Honda are selling the new Highfield range of boats, small RIBS and tenders with an aluminium hull. The design is Australian, the materials are German but like most production these days it is in China. Honda give the boats the standard 2 year warranty. Apparently with these Ally Hulls they can be constructed easily within a day therefore keeping costs down.
The great thing about these little boats (the one in the film is 2.8m) is that a basic 3.8 meter weighs roughly the same as the Honwave 3.8m SIB's but the solid hull makes the boat cut into water and the fuel economy is better, the boat will also be faster with a 20HP Outboard. The 3.8m retails for roughly 2K - double the cost of the equivalent Honwave but is worth considering however you will require a small trailer.
The other great thing for budget boaters is that one can add consoles and seats over time. The larger Highfield on the video retails for 10K with trailer and with a 40HP Outboard is considered "very lively".
Any questions have a word with John - the Manager at Hendy Honda Marine in Southampton. I purchased my Honwave from John when he worked at C Power and he has always given good advice over the years.
