A RIB conceived for active use
The Highfield Patrol 660 is a 6.60-metre rigid inflatable boat with a practical rather than decorative approach to deck space. The model is intended to move comfortably between family day trips, dive outings and demanding coastal duties.
Its aluminium hull construction makes sense for a boat likely to encounter busy pontoons, repeated launching and the wear associated with watersports. The tubes provide additional buoyancy and a useful perimeter when working close to another boat.
Highfield highlights an optional T-top that supplies more protection from the weather. For operators who stay on the water for several hours, shade and shelter are often more valuable than another piece of ornamental trim.
Hull geometry and dimensions
The builder specifies a 26-degree deadrise for the Patrol 660. That pronounced deep-V geometry is intended to help the hull work through choppy conditions, although the actual ride still depends on speed, trim, loading and the sea state.
The boat measures 2.52 metres in overall beam, with an internal width of about 1.35 metres. These figures illustrate the space required by the tubes and hull structure, an important consideration when comparing a RIB with an open fibreglass boat.
Current online specifications list a maximum outboard rating of 200 horsepower and a 140-litre fuel tank. Owners should obtain a current build sheet because equipment and capacity listings can vary between markets and model revisions.
Making the deck work
Highfield offers accessories such as a dive rack and deck-wash system to support active recreation. Those choices can change a boat from a general-purpose tender into a more specialised platform without requiring a different hull.
The manufacturer also draws attention to the arrangement of storage and the ability to carry equipment securely. Good stowage is essential on a small boat, particularly when people are moving around in wet clothing or carrying diving gear.
Seating and console options should be selected around the crew's real requirements. A layout optimised for carrying multiple passengers may not provide the same uninterrupted working area as one configured for fishing or diving.
Ownership decisions beyond the brochure
A buyer comparing the Patrol 660 should consider local launching arrangements, trailer weight, engine service support and permitted passenger limits. The most suitable package is usually defined by how the boat will be used through an entire season.
The RIB's appeal lies in combining robust construction with a relatively manageable overall length. Owners should still plan conservatively for range and avoid treating a high passenger rating as an invitation to operate at the limits in poor conditions.
The Patrol 660 makes a practical proposition for coastal boaters who want one craft to handle several jobs. Its deep-V hull and optional protective equipment deserve attention alongside the everyday details of boarding, stowage and maintenance.