Highfield vs Castoldi: comparison 2026
We pit Highfield Boats against Castoldi with the usual script: what each builds, with which materials, in which price range and which boater each makes sense for.
Highfield 
Castoldi Comparison table
| Highfield | Castoldi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | China (international design) | Italy |
| Founded | 2011 | 1962 |
| Specialty | RIBs with aluminium hulls; world number 1 in the tender sector | Jet tenders (Jet Tender line) with in-house waterjet drives |
| Hull materials | Marine aluminium | Fibreglass |
| Tubes | PVC (Valmex), Hypalon (CSM) optional | Hypalon (CSM) |
| Size range | 2.4 – 9 m | 4.3 – 8.6 m |
| Price level | €€€ — Mid-high | €€€€€ — Premium |
| Ideal for | Those who beach the tender daily and want minimum weight | Yachts and superyachts wanting a robust jet tender with industrial pedigree |
Highfield, in short
Highfield was founded in 2011 with a clear idea: marine aluminium hulls for the tender market, inheriting the design of Australia's Swift Boats developed for the Great Barrier Reef. Today it is the world number 1 in the sector with over 54,000 boats delivered. Aluminium weighs less than fibreglass, survives beaching on stones and is infinitely recyclable. If your tender lives a hard life, Highfield is the benchmark.
Strengths
- 100% aluminium hulls: light, beaching-proof and fully recyclable
- Over 54,000 boats delivered since 2011; world #1 in RIB tenders
- Huge range: from 2.4 m tenders to 9 m cruising RIBs
- Official support boat at Vendée Globe, Invictus Games and other major events
Things to consider
- Built in China (with Western quality control)
- Aluminium transmits more noise and cold than fibreglass
- Hypalon only as an option on many models
Castoldi, in short
Castoldi is a historic Italian manufacturer (Abbiategrasso, since 1962) famous for building its own waterjet drives. Its Jet Tenders are the industrial, robust alternative to Williams: highly valued on superyachts and also in professional and military versions. Maximum hull-drive integration and built to last decades.
Strengths
- Has built its own waterjet drives since the 1960s: total integration
- Robust construction also aimed at professional and military use
- No propeller: safe in swim areas with minimal draft
- Established prestige in the superyacht market
Things to consider
- Premium price
- Specialist jet maintenance
- Range starts at 4.3 m: no compact option
Our verdict
Choose Highfield if you fit its profile: those who beach the tender daily and want minimum weight. Choose Castoldi if the opposite applies: yachts and superyachts wanting a robust jet tender with industrial pedigree. And if budget rules, Highfield starts with a price advantage — though it always pays to compare specific models at equivalent specification.
Our practical tip: before deciding between these two, also get a price for an equivalent Navisoul model. With Hypalon available across the range and yard customisation, it often wins the comparison without the brand premium.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Highfield or Castoldi?
There's no single answer: it depends on use. Highfield stands out for 100% aluminium hulls: light, beaching-proof and fully recyclable, while Castoldi stands out for has built its own waterjet drives since the 1960s: total integration. On price, Highfield is usually the more accessible of the two.
Which is cheaper, Highfield or Castoldi?
In general Highfield sits at a lower price level (mid-high) than Castoldi (premium). The final price always depends on the specific model and configuration.
Are there alternatives to Highfield and Castoldi?
Yes. At dinguis.com we sell the Navisoul range (Caral Marine) and advise on any boat and brand on the market, as well as analysing them in our comparisons.
We help you decide
Tell us your boat, where you'll stow the tender and your budget, and we'll tell you which specific Highfield, Castoldi or Navisoul model fits best — with numbers, not fluff.
- A comparison tailored to your case
- Reply within 24 working hours
- No obligation
Highfield, Castoldi or another? We can help
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