Highfield Reef Series User manual

Reef Series Owner’s manual
All information included in this manual is for information purposes only and cannot be used
and/or relied upon for any other purpose. The information contained herein is designed to be
as comprehensive as possible. Highfield Inflatables reserves the right, however, to make
changes at any time, without notice, to models, equipment, specifications and availability.
Indicated measurements may vary by +/- 3% or +/- 5% for weights. The availability of models,
equipments and options may vary from country to country . The boats photographed in this
manual may differ from the actual models.
2013M1EN

1www.highfieldboats.com 2
www.highfieldboats.com
Content
Introduction 2
Warranty Message 2
Warranty Information 3
Safety alerts 4
Safe boating recommendations 5
Craft data 6
Boat components 8
Transporting 8
Operation 8
Outboard motor 12
Maintenance 12
Storage 14
Service assistance 14
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Highfield inflatable. This model is the result of Highfield’s vast
experience in production of fine pleasure boats. It represents the high degree of craftsmanship and reliability
that are the Highfield’s commitment. You have made a wise investment by purchasing a Highfield inflatable,
we are convinced it will bring you many years of fun on the water and boating pleasure.
To ensure that you gain maximum satisfaction from your Highfield boat, please read this owners’ manual
carefully. It contains all the safety and operation instructions that you need to get the most out of your
Highfield dinghy.
The operator, passengers and craft are governed by local, national and when applicable, i nternational rules
and regulations of the waterways. If you are not familiar with these rules and regulations, please contact your
local authorities. Many accidents involve inexperienced operators. In fact, many operators who have been
involved with accidents do not even have a current boating license. Make sure that you are qualified and that
you only lend your boat to other qualified operators.
Please keep this manual in a safe place and hand it over to the new owner if you sell the dinghy.
Warranty Message
The product you have purchased comes with a limited warranty from Highfield Inflatables. The terms of the
warranty are set forth in the Warranty Information section of this manual. The warranty statement contains a
description of what is covered, what is not covered and the duration of coverage. Please review this important
information. The description and specifications contained herein were in effect at the time this manual was
approved for printing. Highfield Inflatables, whose policy is one of continued improvement, reserves the right
to discontinue models at any time, to change specifications, designs, methods, or procedures without notice
and without incurring obligation.
Record your Hull Identification Number (HIN). The HIN is located on the transom plate of your boat. You will
need this information to obtain parts, warranty service or provide information if your inflatable boat is stolen.
Purchase date
Dealer details
Name
Address
Phone
Boat details
Model
HIN
Dealer's stamp

3www.highfieldboats.com 4
www.highfieldboats.com
Danger
Denotes that an extreme intrinsic hazard exists which would result in high probability of
death or irreparable injury if proper precautions are not taken.
Warning
Denotes that a hazard exists which can result in injury or death if proper precautions
are not taken.
Warranty Information
HIGHFIELD BOATS – RETAIL LIMITED WARRANTY
WHAT IS COVERED
Highfield boats are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship during the period described
hereafter:
DURATION OF COVERAGE
The entire vessel is covered for a period of two (2) years from the date the product is sold.
The structural hull of the vessel is covered by a five (5) year warranty.
CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE
Warranty coverage is available only to customers that purchase from an authorized Highfield dealer. Routine
maintenance outlined in the Owner’s manual must be performed in a timely manner in order to maintain
warranty coverage. If the retail customer performs this maintenance, Highfield Boats reserves the right to
make future warranty coverage contingent on proof of proper maintenance.
WHAT HIGHFIELD BOATS WILL DO
Highfield Boats sole exclusive obligation under this warranty is limited to, at our option, repairing a defective
part, replacing such part or refunding the purchase price of the Highfield Boats product. The repair,
replacement of parts, or the performance of service under this warranty does not extend the life of this
warranty beyond its original expiration date.
HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE
The customer must provide Highfield Boats with a reasonable opportunity to repair, and reasonable access to
the product for warranty service. Warranty claims shall be made by delivering the product for inspection to a
Highfield Boats dealer authorized to service the product. If the service provided is not covered by this
warranty, purchaser shall pay for all related labor and material, and any other expenses associated with that
service. Purchaser shall not, unless requested by Highfield Boats, ship the product or parts of the product
directly to Highfield Boats. Proof of registered ownership must be presented to the dealerat the time warranty
service is requested in order to obtain coverage Highfield Boats. Proof of registered ownership must be
presented to the dealer at the time warranty service is requested in order to obtain coverage.
WARRANTY EXTENSION
Warranty extension becomes available upon proper registration of the product by the owner via Highfield
Boats warranty website: http://warranty.highfieldboats.com Product must be registered within sixty (60) days
from the date the product is purchased.
Warranty extension covers the ability of the tube hold air to ISO 6185 (airtightness test).
Duration of the coverage:
Tube made of ORCA® (Hypalon) fabric: ten (10) years
Tube made of Valmex® (PVC) fabric: five (5) years
Warranty extension does not apply if the vessel is used for rental or commercial use.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This limited warranty does not include damage due to misuse, abuse, negligence, improper or inadequate
storage or transportation, or to any Highfield boat which is used in a manner contrary to directions or
instructions indicated in the Highfield Owner’s Manual.
The warranty does not cover routine maintenance items, adjustments, normal wear and tear, puncture,
discoloration, oxidation, abrasion, mildew or damages due to theft, loss, modification or alteration.
Wearing parts including but not limited to rubbing strake, keel guards, ropes are not covered by the warranty.
This warranty shall be ineffective if the boat has been operated without proper inflation, or with an outboard
motor which exceeds the maximum horsepower rating listed on the serial plate attached to the transom.
Powder coating condition is not covered by our warranty due to the specific exposed nature of the product.
For best long term protection, ensure that all surfaces are rinsed with fresh water after every use and are
cleaned immediately of any substances that may stick to the paint surface and cause discoloration or
damage. We recommend scratches and dents to be repaired to avoid blistering or detachment of the coating
from the hull.
Use of the product for racing or other competitive activity voids the retail warranty.
Expenses related to haul-out, launch, towing, storage, transportation, telephone, rental, inconvenience, slip
fees, insurance coverage, loan payments, loss of time, loss of income, or any other type of incidental or
consequential damages are not covered by this warranty.
TRANSFER OF WARRANTY
The limited warranty is transferable to a subsequent purchaser, but only for the remainder of the unused
portion of the limited warranty. This does not apply if the vessel is used for rental or commercial use.
To transfer warranty please send an email with the below information to [email protected]
- Copy of the sale agreement
- HIN number of the craft
- Name, address, email address of new owner
Safety alerts
This manual uses the following safety alerts to draw your attention to special safety instructions that should
be followed.
Degree of hazard and corresponding safety labels:

5www.highfieldboats.com 6
www.highfieldboats.com
Caution
Denotes a reminder of safety practices or directs attention to unsafe practices which could
result in personal injury or damage to the craft or components or to the environment.
Danger
When operating, passengers must avoid standing up or hanging feet outside of the
boat. Leaking fuel is a fire hazard, inspect fuel system regularly.
Shut off the engine before boarding from the water.
Warning
Shall the operator or passenger fall out of the boat, the possibility of serious injury or
death from being run over by the boat can be greatly reduced by stopping the engine
immediately. Always properly connect both end of the stop switch lanyard to the stop
switch and the operator.
Caution
Passengers must use suitable PFDs ( Personal Flotation Device ) . Special PFDs are
designed for children or water sport activities.
Safe boating recommendations
1. Always wear a life jacket
Local authorities require that you carry an approved personal floatation device, or life jacket, for each person
aboard your vessel. We recommend wearing a life jacket at all times while boating as you never know when
an accident may occur. Statistics show nine of ten drowning victims may have survived a capsizing or fall
overboard if they had been wearing a life jacket, so choose a life jacket you will wear.
2. Use the kill switch lanyard
The operator of the boat must wear at all time a kill switch lanyard while driving. In the event of accidental
ejection or lose of balance, the boat will shut off automatically, possibly saving driver’s life or someone else’s.
