RIB, and Highfield is “trying a new design, which is relatively courageous for a company like us,” says Lavigne. The concept is to provide an opportunity to stay a night or two away. A tinted, sliding door next to the helm leads to an efficient cabin with full size berth, concealed head, and sink. Large, tinted windows on each side with two hatches provide plenty of light, and optional cabin blinds will keep things private. The climate control feature will keep you cool or warm when desired.
Comfort is key and the ADV9 has the versatility for an enjoyable day whether hanging at the sandbar, snorkeling, or a sunset cocktail cruise. Convertible seating in the cockpit allows room to move about at the wet bar (with fridges, grill, stove, and livewell options), or to open the folding bench seats that surround the hi-low, folding table to seat eight very comfortably. Lower the table to create a huge sunpad or step up to the bow sundeck for a separate social area. Sunshades will keep both decks protected when the sun is too intense. The Fusion sound system is always a nice addition to the entertainment package.
The large hardtop with stainless steel frame keeps all the elements at bay and provides room on top for navigation and communication gear, an aluminum roof rack for adventure-sports equipment, and rocket launchers. The hardtop’s aft section is a framed clear tempered-glass sunroof that keeps the cockpit open above, yet continues to provide protection.
Highfield is known for RIBs and that hasn’t changed. The Hypalon tubes that surround the entire craft still deliver a safe environment. “Its flare deflects spray, and if you hit a big wave very hard, the tube will bring buoyancy,” says Lavigne. “These boats are not only very comfortable in chop, but they’re also [able] to bring the boat back up in big waves.” The tubes also act like a huge rub rail and protects the boat from anything you might “bump” into. There are six chambers in the tube, so if one happens to puncture, you’ll stay afloat.
Another bold step Highfield is taking is using a fiberglass hull instead of its standard aluminum hull. “We moved to fiberglass in order to obtain the style we were looking for,” says Lavigne. “The V in the front is very, very steep and very aggressive. It's going to cut the wave like butter.” Twin 16-inch Simrad displays are available as is joystick integration with a bow thruster option. Twin 300-hp Mercury Verado V8s are designed with the hull to reach speeds in the 50-mph range, even with the option for twin 250s or a single 450-hp engine. The ride is stable, tracks well, and with the optional Seakeeper Ride system, the driving experience is comfortable.
“We are not a tender anymore. We're not a dinghy or a small boat anymore,” says Lavigne. “…We offer a new design. We offer new performance and elegance that are specific to these designs, so I really think we have something…the inflatable is growing up.”
Specs:
LOA: 30.2’
Beam: 10.7’
Weight (dry) 8,509 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 119/23 Gals
Power: 2x 300-hp
Max/Cruise Speed: 57/35.6
Range @ cruise: 184 miles
For more information on the ADV9 from Highfield Boats, visit their website: highfieldboats.com.
tags: ADV9, cabin boat, Comfort, evolution, Highfield Boats, Innovation, Performance, power
