Highfield Classic 260

Highfield Classic 260

The Classic 260 is the smallest tender in Highfield's Classic range, and it makes the most of every centimetre. Don't mistake compact for lightweight in capability though - this is a boat built to carry four, agile enough to dart between anchorages, and tough enough to take the daily knocks that come with life as a tender.

At 54kg boat-only weight, the 260 is easy enough for one person to manage - onto the davits, up the slipway, or across the foredeck without a second pair of hands. It's the entry point into the Classic range, and the natural choice if storage space or engine size is at a premium, or if you simply want the smallest, most manoeuvrable tender that'll still do the job properly.

Step down from the Classic 290 and you lose a little internal length, but you gain a boat that's even easier to sling on deck or store over winter. The aluminium hull shrugs off beach landings and rocky shorelines just as well as its bigger siblings, and the rigid, planing hull keeps things stable even when loaded up with passengers and kit.

Highfield Classic 260 Key Features

• Smallest footprint in the Classic range at 2.60m - easy to store, easy to launch
• Carries up to 3+1 people with a 278kg maximum load
• Just 54kg boat-only weight, easily managed solo
• 3 air chambers for reassurance and redundancy
• Rated to 15hp - plenty for short ship-to-shore hops
• Available with PVC or Hypalon tubes - see below to find your fit
• Heavy-duty rubbing strake provides essential protection for your tubes when coming alongside jetties or ships.
• Full-length keel guard - protection for the hull's most vulnerable point, perfect for frequent beach landings.
• Complete accessory pack supplied as standard with a removable seat, oars, foot pump, repair kit, and a Highfield dry bag to keep your essentials safe.

PVC or Hypalon tubes?

The Classic 260 is available with either PVC or Hypalon tubes. In short: PVC offers excellent value and performs well for boats used seasonally and stored under cover, while Hypalon costs more upfront but offers superior UV resistance and longevity - worth it if the boat will live outdoors or see heavy use.

Read our full PVC vs Hypalon tubes guide for a proper breakdown of the differences, or get in touch and we'll help you pick the right fit for how you'll use the boat.

Highfield Classic 260 Spec

• Overall Length: 2.60m
• Internal Length: 1.76m
• Overall Width: 1.70m
• Internal Width: 0.79m
• Dead Rise: 10.5°
• Tube Diameter: 44cm
• Air Chambers: 3
• Maximum Load: 278kg
• Max Engine Weight: 56kg
• Maximum People: 3+1
• Boat Only Weight: 54kg
• Max HP: 15hp
• Engine Shaft: S
• Design Category: C
• Package Size (L x W x H): 220 x 105 x 43.8cm

*Maximum load includes crew and cargo. It does not include engine weight, fuel or water.

Standard Features

• ORCA® Hypalon or PVC tube
• Flush mount non-return valves
• High tensile chromated and powder coated aluminium hull
• Bow locker (fits 24L fuel tank)
• Integrated transom supports
• Lifting points and towing eyes
• Heavy duty rubbing strake
• Bow cushion
• Welded seams (PVC)
• Removable seat
• Tow bridle points
• Brushed foam teak finish deck
• Full length keel guard
• Tank strap kit
• Under seat bag
• Highfield dry bag
• Foot pump, oars, repair kit

Optional Equipment

• FRP bow step
• Moulded bow cleat
• Boat cover

Compare the Highfield Classic Range

If you want to see the differences between Highfield Classic models, look no further than our guide: Highfield Range Comparison

FAQs

How many people can the Classic 260 carry?
The Classic 260 is rated for 3+1 people, with a maximum load of 278kg for crew and cargo combined. That figure doesn't include the engine, fuel or water, so worth keeping in mind when you're loading up.

What size engine do I need for the Classic 260?
It's rated to a maximum of 15hp, with a maximum engine weight of 56kg. That's enough for confident short hops without adding weight or bulk you don't need on the smallest boat in the range.

How much does the Classic 260 weigh?
The boat alone weighs 54kg, making it the lightest in the Classic range and easy for most owners to lift or wheel without a hoist. Add your engine weight on top when working out what you'll be lifting or towing.

Does the Classic 260 fold down for storage?
The hull itself is rigid aluminium, so it won't fold flat, but the tubes can be deflated to reduce the overall footprint for storage or transport. It ships in a compact package sized 220 x 105 x 43.8cm.

Is the Classic 260 a good first tender?
Yes - it's the smallest and lightest boat in the range, which makes it the easiest to learn on and store. The trade-off is a lower capacity than the 290 or 310, so if you're regularly carrying four adults plus gear, it's worth stepping up a size.

Highfield RIBs at Morgan Marine

We can supply Highfields as a boat-only option or as a complete "turn-key" package with a choice of outboard engines and trailers. Please contact our team for current stock availability and rigging options.

Highfield offers a robust warranty:
5 years on the hull structure and 5 years on the PVC fabric tube option (limited) or 10 years on the Hypalon fabric tube option (limited). As an authorised dealer, Morgan Marine handles the registration and any aftercare support you might need.

Still have questions?
The Morgan Marine team is here to help. Whether you want to discuss engine options, see the boat in person at our Brightlingsea showroom, or arrange a delivery, please contact us today.