Highfield’s Ocean Master inflatables are heavy duty big water RIBs. With a 3mm thick aluminum hull and 20 degree dead rise, this OM 390 Deluxe can handle some pretty rough water. A secondary benefit to that deep-V is a very comfortable ride, which becomes more important the further you travel. Winds were light during our test but there was enough cruiser boat traffic to find a few wakes over 2 feet and the little Ocean Master had no problem handling them, even over 30 mph.
Most Highfield’s have oversized tubing and the Ocean Master 390’s tube are 18” in diameter, which is big for an inflatable boat under 13 feet. These large tubes offer more carrying capacity, floatation and a higher / dryer ride.
All Ocean Master models have a bow step with a mooring cleat. Our test boat also had navigation lights mounted there for optimum visibility. A centre console is standard and can be mounted with some consideration for legroom. Four heavy duty lifting davits are welded to each corner of the cockpit and large floor drains with removable plugs are located just in front of the bench seat. This boat has the raised cockpit floor which sits above the hull keeping bilge water away from your gear.
A strong aluminum hull and full length keel guard allow you to pull this boat to shore, even if the shoreline is a bit rocky.
The tow arch adds functionality and improves the already rugged looks. Having the LED all-round masthead light on top forgoes hunting for light poles in the dark.The integrated fuel tank allows more capacity than a portable tank and is much easier to fill. There’s over 10 cubic feet (280 L) of storage under the Deluxe bench seat. Since the deck is raised and there’s a built-in bilge pump, your gear will stay nice and dry.
There are a number of value added features included in this Deluxe model including a integrated bench seat with cushioned back rests that extends aft to the transom effectively increasing the storage underneath. The base of the seat is held open by a gas-assist strut making it easier to add and remove gear.
One of my favourite Deluxe features is the SeaDek marine flooring that is both functional and aesthetic. It’s a non-skid shock absorbent material that provides cushion underfoot. It won’t absorb water and doesn’t get hot in the sun. It simply looks fantastic and certainly raises the premium feeling of the 390.
Our test boat was powered by Yamaha’s 996cc 4-cylinder F50. Quiet and smooth are the first two words that come to mind when you first turn the key. At idle you can forget it is even running and at over 1500 rpm, more vibration comes from the water than the engine. With just over ten pounds per horsepower, getting on plane was immediate. But the F50 weighs 33 lbs more than an F40. The added power and weight of the F50 combine to make for a fair bit of bow rise out of the hole. It doesn’t last long, but it left me wondering if the lighter F40 might be a better match for this 390. Since that decision will depend on the application, it is nice to have the choice.
OM 390 Standard Features:
- Valmex® PVC tube fabric
- Welded seams
- Flush mount non-return valves
- High tensile chromated & powder coated aluminum hull
- Integrated 35L fuel tank
- Flip-up rear bench seat
- Control console with middle seat
- Bow step
- Self-draining deck
- Full length keel guard
- Oversized 18” tubes
- Lifting points and towing eyes
- Keel guard
Deluxe Features:
- Integrated rear bench seat with cushion under-seat storage and heavy duty tie points
- Navigation lights on bow step
- Aluminum tow arch with LED all-round light
- SeaDek foam flooring and boarding pads
For more information check Highfield Website: www.highfieldboats.com
Also, check our Full PowerBoat TV episodes on our website:
www.powerboattv.com/
20 фев 2019
