Highfield's twin-Honda ADV9 hits 50 knots at Southampton debut

Honda Marine UK and Highfield Boats are back together at this year's Southampton International Boat Show, sharing a stand that reflects a partnership now well established between the two brands. The centrepiece is the Highfield ADV9, making its UK debut fitted with twin Honda BF250 outboards.

At 9.2 metres, the ADV9 sits in the cabin crossover class and has been built around adventure, versatility, and comfort. Top speed is 50 knots, with a cruising range of up to 250 nautical miles.

It's already picking up attention on the awards front, with nominations for European Powerboat of the Year 2027 and a confirmed finalist spot in the Best RIBs category at the Best of Boats Award 2026.

The twin BF250 setup has been matched for fuel efficiency, reliability, and quiet running, with the outboards' styling complementing the ADV9's sharp RIB-style lines. Honda Marine and Highfield Boats have worked together for years to deliver boat-engine packages that meet rising demand from owners for turnkey solutions, with fully matched, optimised and integrated outboard configurations.

The stand won't just be about the ADV9. Visitors can also look over the ADV7, winner of the Open Motorboat Award at the Dutch Boat of the Year Awards 2026, plus the Sport 700 and the Patrol 540 Coaster, Highfield's affordable family starter boat. It's the Coaster's 15th anniversary year, and Highfield is offering a free SUP with every Coaster sold during the show.

Honda's full engine range will be on display too, spanning 2.3 hp to 350 hp. That includes models from the updated V6 and four-cylinder range alongside the award-winning flagship BF350 V8.

The outboard packages incorporate new digital instruments and displays, ergonomic control boxes, Honda Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) drive-by-wire controls, and integration into onboard networks. Honda outboards also offer ECOmo to increase fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) for improved holeshot performance, Variable Valve Timing & Electronic Control (VTEC) for smooth power delivery, and Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) for quick starts, instant throttle response, strong performance, and low fuel consumption.

The joint stand is open on all four sides this year, built to feel accessible and spacious so visitors can move freely around the display. Three stretched fabric sails at the heart of the stand provide a sheltered central area.

Half the stand will feature the Highfield-Honda package range. The remaining space will showcase boats from Honda Marine boatbuilder partners that specify Honda as their preferred engine supplier, alongside Honwave inflatables fitted with Honda outboards.

New for this year, the stand will also include a dedicated Tender Zone, showcasing both Honda's Honwave and Highfield tender ranges for buyers after compact, practical solutions.