Highfield Boats USA adds dealers as it ‘bucks downturn trends’
Highfield Boats USA, a manufacturer of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) in America, has announced a significant expansion of its dealer network. The firm has partnered with four new dealers in the Northeast and Midwest regions to meet the growing demand for RIBs, both as tenders and primary boats.
The new partnerships include Beavers Marine in Ohio, Jersey Jet Boats in New Jersey, FLX Marine in New York, and Queen Boat Co on Lake George, New York.
“Each of these dealers brings a unique set of interests and expertise, adding valuable diversity to our network,” says Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats USA. “While the US market in 2024 faces a significant downturn – an 8 per cent decline in the RIB segment alone, driven by excess inventory and the lingering effects of covid – Highfield is bucking the trend. We are experiencing strong growth in retail sales and expanding our market share to an impressive 29 per cent within our competitive set. This success is fueled by our innovative new products, advanced business tools, and strategic investment in US manufacturing.”
Highfield Boats has continued to grow its global presence in recent years. Earlier this year, it signed four other dealer partners across the USA, and most recently, the Australia branch appointed an exclusive Tasmania dealer.
Beavers Marine, serving the Atwood Lake region in Ohio, will offer Highfield RIBs ranging from the Ultralite 220 to the Sport 420. Neil P. Beavers, the managing member of Beavers Marine, praised Highfield’s all-aluminium hulls and a strong reputation for quality. He notes: “Coupled with their unique aesthetics and design team, these boats are truly unmatched in our area. Highfield RIBs are lightweight, durable, fast, and incredibly fun to drive. They deliver excellent performance even with a 25-hp engine.”
Jersey Jet Boats, specialising in jet-powered boats for the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and eastern Pennsylvania, is adding the Highfield Velox 420 to its lineup. This model will serve as an aluminium-hull RIB jet boat alternative, complemented by the FLUX electric jet propulsion package.
FLX Marine, with locations in Union Springs and Canandaigua, New York, will incorporate Highfield Boats into its diverse portfolio. The dealership’s Union Springs location includes a 150-slip marina on Lake Cayuga.
Queen Boat Co, situated on New York’s Lake George, will represent the full range of boats, including electric propulsion models. Last year, the company partnered with Aqua superPower to install the first marine fast-charging station in the Northeast. Matt O’Hara, president of Queen Boat Co, expresses enthusiasm about the potential for RIBs to gain popularity with various customers. “We think there is a real opportunity to see RIBs grow in popularity not just on Lake George but throughout this region. The larger models also will be attractive to our local law enforcement and first responder agencies. We are excited about offering Highfield’s electric models with so many protected lakes here in the Adirondacks.”
Lavigne attributed the expansion to the company’s enhanced engine and rigging capabilities that opened last year in Cadillac, Michigan, as well as the new jet and electric propulsion lines.
Highfield RIBs will be displayed at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at Bahia Mar Land Booth 303.
Image courtesy of Highfield Boats.