Tiller handle outboards and some remote control units are equipped with a lanyard stop switch. A lanyard
stop switch can be installed as an accessory on the dashboard or adjacent to the operator’s position.
3. Protect people in the water
Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you are boating in area where there might be
people in the water. Please remember that even if the outboard gear shift is in neutral position the propeller
will continue to rotate slightly but enough to cause serious injury.
4. Know your boat
Knowing your boat is the foundation of good seamanship, whic h is simply the skill of managing a boat and
encompasses; navigation, safety, boat handling, line handling, anchoring, troubleshooting engine problems,
and appropriate emergency response.
5. Take a boating safety course
Eighty five percent of boating fatalities involve operators who did not have formal boating education. A
boating course will teach you the basics of seamanship mentioned above. The knowledge you will gain by
taking a boating safety course will never be wasted.
6. Boat sober
Using alcohol is even more dangerous on the water than on land because the marine environment
accelerates impairment. In boating deaths attributed to alcohol use, over half capsized or fell overboard.
Besides the safety risks, boating while intoxicated, or BUI, is illegal and heavy penalties are enforced by both
state and federal agencies.
7. Know the navigation rules
Aids to navigation such as buoys and day boards help us navigate potentially dangerous waters. Learn to
read nautical charts and keep them on your vessel to become familiar with the area in which you boat.
Taking a boating safety course is the next step, where you will learn to navigate using charts, GPS, RADAR,
and a compass.
Craft data
1. Boat specifications
Description
Model
390 13 420 14 460 15
Length a3.9 m 12' 9" 4.2 m 13'9" 4.6 m 15'1"
Beam b 1.85 m 6' 1" 2. 08 m 6' 1 0" 2. 08 m 6' 1 0"
Inside length c 2.8 5 m 9' 4" 3.20 m 10 '6 " 3. 60m 11' 10 "
Inside width d 0.92m 3' 1.08 m 3' 7" 1.08m 3' 7"
Bow height e 900 mm 35 " 935mm 37 " 950 mm 37 "
Stern height f600 mm 24 " 630 mm 25 ” 630 mm 25 "
Net weight 98kg 216lb 106kg 234lb 115kg 253lb
Deadrise 20 ° 20 ° 20 °
Max passenger 7 8 9
Max load 700kg 1543lb 750kg 1653lb 820kg 1808lb
Max HP 30 HP 40 HP 40 HP
Shaft Long Long Long
Tube dia 470mm 18" 470mm 18" 470mm 18"
Tube material Valmex® Valmex® Valmex®
Airtight chambers 3 4 5
Valmex® PVC material manufactured by Mehler Texnologies
ORCA® Hypalon material manufactured by Pennel & Flipo

7www.highfieldboats.com 8
www.highfieldboats.com
2. General arrangement
3. Manufacturer’s plate
The manufacturer’s plate is located on the inside of the boat transom.
Boat design category according to ISO 10240:
Category A: Craft designed to operate in winds that may exceed wind force 8 (Beaufort scale) and in
significant wave heights of 4m and above, and is largely self - sufficient. Abnormal conditions such as
hurricanes are excluded. Such conditions may be encountered on extended voyages, for example across
oceans, or inshore when unsheltered from the wind and waves for several hundred nautical miles.
Category B: Craft designed to operate in winds up to force 8 and the associated wave heights. Such conditions
may be encountered on offshore voyages of sufficient length, or on coastal waters when unsheltered
from the wind and waves for several dozens of nautical miles. These conditions may also be experienced
on inland seas of sufficient size for the wave height to be generated.
Category C: Craft designed to operate in winds up to force 6 and the associated wave heights ( significant
wave height up to 2m ). Such conditions may be encountered in exposed inland waters, in estuaries, and in
coastal waters in moderate weather conditions.
