Williams vs Highfield: comparison 2026

We pit Williams Jet Tenders against Highfield Boats with the usual script: what each builds, with which materials, in which price range and which boater each makes sense for.

Williams Jet Tenders Williams
VS
Highfield Boats Highfield

Comparison table

Williams Highfield
Country United Kingdom China (international design)
Founded 2004 2011
Specialty Jet tenders (waterjet propulsion, no propeller) for large yachts RIBs with aluminium hulls; world number 1 in the tender sector
Hull materials Fibreglass (GRP) Marine aluminium
Tubes Hypalon (CSM) PVC (Valmex), Hypalon (CSM) optional
Size range 2.8 – 6.25 m 2.4 – 9 m
Price level €€€€€ — Premium — from ~€30,000 for the smallest model €€€ — Mid-high
Ideal for Owners of yachts with a garage who want a sporty, safe, luxury tender Those who beach the tender daily and want minimum weight

Williams, in short

Williams Jet Tenders, founded in Oxfordshire (UK) in 2004, dominates the jet tender niche: tenders propelled by waterjet instead of a propeller. That makes them ideal for a yacht garage (minimal draft, contained length) and for swim areas (no exposed propeller). Standard or optional equipment at yards like Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline. Quality and price at the top of the market.

Strengths

  • Jet propulsion: no propeller, maximum safety for swimmers and towed sports
  • Minimal draft and compact size for yacht garages
  • Luxury finish and sporty performance (Minijet, Turbojet, Sportjet, Dieseljet lines)
  • De facto standard on 15 m+ yachts with a garage

Things to consider

  • Premium purchase and maintenance costs
  • The jet requires specialist servicing
  • Less efficient than a propeller at low speed

Full Williams analysis →

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

Full Highfield analysis →

Our verdict

Choose Williams if you fit its profile: owners of yachts with a garage who want a sporty, safe, luxury tender. Choose Highfield if the opposite applies: those who beach the tender daily and want minimum weight. 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, Williams or Highfield?

There's no single answer: it depends on use. Williams stands out for jet propulsion: no propeller, maximum safety for swimmers and towed sports, while Highfield stands out for 100% aluminium hulls: light, beaching-proof and fully recyclable. On price, Highfield is usually the more accessible of the two.

Which is cheaper, Williams or Highfield?

In general Highfield sits at a lower price level (mid-high) than Williams (premium — from ~€30,000 for the smallest model). The final price always depends on the specific model and configuration.

Are there alternatives to Williams and Highfield?

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 Williams, Highfield or Navisoul model fits best — with numbers, not fluff.

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