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Highfield ADV7 Testing the Crossover, Built for 8

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The GRP Built ADV7

Unlike Highfield’s other RIB models, the ADV7 features a fibreglass hull instead of aluminium, marking a first for the company.

The 2025 Highfield ADV7 combines features of a RIB and a sports boat in a 7-metre crossover design.

Raised, slimmer Hypalon tubes and higher hull sides create more usable deck space.

With a 2-metre beam, it provides a spacious interior that feels larger than many boats of this size.

According to the presenter, the aft seating area accommodates seven people around a folding table.

The helm seats includes a concealed wet bar, refrigerator and sink. All small but useful.

Convertible bow and stern sunbeds, a console with an integrated marine toilet and a T-top improve comfort during longer trips.

Designed for up to eight passengers, the ADV7 is equally suited to watersports and coastal cruising.

A towing arch, deep-V aluminium hull and 270-litre fuel tank support long explorations and a lot of fun.

This video was published on The Rudder YouTube channel

Explore more videos featuring Highfield Boats, including other reviews of this versatile crossover model.

Did you know there is even a bigger version? It’s the cabin ADV9.

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

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Highfield ADV7 Tested by Motor Boat & Yachting

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

What is the ADV7?

Alex Smith from Motor Boat & Yachting calls it a hybrid. I prefer “cross-over” (see my article).

“Hybrid” usually refers to engines that combine combustion and electric power.

“Cross-over” better describes a boat sitting between different models, like cross-over cars.

Redefining Adventure Boats

Highfield, long known for aluminium RIBs, has launched its first fiberglass hybrid adventure boat, the ADV7.

Its slim, raised tubes act as stabilizers and fenders while providing a wider internal beam than most 7-meter RIBs.

The plumb bow ensures smooth entry, splash control, and confident handling. A single outboard powers the boat, with options up to 300 horsepower.

Beneath the deck, water and fuel tanks are easily accessible. The cockpit features a wet bar, fridge, fold-away table, and seating that converts into a sun pad.

Forward, a second seating area also forms a sun bed, with generous storage throughout.

The ADV7 reached 38 knots with the Honda 250.

This video was published on the Motor Boat & Yachting YouTube channel.

I’ve posted more news of this Highfield ADV7.

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

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The Highfield ADV7: A Girl’s Fun Day Out

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Highfield ADV7: A Crossover Design

From my own experience, it definitely reminds me of a RIB, but there are some key differences.

The inflatable tubes sit much higher above the waterline, so they seem to play a different role.

Designed by the award-winning Vom Designs, the vacuum-infused deep-V hull ensures a responsive, high-performance ride.

I first posted the brand’s new model, Highfield ADV7, in January 2025. I also added a slideshow including the premiere at Boot in Düsseldorf, Germany. Click here if you’re interested.

This video was published on the Highfield Boats YouTube channel.

There’s a whole lot more Highfield RIB action videos for you to enjoy:

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

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The All New ADV7 from Highfield Boats: Is it a RIB?

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The ADV7 from Highfield

What I can say is that it’s not your average rib. Not your typical Highfield.

Based on the video above and the photos provided to me, I see similarities to a RIB, but also differences.

It seems that the air-filled tubes serve a different purpose, as they are positioned high above the waterline.

It’s a cross-over.

ADV7 from HighfieldADV7 from Highfield
ADV7 from Highfield Boats

Its deep-V hull, expertly crafted with vacuum-infused composite by the award-winning Vom Designs, guarantees exceptional performance and handling.

The company already designing a bold, modern console for Highfield’s Patrol boat collection.

According to the press release, this ADV7 by Highfield Boats is powered by a 150 hp engine.

It effortlessly surpasses 30 knots. With a 250 hp, it rockets to nearly 50 knots.

And the Adv7’s tube offers unmatched security and buoyancy—rarely found in the adventure boat market, so the info states.

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Photos of the ADV7 from Highfield Première at BOOT 2025

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Boot 2026: Three Countries, One Boat Show

Andy Squirrell
Boot 2026: Three Countries, One Boat Show @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

How We Got to Boot 2026

Another post focused on boats already. This story concentrates more on the journey than the displays.

This is true unless you study the photographs.

Boot Düsseldorf is the iconic marine show where manufacturers launch boats, dive equipment, sailing yachts, ribs, superyachts, and marine toys.

It had been on our list for years, and this time the diary finally aligned, so we went.

Travel and Stopover

Flying Exeter to Amsterdam with KLM cost more than easy Jet from Bristol but was far more convenient and comfortable.

KLM offered great flight times, generous baggage allowance, and complimentary drinks and cheese sandwiches.

Parking at the Grange Hotel meant a front-door drop-off, avoiding a long walk from remote car parks.

An overnight stay in Amsterdam ensured a relaxed evening and an early, stress-free start.

The hotel was clean, affordable, kettle-free, and fifteen minutes from the station.

Tourist tax was payable by card at reception, despite rooms being prepaid.

Coffin-style accommodation tempted us briefly but was fully booked.

Boot Düsseldorf Experience

The intercity train quickly took us to Düsseldorf, followed by a short tram ride to the Boot 2026 exhibition station.

Our first stop was the Highfield stand to see the newly launched ADV9.

The ADV9 builds on the ADV7 and is Highfield’s first cabin boat.

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