Category D: This craft is designed to operate in winds up to force 4 and the associated wave heights (occasional
maximum waves of 0.5m height ). Such conditions may be encountered in sheltered inland waters, and in
coastal waters in fine weather.
a- Name of manufacturer
b- HIN: Hull Identification Numbers
c- Model
d- Category
e- Maximum motor power
f- Maximum number of persons
g- Maximum load capacity
h- Recommended working pressure
Boat components
Transporting
For optimum handling, the trailer must be properly loaded and balanced.
Keep the center of gravity low for best handling.
Approximately 60 percent of the boat’s weight should be positioned on the front half of the trailer and 40
percent in the rear.
The boat should also be balanced from side to side. If the vessel has side mounted fuel or water tanks and
only one side is filled, then this will lend the rig to maneuver poorly. Proper balancing will also extend the life
of your trailers tires.
The boat should be firmly secured with at least two ratchet type straps, attached from the trailer to the stern
eyes and one ratchet type strap from the trailer ( to the rear ) , to the bow eye to keep the boat from shifting
forward. The bow eye should also be attached to the trailer’s winch which is mounted forward of the bow.
Make sure you have sufficient clearance to avoid damaging outboard or boat during transportation.
Operation
1. Pre-operation check list
- Check the pressure level in each chamber using a pressure gauge. Recommended working pressure is
displayed on manufacturer’s plate.
- Make sure the outboard motor is securely fastened to the transom.
- Make sure the drain plug is fully functional.
- Check fuel tank level and make sure it suits your plan.
- Start the outboard motor and make sure it stops when the lanyard is disconnected from the switch.
Front view
Transom view Bow view
Stern view

- Make sure that yourself and every passenger are wearing a suitable personal flotation device.
- Make sure there is an extra buoyant device that can be thrown to rescue person in the water.
- Check that the boat is equipped with 2 paddles or oars.
- Make sure you respect the maximum load authorized for the boat as described on the manufacturer’s
plate.
- Make sure the load in the boat is distributed evenly.
- Check that every passenger is securely seated and holds a safe line, grab handle or rope.
- Make sure that there is a 4m towing rope in the boat.
- If boating with passengers, instruct at least one passenger in the basics of boat handling, starting and
operation of the outboard motor.
- Make sure that all safety gears are on board (whistle, floating ropes, waterproof flashlight, first aid kit,
fresh water, tool kit…).
2. Inflation
To inflate the chamber, first unscrew the valve cap by turning a quarter of a turn counterclockwise. Check
that the plunger in the centre of the valve is closed i.e. upper position. If closed i.e. spring compressed, down
position, push the plunger down and rotate to the closed position.
Connect the air pump to the valve, rotate the connector into the valve to lock it and start inflating.
Inflate each chamber in turn, do not inflate a chamber completely then move on to the next one. Start with the
rear chambers. Repeat procedure until all chambers are evenly inflated to the recommended working
pressure. Use air gauge to measure the tube pressure. If you do not have any gauge, press firmly the tube
with one finger, if it goes down by about 10mm, the tube pressure is correct.
Inflatable boats can be damaged by extreme internal air pressure . Such pressure can be caused by
temperature differences. A boat properly inflated in the morning may become dangerously over - pressurized
as the day warms up. The internal pressure can multiply many times as the surface temperature increases
and under such conditions, seams can separate and bonded materials can delaminate. Avoid subjecting your
inflatable to such conditions by relieving pressure in all chambers of your boat as the day heats up or before
leaving the boat exposed to hot midday sun. It is highly recommended that the boat be stored in the shade or
under cover when it is not being used.
Do not use a compressed air source to inflate the tube or you may compromise the integrity of the seams or
a- Valve cap
b- Plunger
internal baffles. Seams or baffle rupture due to non respect of inflation procedure are not covered under the
warranty.
Using the boat with under inflated tubes may cause serious damage, including transom cracking.
a- Use of drain plug
b- Load distribution
Please refer to the maximum number of passengers and load capacity of the boat in this manual or on the
manufacturer’s plate. Do not exceed the maximum number.
Position the passengers and distribute the load evenly in the boat to help counterbalance the weight of the
outboard.
