Highfield's Sport 760 blends an aluminium-hulled RIB with a large open cockpit, stern bathing access and usable family amenities. We look at the practical benefits and the ownership trade-offs.
An open boat designed for active days
Highfield's Sport 760 takes the rigid inflatable boat beyond its familiar role as a simple shuttle and presents it as a dedicated day-out platform for groups. The manufacturer's published dimensions give a length overall of 7.77 metres and a beam of 2.95 metres, with a maximum stated capacity of 16 people. Those numbers explain some of its attraction, although a capacity rating should never be confused with an invitation to load every seat on every outing regardless of sea conditions.
The layout uses a broad beam, perimeter tubes and an open cockpit to make boarding, moving around and preparing water activities relatively straightforward. A self-draining deck is particularly useful after swimming or in unsettled weather, while an integrated stern seat, sundeck and bathing platform add comfort. Highfield lists a refrigerator, table and shower kit in its standard specification, extending the usefulness of the boat beyond fast transport between two points.
The Sport 760 sits in the middle of a range rather than attempting to be the smallest possible RIB. Highfield quotes a maximum 300 horsepower outboard installation and a 250-litre fuel tank, details that suggest performance and range flexibility but do not establish a single cruising distance. Actual consumption will depend heavily on the engine, loading, sea state, speed and the reserves a prudent skipper keeps for the return leg.
For families evaluating a larger RIB, the appeal is versatility without the complexity of a cabin cruiser. A morning snorkelling trip, an afternoon beach visit and a return to the marina can all suit the same deck plan, provided that the party has planned for changing weather and the practical limits of storage. The trade-off is less enclosed shelter, making clothing, shade and a realistic forecast especially important.
What the aluminium hull changes
Highfield uses a high-tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminium hull, paired with ORCA Hypalon tubes and a substantial rubbing strake. Aluminium can offer a durable structure for frequent beach approaches and everyday marina work, but it is not immune to careless handling or corrosion concerns. Owners should pay attention to coating condition, electrochemical compatibility, correct anodes and the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations.
The company also specifies a keel guard, heavy-duty fittings and integrated towing eyes, equipment that acknowledges how RIBs are used as practical working and leisure boats. None of these features makes a hard landing harmless. Beaching decisions require knowledge of the seabed, tides, wave action and local access rules, and even a robust hull should be handled gently around rocks or shallow obstacles.
Six air chambers are listed in the published design, reflecting an approach to tube compartmentalisation that may provide resilience if one section loses pressure. Correct inflation pressure, regular inspection and prompt attention to abrasion are nevertheless essential. A buyer should also confirm the appropriate repair method and whether the chosen local yard is experienced with the specific tube material rather than assuming all inflatable-boat repairs are interchangeable.
A foam-teak-look deck finish can be attractive for bare feet and provides a recreational atmosphere without presenting itself as a traditional wooden deck. Owners should evaluate heat underfoot, cleaning products and how easily the surface can be repaired after damage. With a boat used for beach bags, diving equipment and wet clothing, materials that stay manageable after a busy day matter more than an immaculate showroom appearance.
The layout when friends come aboard
Highfield lists the Sport 760's boat-only weight at approximately 1,108 kilograms, excluding the engine and additional supplies. The maximum load is given as 1,280 kilograms, with separate qualifications in the manufacturer's specifications about what that load includes. For the owner, that means an honest estimate of passengers, equipment and fuel is essential; towing and launching calculations must be based on the actual rig rather than the bare-boat figure.
The platform-and-ladder arrangement can simplify returning from a swim, although a sensible skipper will check access from the water before anyone jumps in. The stern can become crowded when several guests are preparing masks, fins or tow-sports equipment. Agreeing a simple system for keeping ropes clear of the propeller and personal gear out of walkways is a small improvement that pays off quickly.
Where local rules permit towing sports, the combination of a powerful outboard and practical open deck may be appealing. Nevertheless, a tow operation needs trained observers, appropriate lines, correct lifejackets and a clear understanding of the turning space. The published 300-horsepower figure is a maximum rating, not a recommendation that every family needs the largest possible engine.
Passenger comfort is another part of responsible planning. A RIB can deliver an energetic ride, and the firmness of that ride depends on speed, trim and sea conditions. A skipper carrying children or less experienced guests should reduce speed proactively, ensure everyone has a secure position and consider whether a protected cabin boat might be a better choice for longer or colder passages.
Choosing options that earn their place
The standard equipment list includes hydraulic steering, a roll bar, self-draining deck and useful everyday hardware. Optional equipment identified by Highfield includes a T-top, additional sunshade and a windlass, and those choices should reflect where the boat will operate. Shade is valuable in exposed summer anchorages, while an appropriate anchoring arrangement can make repeated swimming stops less stressful for the crew.
Owners planning to use the Sport 760 primarily as a tender may prioritise lifting points, deck footprint and weight. Those who want a main leisure boat may care more about weather protection, seating and access to refreshments. The same vessel can serve different roles, but choosing the equipment list without first deciding how the boat will be stored and launched risks expensive compromises.
Before purchase, review the specification of the exact hull, engine package and equipment actually being offered. Manufacturer capacities are standard reference figures, while dealer packages, local regulations and modifications can produce important differences. A sea trial with a representative number of passengers is more informative than a lightly loaded demonstration, particularly if the likely use includes short, choppy coastal passages.
The Sport 760 illustrates why a capable RIB can be a genuine family dayboat rather than a narrowly defined workboat. Its open format invites swimming, exploring and relaxed time at anchor, and its construction is built around repeated maritime use. A balanced buying decision, however, still comes back to where the owner cruises, who comes aboard and how comfortably those people can enjoy the journey.