Highfield Ultralite 260 PVC

Highfield Ultralite 260 PVC

Highfield Ultralite 260 PVC are Crafted with a high-tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminium hull, the UL260 offers the structural integrity of a RIB with the weight of a traditional soft-bottomed boat. Weighing in at just 35kg, it is remarkably easy to handle without sacrificing the famous Highfield "go-anywhere" durability.

The 2.60m length provides a generous step up in space from its smaller siblings, comfortably carrying a crew of four or a significant load of supplies (up to 278kg) from ship to shore. Its V-deck design ensures it cuts through the chop smoothly, providing a dry, stable ride that far surpasses standard inflatable floors.

For those looking for a low-maintenance, reliable, and easy-to-stow tender that doesn't compromise on safety or build quality, the Highfield Ultralite 260 is the gold standard.

Highfield Ultralite 260 PVC Key Features

• Ultra-Lightweight Aluminium Hull: At only 35kg (boat only), it’s easy to manhandle, launch, and recover, reducing strain on your back and your yacht’s davits.
• Superior Durability: The high-tensile aluminium hull is powder-coated for longevity, meaning you can beach on shingle or rocky shores without the fear of damaging a fragile GRP floor.
• Welded PVC Seams: Built to last, the PVC tubes feature welded seams to ensure maximum airtight integrity in the British climate.
• Impressive Payload: Despite its size, it is rated to carry up to 4 people and a total load of 278kg—perfect for the weekly shop or transporting guests.
• V-Hull Performance: The 10.5° deadrise hull offers excellent tracking and a "big boat" feel, even in choppy coastal waters.
• Integrated Protection: Comes standard with a full-length keel guard and a lightweight rubbing strake to protect against scrapes and bumps.
• Ready to Go: Equipped with lifting points and towing eyes, making it ready to integrate with your existing deck setup immediately.

Technical Specifications:

• • Overall Length: 2.60m
  • Overall Width: 1.54m
  • Boat Weight: 35kg
  • Max Horsepower: 8hp
  • Passenger Capacity: 4
  • Fuel System: Fuel tank platform included as standard

What’s Included?

When you purchase your Highfield from Morgan Marine, your Ultralite 260 comes complete with:

• • Valuable extras: Foot pump, oars, and a repair kit.
  • A removable aluminium seat.
  • Highfield dry bag for your essentials.
  • Under-seat bag for tidy storage.

Morgan Marine Advice: If you’re looking for a tender that won't weigh you down but will stand up to years of beaching and heavy use, the UL260 is our top recommendation for the 2.5m–2.6m class.

Highfield Ultralite 260 PVC FAQs

What makes the Highfield Ultralite 260 different from a standard inflatable boat?

The Ultralite 260 is a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), meaning it features a solid, high-tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminium hull. Unlike "soft-bottom" inflatables, this gives you much better performance, stability, and durability. Because it’s aluminium, it won’t chip like glass fibre (GRP) when you run it up on a stony beach or trailer it.

How many people can the UL 260 carry?

The UL 260 is designed to carry up to 3 adults plus 1 child (a total maximum load of 340kg). It’s an ideal size for ship-to-shore duties, with plenty of room for your crew and supplies.

How heavy is the boat? Can I lift it on my own?

Weight is where this boat truly shines. The "boat only" weight is just 35kg. This makes it incredibly easy to launch and recover by yourself, and it’s light enough to be transported on a sturdy car roof rack or davits without overloading your primary vessel.

What size outboard engine do I need?

We recommend a 4hp short shaft outboard for most users, which provides a great balance of power and weight. However, the hull is rated for a maximum of 6hp.

Morgan Marine Tip: We always have a range of new and used outboards in stock, including Honda and Yamaha. Contact us for a package price including the engine.

Is the PVC material durable enough for UK waters?

Yes. The UL 260 uses high-quality Valmex® PVC (1100 dtex fabric) with welded seams. While Hypalon is often chosen for tropical climates with high UV, our PVC models are perfectly suited for UK coastal use. To further protect your investment, the boat comes standard with a full-length keel guard and a lightweight rubbing strake.

How do I store and maintain the aluminium hull?

The hull is powder-coated marine-grade aluminium. It is very low maintenance—just rinse with fresh water after use to prevent salt build-up. Because the hull is non-porous, you don’t have to worry about water absorption or osmosis over time.

Does the boat come with a warranty?

Yes, Highfield offers a robust manufacturer’s warranty. Typically, this includes 2 years on the boat and components. As an authorised dealer, Morgan Marine handles all after-sales support and warranty queries directly from our Brightlingsea workshop.

Do you offer delivery?

Yes, we can arrange nationwide delivery across the UK. Alternatively, you can collect your new RIB directly from our boatyard, where our engineers can help you set it up and show you the ropes.