Highfield Ultralite 260

Highfield Ultralite 260

The Ultralite 260 is one of the smallest boats in Highfield's Ultralite range, but it doesn't feel like it once you're aboard. There's more room here than the compact footprint suggests, and it hasn't cost the tender any of its easy, manageable nature.

At just 35kg boat-only weight, this is about as easy as tenders get to lift, launch and stow. Ready to carry crew, luggage and the odd crate of provisions from ship to shore, it's built to earn its keep on every trip - not just the calm ones.

Step up from the smaller models in the range and the UL260 gives you a bit more breathing room without losing the manoeuvrability that makes Highfield's Ultralite tenders so easy to live with day to day.

The hull is high tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminium, so it takes the inevitable knocks - beach landings, rocky slipways, clumsy mooring attempts - without flinching. A welded PVC construction and a full-length keel guard mean it's built for repeated use, not just fair-weather outings.

Highfield Ultralite 260 Key Features

• Compact 2.60m footprint - easy to store, easy to launch
• Carries up to 4 people with a 278kg maximum load
• Just 35kg boat-only weight, about as easy as tenders get to handle
• 3 air chambers for reassurance and redundancy
• Rated to 8hp, enough for confident ship-to-shore trips
• Available with ORCA® Hypalon or PVC tubes - see below to find your fit

PVC or Hypalon tubes?

The Ultralite 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.

What’s Included in the Box?

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.

Highfield Ultralite 260 Standard Features

• ORCA® Hypalon or PVC tube
• Flush mount non-return valves
• High tensile chromated & powder coated aluminium hull
• Lifting points and towing eyes
• Anti-slip deck
• Welded seams (PVC)
• Removable seat
• Tow bridle points
• Full length keel guard
• Under seat bag
• EVA foam decking
• Lightweight rubbing strake
• Highfield dry bag
• Foot pump, oars and repair kit

Optional Equipment

• Extra seat
• Boat cover

Highfield Ultralite 260 Spec

• Overall Length: 2.60m
• Internal Length: 1.84m
• Overall Width: 1.54m
• Internal Width: 0.77m
• Dead Rise: 10.5°
• Tube Diameter: 38cm
• Air Chambers: 3
• Maximum Load: 278kg
• Max Engine Weight: 50kg
• Maximum People: 4
• Boat Only Weight: 35kg
• Max HP: 8hp
• Engine Shaft: S
• Design Category: C
• Package Size (L x W x H): 220 x 105 x 36.5cm

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

Compare the Highfield Ultralite Range

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

FAQs

How many people can the Ultralite 260 carry? The Ultralite 260 is rated for up to 4 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 Ultralite 260? It's rated to a maximum of 8hp, with a maximum engine weight of 50kg. That's plenty for getting crew and kit ashore without overpowering a boat this size.

How much does the Ultralite 260 weigh? The boat alone weighs just 35kg, making it one of the easier tenders to lift and launch without assistance. Add your engine weight on top when working out what you'll be handling.

Does the Ultralite 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 36.5cm.

Is the Ultralite 260 a good first tender? Yes - it's light, compact and straightforward to manoeuvre, which makes it a sensible choice if you're new to running a tender. The trade-off for that manageability is less capacity than the bigger models in the range, so if you're regularly carrying heavy loads, it's worth sizing up.

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 with engine options, seeing the boat in person at our Brightlingsea showroom, or arranging a delivery - please contact us today.