In rough waters, load can be moved forward to ease the motion of the craft.
c- Performances
To achieve best performance, the boat must plane. If the boat does not plane you may check the following:
- Make sure the bilge / deck is dry, drain the water otherwise.
- Make sure the tube is correctly inflated.
- Make sure you have the correct weight distribution. Sea conditions may require passengers to move
forward to the boat to get the boat on plane before they return to their initial positions.
The outboard engine plays a big role in the performance of the boat. Please make sure you use a suitable
outboard engine for the boat.
Outboard trim angle can be adjusted to improve planning and general performance. Adjust the position of
Caution
Do not used compressed air source to fill the air chambers. Over inflation may result in
seams or diaphragms rupture.
Caution
Keep the drain open when the boat is kept outside of the water. The rain water could fill
the boat and create stress and damage.
Danger
Do no open the drain plug when the boat is afloat but not in motion.
Your boat is equipped with a drain plug installed on the transom.
When driving the boat, open the plug to get rid of the water on the
floor. The water will automatically be drained by Venturi effect.
When launching the boat or stopping on the water we recommend
you to keep the plug sealed. When the boat is lifted, stowed,
stored, not used, or transported, drain plug shall remain open to
drain any water that could fill the deck.
9www.highfieldboats.com 10
www.highfieldboats.com

11 www.highfieldboats.com 12
www.highfieldboats.com
the trim rod of your motor to define the trim angle of the outboard motor in relation to the transom. Make test
runs with the trim set to different angles to find the position that works best for your boat and operating
conditions.
d- Towing
Your boat can be towed using the towing bridles located at the bow. Boat must be empty when towed.
Remove outboard motor, fuel tank and equipment. No passenger should be onboard. Boat shall be towed at
low speed. Make sure to use a tow line that is rated at least 5 times the weight of the boat being towed. Boat
should only be towed using the towing eye. Molded handles, lifelines and cleats are not designed to be used
for towing.
1.It is recommended that the boat be towed with a bridle arrangement using the D rings on the either side
of the bow.
2.An extra safety line should also be attached to the welded on aluminium eye under the bow of the hull.
3.Please note that towed dinghies need to be constanly monitored and especially at night.
4.When a dinghy is towed the conditions may vary quite dramatically so the responsibility for its security
rests entirely with the skipper.
e- Lifting
When using a hoist to lift the boat, attach the hoist to the 4 lifting eyes welded to the hull. Empty the boat of
all equipment and make sure no passenger is onboard during lift. Make sure the deck and bilge are drained
before lifting your boat. Remove the drain plug during the whole time the boat is stowed to allow water to run
off. Molded handles, lifelines and cleats are not designed to be used for lifting.
f- Beaching
We recommend the boat not to be powered onto the beach, dragged across rocks, sand, gravel or pavement
as damage to the fabric and/or hull may result.
Outboard motor
Install the outboard motor on the transom so that it is positioned as close to the center as possible. Tighten
the transom clamp screws evenly and securely. Occasionally check the clamp screws for tightness during
operation of the outboard motor because they could become loose due to engine vibration. Make sure the
outboard motor is securely fastened to the transom every time before operation. Always use the kill switch
lanyard properly.
Portable tank should be removed from boat when fuelling. Tank should be filled in a ventilated area. Do not
smoke onboard.
Maintenance
1. General care
Your inflatable has been especially designed to avoid maintenance problems as far as possible.
However, periodic cleaning will help to keep your boat’s good condition especially before winter storage.
Clean your boat and wash it thoroughly with soapy water. Rinse carefully and check that no dirt or foreign
bodies such as shell, sand or fishing hooks are left inside that might deteriorate the fabric. For tar stains use
a gentle, non abrasive cleanser such as dishwashing soap, or use a recommended inflatable boat cleaner
available from most boat chandlery outlets.
Right position
Bow down, too much trim-in
Bow up, too much trim-out
Warning
No passenger should be onboard. Boat shall be towed at low speed. Make sure to use
a tow line that is rated at least 5 times the weight of the boat being towed.
Warning
Overpowering a boat can result in serious injury, death or boat damage. Do not use
outboard that exceeds the maximum horsepower given on the motor plate.

