Two of the most relevant winners for small-boat buyers emerged from the 2026 Newport for New Products awards in Rhode Island. Highfield's ADV9 took the Best New Power Boat Under 35 feet category, while the TuffTide 13 received the award for new-boater accessibility.
The results were announced on 18 September during the Newport International Boat Show. For Leisure Boat Guide, the important point is that both boats sit firmly inside the under-12m market and address very different ways of getting afloat.
ADV9 recognised in the sub-35ft powerboat class
The ADV9 is Highfield's aluminium-hulled adventure crossover RIB, combining inflatable tubes with an enclosed cabin and a layout aimed at longer day trips and coastal use. Its Newport award follows the model's wider 2026 introduction and underlines the growing crossover between conventional RIBs and compact adventure boats.
Highfield has also put the ADV9 forward for European award programmes, but those nominations should not be confused with the Newport result. The Rhode Island award is already decided and was judged within the show's own new-product programme.
TuffTide 13 targets new boaters
The TuffTide 13 won the show's accessibility category, which focuses on products that lower barriers to getting started. Its compact format is positioned between paddle craft and a conventional small powered fishing boat, giving newcomers another route into simple recreational boating.
That distinction matters because entry-level boating is not only about purchase price. Storage, launching, handling and the confidence needed to operate the craft can all influence whether a first-time owner actually uses a boat regularly.
Equipment winners also matter below 12 metres
Newport's 2026 awards also recognised the Facnor TackFurl, SwiftLoc adjustable fishing rod holder and Propspeed Foulfree Multi-Surface. These products are relevant to owners of sailing boats, fishing boats and inflatables even though they are not complete vessels.
The award programme requires qualifying products to be recent national launches and to make their boat-show debut at Newport. Buyers should still compare specifications and suitability for their own boat rather than treating an award as a substitute for a practical assessment.