Highfield ADV7 2026 Review

With Scandinavian good looks and Highfield's renowned strength and durability, the new ADV7 represents a new direction for French/Chinese RIB manufacturer, Highfield Boats.

Traditionally known for heavy duty commercial boats and conventional aluminium-hulled sports RIBs and tenders, the two ADV (Adventure) models give buyers a genuine alternative to a regular fibreglass sports boat – and to Highfield's own full inflatable-collared alloy RIBs. 

The ADV7 shares its basic concept with the larger ADV9, pairing a deep-vee fibreglass hull with relatively slim D-section inflatable tubes mounted high along the gunwales.

Unlike a conventional RIB, the tubes sit clear of the water both at rest and underway, so they contribute little to the boat's everyday ride or handling. Instead, they act primarily as oversized fenders, suppress spray in rough weather and provide comfortable side seating.

For this review, we secured a dark grey ADV7 from Brisbane Highfield dealer, Northside Marine. The test rig arrived sporting a Yamaha 250hp extra-longshaft outboard and riding on a Redco tandem axle braked aluminium trailer.  

The Highfield ADV7 is priced from $173,278, powered as standard by a Yamaha 200hp four-stroke with mechanical controls and supplied on the aforementioned Redco tandem trailer.

Standard equipment is generous and includes the dual-width centre console with folding T-top/sunshade, EVA decking, wet bar with freshwater sink, a Garmin multi-function display, bow and stern sunbeds, transom tow bar, portable toilet, shower kit and the distinctive hexagonal-stitched upholstery throughout.

Our test boat stepped up to the Yamaha 250hp V6 with Digital Electronic Controls (DEC), along with a GME VHF, Fusion Apollo RA670 stereo, cockpit table, fridge, electric-flush toilet, and an electric anchor winch.

As tested, the package is priced at $202,928.

The Highfield ADV7 is an open sports boat and entertainer with a centre console helm station between large bow and stern sundecks. 

Up forward, the front console seat lifts on gas struts to reveal a spacious walk-in change room and head compartment. It comes standard with a portable toilet, while buyers can option an electric-flush unit for added comfort.

At the bow the ADV7’s inflatable collar wraps around a V-shaped fibreglass moulded seating area topped with durable hexagonal-stitched vinyl cushions. 

A large infill cushion connects the bow seating with the front console seat to create a large sunbed. 

Beneath the moulded front seats there are dry storage lockers for gear and equipment. 

At the stem there is an EVA-surfaced boarding step with sturdy hand-rail for disembarking, while a built-in electric anchor windlass takes the effort out of anchoring.  

Surrounding features include cup holders, deck lighting and speakers for the optional stereo.

The helm station is built around a broad, two-person moulded fibreglass console, protected by a toughened glass windscreen and alloy-framed powder-coated T-top with sunshade.

The helm position is offset to port and includes a sports steering wheel and throttle, while the angled, full-width fascia easily accommodates engine instruments and two large multifunction displays 

There’s also a built-in footrest for both occupants, plus a glovebox to starboard, cup holders and phone holder.

Our test boat was equipped with a Garmin EchoMap Ultra2 125SV chartplotter/sounder, GME VHF radio and Fusion Apollo RA670 stereo with four speakers.

The two bucket helm chairs are mounted above a substantial aft-facing galley module. Both chairs have flip-up bolsters and fore and aft adjustment, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position whether sitting or standing.

The galley/wet bar adds a working bench space, storage drawers, and a freshwater sink fed by a 40L tank, with a fridge available as an option.

The ADV7’s slim, high-mounted 32cm inflatable tubes maximise interior space, allowing for a 2.0m internal beam and a broad aft area well suited to lounging and entertaining.

Taking centre-stage is the large U-shaped lounge with well padded backrests and seating for five around an optional folding fibreglass table. Drop the table into the lowered position, add two infill cushions and this space transforms into a sizeable sundeck.

For trailering the centre section of the rear bench lifts on gas struts to make space for the Yamaha’s powerhead when tilted.

Storage is incorporated beneath the moulded seating, with the compartments providing a dry home for safety equipment, gear bags, fenders, etc. 

The port and starboard transom seats also conceal the batteries and bilge systems, keeping them out of sight while retaining easy access when required.

At the port aft corner, a walkthrough leads to the boarding platforms, towing arch/roll bar and retractable boarding ladder.

The ADV7 takes its styling cues from the new generation of Nordic adventure boats, with a slim, plumb bow and deep-vee hull reminiscent of brands like Axopar or Saxdor. The difference is Highfield’s high-set inflatable tube collar, which adds an extra measure of security without compromising the boat’s sporty character. 

The inflatable tubes provide useful reserve buoyancy and help keep spray at bay in blustery conditions, but it’s the deep-vee fibreglass hull that delivers the ADV7’s smooth and remarkably dry ride.

Under acceleration there’s a modest bow rise as the ADV7 transitions onto the plane, but with a tad more throttle the boat levels out and settles into a fast cruise.

Our test boat was powered by a Yamaha F250, and the pairing feels spot on. Acceleration is strong and linear, with the ADV7 reaching 43.5 knots at 6,000rpm while remaining balanced and predictable at speed.

Although the ADV7 is rated for up to 300hp, the 250 never feels lacking, and even a 200hp outboard would still deliver respectable all-round performance for most owners.

Stability at rest is equally impressive, with the hull providing a reassuringly solid platform despite the tubes sitting above the waterline.

Range on 95% of the 270L fuel supply at 3,500rpm: 198.7nm

The Highfield ADV7 is a versatile crossover RIB for cruising, diving and coastal adventures. Its spacious interior, galley/wet bar and flexible seating also make it a terrific entertainer.

Add a deep-vee hull with excellent handling and performance and the ADV7 becomes a compelling package for those looking for one boat to do a bit of everything.

Model: Highfield ADV7
Length overall: 6.98m
Beam: 2.68m
Internal beam: 2.0m
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Hull weight: 1,300kg 
Towing weight: 2,573kg
Tube diameter: 320mm
Maximum load: 650kg
Maximum power: 300hp
Transom height: 635mm (25") extra-longshaft
Engines as tested: Yamaha 250hp 4.2L V6 four-stroke outboard
Fuel: 270L
Freshwater: 40L 
Passengers: 8
Price from: $173,278 with a Yamaha 200hp four-stroke extra-longshaft (25”) outboard and a Redco tandem axle aluminium braked trailer. 
Test boat price: $202,928 with the more powerful Yamaha 250hp V6 outboard with digital electric steering and controls (DEC), along with a GME VHF, Fusion Apollo RA670 stereo, cockpit table, fridge, electric-flush toilet, and an electric anchor winch.
Supplied by: nsmarine.com.au