13 www.highfieldboats.com 14
www.highfieldboats.com
Danger
Glue and solvents used for repair are highly flammable. Perform repairs in a well
ventilated area. Avoid breathing the vapors, wear protective gears ( goggles, filter
respirators, latex gloves).
CAUTION:
■ Do not use abrasive or aggressive chemical compounds
■ Warm soapy water is best in most situations
■ Do not use any solvents, petrol, etc (PVC models)
■ Use solvents sparingly only on Hypalon models
■ Test any cleaner on a piece of patch material if in doubt
2. Tube repair
Repair Kit contains:
■ Fabric patches
■ Ready to use tube of special glue
Conditions necessary for a successful repair:
■ Humidity max 60%
■ Temperature range between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius
■ Repairs should not be carried out in direct sunlight, wind or rain
■ Repairs should, however, be undertaken in a well ventilated area
Repair PVC boats:
Highfield Inflatables that have tubes constructed with Valmex PVC coated fabrics require PU based adhesive
and RC hardener. Acetone solvent is recommended to prepare the surface before gluing . Use only
recommended solvent and adhesive.
Identify the area to be patched. This can be done by running water over the suspect area or spraying or
brushing with soapy water.
If the hole is only small, cut out a round patch of no less than 60mm diameter. Larger holes or cuts will
require proportionately larger patches but always ensure you have at least 30mm of patch around the
perimeter of the cut or hole and the corners are well radiused.
Next hold the patch on the tube and mark out around it with a pencil.
Clean both surfaces with solvent and spread a thin layer of adhesive over them ensuring there are no lumps.
When the first coat is dry to the touch (about 10 to 15 minutes) apply a second thin coat. After waiting 5 or 6
minutes, touch the adhesive with the back of your hand. If it no longer appears wet, heat both areas with a
hot air gun to re-activate the glue and join the patch to the tube and then clamp or roll the surfaces together.
For the best adhesion, roll over the patch with a roller or over the bottom edge of a bottle.
Do not inflate the boat fully for 24 hours.
Repair Hypalon boats:
Highfield Inflatables that have tubes constructed with Orca Hypalon coated fabrics cannot be bonded with
plastic adhesives or by welding. They require neoprene based glue and RFE hardener. MEK solvent is
recommended to prepare the surface before gluing. Use only recommended solvent and adhesive.
Identify the area to be patched. This can be done by running water over the suspect area or spraying or
brushing with soapy water.
If the hole is only small, cut out a round patch of no less than 60mm diameter. Larger holes or cuts will
require proportionately larger patches but always ensure you have at least 30mm of patch around the
perimeter of the cut or hole and the corners are well radiused.
Next hold the patch on the tube and mark out around it with a pencil.
Use a grinder, course sand paper or scratch stone, rough up both the back of the patch and the area marked
on the tube.
Clean both surfaces with solvent and spread a thin layer of adhesive over them ensuring there are no lumps.
When the first coat is dry to the touch (about 10 to 15 minutes) apply a second thin coat. After waiting 5 or 6
minutes, touch the adhesive with the back of your hand. If it no longer appears wet, heat both areas with a
hot air gun to re - activate the glue and join the patch to the tube and then clamp or roll the surfaces together.
For the best adhesion, roll over the patch with a roller or over the bottom edge of a bottle.
Do not inflate the boat fully for 24 hours.
3. Upholstery
Highfield is using marine grade upholstery fabric to offer best resistance to UV and ageing. Periodic washing
with mild detergent and warm water is the best way to keep your upholstery look good. Special vinyl cleaner
can also be used to remove difficult stains. No fabric can last forever when constantly exposed to the
elements. We therefore recommend you to cover your boat when not in use.
Storage
When not in use boat should be removed from water.
Before storage the boat should be cleaned and rinsed with fresh water.
Do not cover boat before it is completely dry or mildew could grow under the cover and damage the tube
material.
Service assistance
For assistance please contact your Highfield dealer and visit Highfield Inflatables
website: www.highfieldboats.com