Highfield vs GALA: comparison 2026
We pit Highfield Boats against GALA Boats with the usual script: what each builds, with which materials, in which price range and which boater each makes sense for.
Highfield 
GALA Comparison table
| Highfield | GALA | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | China (international design) | Bulgaria |
| Founded | 2011 | 2015 |
| Specialty | RIBs with aluminium hulls; world number 1 in the tender sector | Inflatables and light RIB tenders with aluminium hulls (Atlantis range) and fibreglass |
| Hull materials | Marine aluminium | Aluminium, Fibreglass |
| Tubes | PVC (Valmex), Hypalon (CSM) optional | PVC, Hypalon (CSM) optional |
| Size range | 2.4 – 9 m | 2.3 – 5 m |
| Price level | €€€ — Mid-high | €€ — Mid-low |
| Ideal for | Those who beach the tender daily and want minimum weight | Tight budgets looking for a light, functional aluminium tender |
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
GALA, in short
GALA is a European manufacturer (Bulgaria, since 2015) of inflatables and RIB tenders, known for its Atlantis range of light aluminium hulls. It competes in the entry segment of the tender market, where value for money is its best argument. At dinguis.com we analyse its Atlantis Lite range (A240–A330) as the affordable aluminium option and advise you if it fits your case.
Strengths
- Very competitive prices in the entry segment
- Atlantis range: light aluminium tenders for davits
- Good availability through European dealers
- We advise on their range and handle your quote request
Things to consider
- Less brand recognition than the historic names
- Finish below the premium brands
- Service network in Spain still developing
Our verdict
Choose Highfield if you fit its profile: those who beach the tender daily and want minimum weight. Choose GALA if the opposite applies: tight budgets looking for a light, functional aluminium tender. And if budget rules, GALA 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 GALA?
There's no single answer: it depends on use. Highfield stands out for 100% aluminium hulls: light, beaching-proof and fully recyclable, while GALA stands out for very competitive prices in the entry segment. On price, GALA is usually the more accessible of the two.
Which is cheaper, Highfield or GALA?
In general GALA sits at a lower price level (mid-low) than Highfield (mid-high). The final price always depends on the specific model and configuration.
Are there alternatives to Highfield and GALA?
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, GALA or Navisoul model fits best — with numbers, not fluff.
- A comparison tailored to your case
- Reply within 24 working hours
- No obligation
Highfield, GALA or another? We can help
We reply within 24 working hours with price, delivery time and customisation options.