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Category: Honda

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.

Specs

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BSC B2 – Test Drive in Summer Conditions

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

A BSC B2 Reviewed by Italian The Sea Team

The BSC B2 was tested at Largo di Posillipo with twin Honda 250 HP engines in summer conditions.

The test included a speed and consummation check.

You can see the report in the table below.

Comfort remained high with minimal vibration, dry deck, and stable handling on waves.

The walk-around layout and cabin with amenities for 4 support extended cruising.

T-Top added weight of course but did not compromise performance or structural integrity.

BSC B2twin Honda 250
RPMSpeed (knots)Fuel Consumption (l/h)Notes
90045.4Displacement mode
1400610Stable, efficient
1900714.6Fast displacement
2200915.4Trim fully down
25009.230Moderate acceleration
32001340Entering planing
36001823.7 per engineCruise efficiency
520038–39—High-speed wave test
620043167Top speed
(source, data may vary)

This video was published on the BSC COLZANI YouTube channel.

More videos featuring this Italian RIB brand: BSC Colzani including the B1.

Specs

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Aquaspirit S370 Debuts at Thessaloniki Show 2025

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The New Aquaspirit S370

Ahead of its official unveiling at the Thessaloniki Boat & Fishing Show 2025, journalist George Polychroniou joined Chronis Parmaklis to carry out a sea trial of the new compact aluminum RIB.

The Aquaspirit S370 combines light weight with exceptional strength, measuring 3.7 meter in length.

Built from marine-grade aluminum, it is perfectly suited either as a tender or as a standalone craft for boaters seeking a small, agile, and reliable vessel for fishing or recreation.

Its high-quality aluminum hull ensures outstanding buoyancy, safety, and stability, qualities clearly demonstrated in this video.

This video was published on the Boat & Fishing Magazine YouTube channel

Want more of this Greek brand? I’ve got extra videos posted.

Specs

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Replacing RIB Sheaths for Foam-filled Tubes

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

What’s Inside Foam-filled Tubes

If you wonder what these ‘tubes’ look at the inside, this video explains it all.

It demonstrates how to remove the sheaths from the tubes. The video included a quick before-and-after view.

The tube’s internal structure, is detailed explaining that the inner bladder pushes the hard foam outward.

When the boat impacts something, the inner bladder absorbs most of the shock as the foam pushes inward.

After pulling out the inner bladder, all the remaining components (foam) were removed by running a line at some point.

This line would allow them to pull the inner tube back through once the chassis was on.

What Are Possible Issues With Foam-filled Tubes

Some issues are logical like water penetration. It is the most important one. But there’s more to compare. The table below gives you a comprehensive overview. I included a video of the effect that air-filled tubes have on impact.

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The Great River Race 2025 on the Thames

Andy Squirell

Time lapse of the 2025 Great River Race.- shows the scale of the event

Have You Ever Heard of the Great River Race

No, nor had I until I was invited to attend as part of the safety fleet.

In effect The Great River Race is London’s River Marathon. It’s a spectacular boat race covering 21.6 miles from Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West.

The rules for this River Race are simple. There are fixed seats. Dragon boats are not allowed because they like to sink.

The rules are based on the Watermen principle. Each vessel must carry a passenger and a cox. It also needs a 3’ x 2’ flag.

The event started in 1988 with 61 local boats. It has now grown into a major international event.

Competitors from America, Australia, and many European countries are taking part.

It is the largest rowing race in the UK when you consider the number of people on the water at the same time.

This is where the RIBs come into play.

To keep this many rowers safe takes a herculean effort by the RIB community.

Northern Exposure Rescue work with the Port of London to assemble no less than 35 safety boats.

This is the largest grouping of RIBs in England. It beats the Annual Pasty Run into 2nd place.

Only the Easdale Rendezvous tops it as far as meet-ups go across the British isles.

(The story continues below the gallery. Click to enlarge the photo.

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