Highfield North American Dealer Meeting – Chicago 2026

October 03 2026October 04 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Highfield Took Its Dealer Meeting to Chicago

Highfield Boats just dropped a short recap video from its 2026 North American Dealer Meeting, and this year the crew moved the party to Chicago.

For years the event lived in Cadillac, Michigan, close to the factory. It simply got too big.

The video itself is quick and upbeat.

You see dealers and partners from the US and Canada mingling, checking out new RIBs, and generally having a good time on the water. Think networking, product demos, a dinner, and the usual competitive cornhole.

Nothing deep here, just a thank you to the people who sell their boats. Still, a nice look at a brand that keeps growing.

This video was published on the Highfield Boats YouTube channel.

Highfield is a brand that also produces many videos. I made a broad selection here for you to enjoy.

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

Ranieri Cayman 41.0 Reaches 44 Knots With 700 hp

October 02 2026October 04 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

This Ranieri Cayman Offers Space, Speed and Long-Range Comfort

The Ranieri Cayman 41.0 Hard Top shows how far a modern maxi RIB can go in combining performance, comfort and genuine cruising ability.

At almost 12 metres long and 3.80 metres wide, it offers generous deck space, excellent stability and surprisingly spacious accommodation below deck.

Ranieri International uses its patented Cockpit Shock Absorber system to reduce impacts and vibrations, while the large hard top provides welcome protection around the helm and cockpit.

Aft, the dining area converts into a large sunbed, while the galley includes an induction hob, sink and 75-litre refrigerator.

Below deck are two sleeping areas, plenty of storage and a separate bathroom.

Power comes from twin Suzuki DF350 outboards, delivering 700 hp through contra-rotating dual propellers.

The stepped hull accelerates strongly, cruises efficiently at around 30 knots and reaches approximately 44 knots.

The result is a fast, refined RIB designed for much more than day trips.

This Ranieri Cayman video was published on THE BOAT SHOW YouTube channel.

Watch more videos of this Italian brand on RIBsONLY.com: The Italian Ranieri International.

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Impressive ZAR 13 RIB Walkthrough With Twin 600 hp

October 01 2026October 04 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Amazing ZAR 13: Two Cabins, 50+ Knots, and Stern Tender Garage

The Rigid Inflatable Boat ZAR 13 has a spacious white cockpit with three driver seats, twin Mercury V12 600 outboards, two large displays, joystick control, and a well-equipped helm.

Below deck are two cabins, with the owner’s cabin positioned forward and a second sleeping area that can accommodate children or another couple.

Further aft, the galley includes an induction hob, sink, large refrigerator, and additional storage, with space available for an optional ice maker.

The cockpit of this ZAR 13 opens into a large lounging area with convertible sunbeds, while the twin 600 hp engines provide a top speed of more than 50 knots.

One of the more practical features is the large garage built into the stern, designed to carry a tender while keeping the main deck clear.

Wide side decks provide easy access to the bow, where a generous seating and lounging area offers enough space for several people.

An optional bimini can provide shade forward, while the overall layout keeps movement around the boat practical and straightforward.

This video was published on the ZAR FORMENTI YouTube channel.

If the ZAR Formenti brand speaks to you, here’s more to enjoy. It’s worth it.

Italy has many RIB brands. If you like to be blown away, visit RIBManufacturerList per country.

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Rough-sea Training Learning to Decide Under Pressure

September 29 2026October 02 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Training awareness and anticipation in challenging sea states

What happens to our ability to observe, decide, and act when conditions at sea become more demanding?

Philippe spent a day training in rough seas with a friend, focusing on how to adapt when the environment increases the pressure. The aim was not to seek excitement, but to use real-world conditions as a practical learning environment.

Throughout the day, the focus was on reading the sea state, anticipating what might happen next, maintaining situational awareness, and making sound decisions as conditions changed.

The objective was simple: gradually learn to remain alert, observe, decide, and act, while continuing to use existing skills effectively when the maritime environment becomes more challenging.

This video was published on the OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée YouTube channel which I like very much.

How is a rough sea named? Check out my article on this matter: Wind, Waves, Swell: Beaufort vs Douglas Sea Scale.

I truly value Olivier’s training, which is why you’ll find an extended collection of videos on RIBsONLY.com, focused on mastering navigatiion in agitated and rough seas.

Highfield Boats: Inside Its RIB Production in China

September 25 2026September 25 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Inside Production in China

Highfield Boats gives a behind-the-scenes look at its headquarters and RIB production operation in Weihai, China.

The video shows the people, facilities and manufacturing processes behind one of the best-known names in the rigid inflatable boat market.

Highfield’s Weihai base plays a central role in the production of its aluminium RIBs, bringing key stages of construction and finishing together at one location.

Rather than focusing only on completed boats, the video offers a broader view of how Highfield Boats operates behind the scenes.

It connects RIB manufacturing with the teams responsible for production, organisation and worldwide distribution.

For anyone interested in how modern aluminium RIBs are built, this provides a useful look inside Highfield’s production base in China.

This video was published on the Highfield Boats YouTube channel.

Inside RIBsONLY.com I’ve share more videos of this brand. Find them all here.

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