Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 18-07-2016, 03:57   #1
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,413
Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

First impressions of the Classic 310 alum RIP.

I have owned a series of inflatatables since 1995 beginning with an Avon Redcrest and finally 2 Aquapros aluminum RIBs. The last Aquapro, which was poorly manufactured in China began coming apart and was finally replaced last week with the Highfield C310

Classic 310 - Highfield Boats

The boat is available in Hyaplon or PVC.

construction is very robust and very neat
6 welded on lifting rings
double floor
powder coated aluminum
two seat locations (comes with one seat)
cushioned removable waterproof seat cover with multiple zippered pockets
two welded bow eyes
2 robust towing D rings
bow locker (accommodates 3 gallon fuel tank)
non skid on floor and bow locker
very robust rub rail
17" Ø tubes, large diameter alum oars (stowed inside, strong oar locks)
multiple hand hold straps on top of tubes glued on sub assembly (good!)
includes water proof boat cover, repair kit, pump, and heavy duty waterproof bag
velcro loop to manage painter inside a port bow

Boat appears light and fast.... planes easily with 2 adults with an 8hp
robust hand holds at stern and bow. Dry! Bow locker makes a great rear facing seat.

Cost for the PVC is very reasonable. Hypalon version is about $1,000 more.

This is an Italian design, with parts apparently manufactured in Poland? and assembled in China. My second Aquapro had paint adhesion problems and I see AB now does the alum. boats without paint. We'll see how this one holds up. Expectation is 5-8 yrs. Tows well... bow seems to be a bit high (drier?) Interior volume is larger than the Aquapro of the same length

I am very pleased with everything about this boat... especially the bow locker to keep the fuel (hose runs under the the sole). I would have preferred a darker gray... this is almost white and shows dirt too easily.

OAL first impressions... 2 thumbs up! We'll see how long this lasts.
Sandero is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2016, 09:02   #2
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 12
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

I am in year 3 with a Highfield C310-no problems. Tows easily and I used bottom paint and after a 5 week cruise, no growth on the bottom.
hmarkhoff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2016, 11:26   #3
Registered User
 
Dulcesuenos's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Western Caribbean
Boat: 38/41 Fountains pajot
Posts: 3,060
Images: 4
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

AB quit powered coating their hulls, the hypalon was glued over the powder coating and once it failed or the powder coating came up or bubbled which happens it comes unattached quick and very hard to repair.
I know Inmar, marine is making heirs that way but no feedback on longevity. I'd be wary of powder coated aluminum hulled ribs myself. If it comes with a good warranty and your near a service center then I'd go for it. I have seen them and they do look robust and very well made.

Sent from my PLT1077G using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
Dulcesuenos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13-08-2016, 07:39   #4
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,413
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

I don't expect more than 5-6 years of use... which is fine. If the paint does not stay adhered to the aluminum.... you're in for massive problems.

We're see how this holds up.

Functionally it's a very nice boat. I decided not to spend the extra $$ for hypalon because of the issue you mentioned which I did experience.

Boat came with a cover, seat storage pouches...repair kit...large waterproof bag...

Here is a pic.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	LaniDani.jpg
Views:	1147
Size:	403.7 KB
ID:	129488  
Sandero is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2017, 23:21   #5
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Puget Sound, USA
Boat: Lyman-Morse 54
Posts: 219
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

Sandero,

Any further thoughts on your 310? We are considering getting one and would appreciate any insights now that you have had it for a while.

Thanks
Pyxis156 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2017, 23:27   #6
cruiser

Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

We're very happy with our Highfield. Very stable, lighter than fiberglass so easier on the davits even though larger in size, planes well although our 15hp Mercury 2 stroke has difficulty planing with more than two adults. So can plane with up to 450pounds of adults, no more in our case. No issues so far and we went with PVC.

We purchased the steering console/bench seat option, very happy with the choice. No bottom paint, as it comes out of the water often enough.
Kenomac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2017, 23:32   #7
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Puget Sound, USA
Boat: Lyman-Morse 54
Posts: 219
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

Thanks Ken, appreciate the response! Is yours the 310 as well? Does it have the single floor or the flat double floor? How long have you had it? No maintenance or warranty issues?

We have a 15HP 2-stroke that we will be using with whatever we get... interesting to hear you can get it up on plane with no more than two adults considering that is the max HP rating for the 310.

Thanks again
Pyxis156 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2017, 23:58   #8
cruiser

Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

It has the flat double floor, I just went out in the rain to double check model number. We have a Highfield CL-360. Only two six month seasons on it, no issues at all, stored indoors during the winter months.

It's used daily six months per year as our car since we live only in anchorages. Plenty of room for groceries, folding Brompton bikes, and Burley Travoy folding trailer.
Kenomac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 00:08   #9
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Puget Sound, USA
Boat: Lyman-Morse 54
Posts: 219
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

Thanks for that, really helpful. It looks like your model is 27 lbs more than the 310, plus more given the steering console, and has a max HP rating of 25 HP. Glad to hear it is holding up under real cruising conditions use! This has swung me towards the Highfield over the AB we were also considering.
Pyxis156 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 00:57   #10
cruiser

Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

For the cost difference in fabric, I could have purchased a second 360-CL so we went with the Valmex® PVC tube fabric.
Kenomac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 15:49   #11
Moderator
 
JPA Cate's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: aboard, cruising in Australia
Boat: Sayer 46' Solent rig sloop
Posts: 28,400
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenomac View Post
We're very happy with our Highfield. Very stable, lighter than fiberglass so easier on the davits even though larger in size, planes well although our 15hp Mercury 2 stroke has difficulty planing with more than two adults. So can plane with up to 450pounds of adults, no more in our case. No issues so far and we went with PVC.

We purchased the steering console/bench seat option, very happy with the choice. No bottom paint, as it comes out of the water often enough.
Kenomac, you might consider a different pitch prop for that motor. We used to be marginal to plane with our Yamaha 15 2 stroke for 4, but changing props did the trick...and gave us a "spare" prop, too, so all good.

Ann
__________________
Who scorns the calm has forgotten the storm.
JPA Cate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 22:57   #12
cruiser

Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

Quote:
Originally Posted by JPA Cate View Post
Kenomac, you might consider a different pitch prop for that motor. We used to be marginal to plane with our Yamaha 15 2 stroke for 4, but changing props did the trick...and gave us a "spare" prop, too, so all good.

Ann
Good idea, I'll look into it.

Thanks

Ken
Kenomac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-04-2018, 12:17   #13
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1
Re: Highfield Aluminum Rib Classic 310

I have just bought a cl360 with the console and will be using a 15hp mercury - what prop pitch have you found that works best?

Thanks

Chris
chrisboulter is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
aluminum, rib

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
For Sale: 2014 HIGHFIELD UL 290 CSM ultralight RIB Tim R. Classifieds Archive 0 20-04-2016 03:45
Opinions on WM RIB-310 Aluminum Dinghy Dennis.G Auxiliary Equipment & Dinghy 17 25-03-2016 23:25
For Sale: 310 Aluminum RIB!! svtrio Classifieds Archive 1 08-10-2013 06:13
Mercury 310 PVC RIB vs. Westmarine 310 RIB elleandi355 Liveaboard's Forum 0 12-01-2012 19:29

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:55.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.