Highfield Ultralite 290

Highfield Ultralite 290

The Ultralite 290 sits right in the sweet spot of Highfield's Ultralite range - roomier than the 260, still light enough to handle without a second pair of hands, and compact enough not to dominate the deck.

The step up to a 15° dead rise is the real story here. It lets the 290 push through chop that would have a flatter hull slapping and complaining, so you can venture a bit further from the mothership without the ride turning into a battering.

At 39kg boat-only weight, it's still firmly in easy-to-manage territory, just with the extra internal length and beam that make a genuine difference once you've got four aboard with kit.

The hull is high tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminium, so beach landings, rocky shorelines and the odd clumsy mooring are shrugged off rather than dreaded. Pair that with a welded PVC construction and a full-length keel guard, and worry-free beaching stops being a slogan and starts being how you actually use the boat.

Highfield Ultralite 290 Key Features

• Compact 2.90m footprint with genuine room to stretch out
• Carries up to 4 people with a 320kg maximum load
• Just 39kg boat-only weight, easy for one person to manage
• 15° dead rise for a smoother ride when the water's up
• 3 air chambers for reassurance and redundancy
• Rated to 15hp for a decent turn of speed once you're aboard
• Available with ORCA® Hypalon or PVC tubes - see below to find your fit

PVC or Hypalon tubes?

The Ultralite 290 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 Ultralite 290 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 290 Spec

• Overall Length: 2.90m
• Internal Length: 2.14m
• Overall Width: 1.54m
• Internal Width: 0.77m
• Dead Rise: 15°
• Tube Diameter: 38cm
• Air Chambers: 3
• Maximum Load: 320kg
• Max Engine Weight: 56kg
• Maximum People: 4
• Boat Only Weight: 39kg
• Max HP: 15hp
• Engine Shaft: S
• Design Category: C
• Package Size (L x W x H): 250 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 290 carry? The Ultralite 290 is rated for up to 4 people, with a maximum load of 320kg 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 290? It's rated to a maximum of 15hp, with a maximum engine weight of 56kg. That's enough for confident ship-to-shore trips with a proper turn of speed when you need it.

How much does the Ultralite 290 weigh? The boat alone weighs 39kg, light enough for most owners to manage without a hoist. Add your engine weight on top when working out what you'll be lifting or towing.

Does the Ultralite 290 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 250 x 105 x 36.5cm.

How does the Ultralite 290 compare to the Ultralite 260? The 290 gives you more internal length and a steeper 15° dead rise for a smoother ride in chop, at the cost of a little extra weight over the 260's 35kg. If you mostly potter in flat anchorages, the 260 will do the job - if you want more room and a better ride further afield, the 290 is the one to go for.

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.