2018 Highfield Classic 360 Boat Test & Review 1322

Boat Test: 2018 Highfield Classic 360

Boat Tested	2018 Highfield Classic 360
Price As Tested	Not Available
Category	Inflatable
Manufacturer	Highfield
Length	12ft / 3.66 m
Beam	5ft 7in / 1.70 m
Hull	Aluminum
Max HP	25
Drive Type	Outboard
Engine Make	Yamaha Outboards
Fuel Capacity	6.3

By Jon Blaicher
The safety, stability and carrying capacity of rigid inflatable boats makes them some of the most versatile vessels on the water. The Classic models from Highfield are lightweight RIBs with welded aluminum hulls in lengths ranging from eight to twelve feet. This new Classic 360 Deluxe is a premium centre console model that raises the bar for comfort and convenience.

Gone is the temporary looking accessory bench, replaced by a more permanent wider fixed bench seat that runs the full width of the interior. Two adults can sit comfortably on this bench seat, which has dedicated cushioned back rests and over ten cubic feet of storage (280 L) under the bench. That’s enough room for fourteen cases of… water!

The Deluxe model adds a control console with a small wind deflector, a large wrap around hand rail and storage, accessed through a flip-up hatch in front. This hatch also allows access to the battery and instrument wiring. There is some flexibility when mounting the centre console to allow for more legroom.

This 360 model also includes SeaDek marine flooring, a durable non-skid closed cell foam that is glued in place. This shock absorbent cushioned flooring looks great, is very
comfortable, won’t absorb water and doesn’t get hot in the sun.

Powering our test model was a Yamaha F25C, one of the lightest 25-hp outboards on the market, despite being a four-stroke engine. It’s light enough to help keep the total boat package under 520 lbs without fuel. You probably won’t attempt a Kilo record with this inflatable but we did see 32 mph on the speedo. It also has battery-less EFI which makes for easy starting and consistent throttle response. Thankfully Yamaha now includes a proper manual recoil starter on all F25C models, very handy if your battery runs down.

Overall the 360 Deluxe model from Highfield is a great package for someone looking for a mid-range centre console tender.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
Yamaha F25C, four-cylinder 432-cc with single overhead cam with EFI and 20-inch shaft
DETAILS
Length: 11 ft 9 in / 3.60 mBeam: 8 ft 6 in / 2.61 mWeight: 163 lb / 74 kgFuel Capacity: 6.3 gals / 24 L