{"id":8889,"date":"2025-05-03T10:02:21","date_gmt":"2025-05-03T10:02:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=8889"},"modified":"2025-05-03T10:02:21","modified_gmt":"2025-05-03T10:02:21","slug":"boat-test-2025-highfield-velox-420","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=8889","title":{"rendered":"Boat Test: 2025 Highfield Velox 420"},"content":{"rendered":"

Boat Test: 2025 Highfield Velox 420
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Highfield <\/div>
\n The Velox 420 is easy to run.<\/span>
\n Courtesy Highfield Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n
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Visit Highfield<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n
Find a Highfield Dealer<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Overview<\/h2>\n

Highfield\u2019s Velox 420 is\u00a0a \u00adwelcome addition to the entry-level-\u00ad\u00adboat segment. Priced at $36,000, this jet-powered RIB is intended to fill the compact runabout niche somewhat abandoned by popular boat brands. Highfield is pitching the Velox not only as a tender, but also as a family boat especially ideal for younger captains.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Highfield <\/div>
\n The Velox 420 is a sporty craft well-suited for a variety of boating abilities.<\/span>
\n Courtesy Highfield Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n

Engine<\/h2>\n

The 14-foot-7-inch Velox 420 features an aluminum deep-V hull surrounded by Orca Hypalon tubes. The powder-\u00adcoated aluminum hull incorporates the boat deck, an integrated 14.5-gallon fuel tank and the swim platform. The helm console and bow boarding step are molded fiberglass. The boat is powered by a 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive\u2014the same reliable three-cylinder 899cc powertrain featured in the Sea-Doo Spark watercraft. A fiberglass insert forms the jet pump intake and the aft center of the running surface to provide efficient intake flow in a shape that would be challenging to form in aluminum.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Highfield <\/div>
\n Comfortable seating is found at the helm.<\/span>
\n Courtesy Highfield Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n

Interior and Accessories<\/h2>\n

The aluminum hatch over the engine bay is also the base for the main seat, wide enough for two or a tight fit for three people. The pivoting seat backrest enables facing forward or aft on this seat. The deep boarding platform is covered with the same MarineMat material that covers the deck. There\u2019s also a small seat on the forward helm console and a seat pad in the bow peak (useful at rest, not underway). Stowage space is limited to some room within the console, accessed by raising the forward seat. This is a 14-footer, remember.<\/p>\n

The helm console holds a Medallion touchscreen display that can be used to select \u00adRotax performance modes (Eco, Docking and Ski). Switches for lighting and the head for the optional audio system ($920) are to port of the wheel. There is a wireless device charger next to the display screen. The console is topped with a small windscreen and a robust grab handle.<\/p>\n

Read Next:<\/strong> Highfield Sport 800<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Highfield <\/div>
\n The Velox 420 offers excellent stability at rest.<\/span>
\n Courtesy Highfield Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n

The 90 hp jet pushed this 1,060-pound vessel to a top speed of 38 mph with a light load. Performance is typical jet\u2014strong acceleration starts at about 5,500 rpm; at speed in a hard turn, the radius tightens until the boat starts to slide a bit, but this is easy to control. Fuel economy is outstanding at better than 7 mpg at cruising speeds, for a range of about 100 miles. That\u2019s a lot of fun per gallon.<\/p>\n

How We Tested<\/h2>\n