How Chaps Extend the Life of Your Highfield Classic Tender

Highfield Classic Tenders are known for their durability and performance, but their tubes still face constant exposure to sun, saltwater, heat, and abrasion. Over time, these factors can weaken the inflatable material and impact both appearance and structural integrity. Installing CHAPS is one of the most effective ways to protect your tender and extend its lifespan.

This guide explains why Annapolis Inflatables CHAPS are essential for preserving the condition, value, and long-term performance of your Highfield Classic Tender.

How Highfield Chaps Extend the Life of Your Tender

1. Protection From UV Damage

Highfield tubes face significant UV exposure during regular boating. Over time, the sun can fade colors, weaken fabric, and cause premature deterioration. CHAPS add a protective layer that blocks harmful UV rays and prevents sun-induced wear, helping the tubes stay stronger for longer.

2. Scratch and Abrasion Resistance

Docking, beaching, and trailering expose your tender to surfaces that can scuff or scrape the tubes. CHAPS act as a durable shield, protecting the inflatable from:

• Scratches
• Rubbing
• Dockside abrasions
• Contact with rough hulls or structures

This barrier keeps the tube surface intact even during frequent use.

3. Prevents Rub Rail Scuffing

The rub rail of the dinghy can easily transfer marks onto the paint or gelcoat of the mother vessel. CHAPS helps prevent this by creating a buffer layer that reduces friction and stops scuffing before it happens.

4. Better Heat Resistance

During hot days, the tube material can overheat, soften, or expand. CHAPS help keep the surface cooler by blocking direct heat and preventing thermal stress that could damage the inflatable fabric.

5. Enhanced Aesthetics

Beyond protection, CHAPS elevates the overall look of your Highfield Classic Tender. They offer a clean, finish that keeps the tender looking newer, even after seasons of heavy use.

6. Easier Maintenance

CHAPS reduce the amount of dirt, stains, and grime that reaches the inflatable material.

Most maintenance becomes as simple as:

• Removing the CHAPS
• Washing or wiping them down
• Reinstalling them

This prevents long-term buildup and reduces cleaning effort.

7. Increased Resale Value

A tender protected with CHAPS experiences significantly less wear and tear. This improves its resale value, giving future buyers confidence in the boat’s condition.

8. Extended Overall Lifespan

By reducing UV degradation, heat stress, surface damage, and staining, CHAPS delay the need for costly repairs or tube replacement.

Over the life of the tender, this makes CHAPS a smart long-term investment.

How Annapolis Inflatables CHAPS Make a Difference?

Annapolis Inflatables uses SUNTECh marine-grade fabric to ensure reliable and lasting protection tailored specifically for the Highfield Tender Classic.

Key Benefits of SUNTECh Fabric:

• Durability

  SUNTECh is built to withstand environmental stress, daily wear, and repeated impact. It maintains strength and shape even with continuous exposure to the elements.

• Superior UV Resistance

  The material resists sun damage that would otherwise fade or weaken inflatable tubes.

• Water Resistance

  SUNTECh repels water to minimize:

  • Mildew
  • Mold
  • Moisture retention

  This helps keep both the CHAPS and the tender’s tubes dry.

• Breathability

  SUNTECh allow airflow, reducing moisture buildup underneath the CHAPS, a key factor in preserving tube integrity.

• Lightweight Handling

  Despite its toughness, SUNTECh remains lightweight, making installation and removal easier.

• Easy to Clean

  The smooth surface wipes clean with minimal effort, helping maintain a fresh appearance throughout the seasons.

• Custom Fit

  Every set of CHAPS is tailored to ensure a snug and secure fit on Highfield Classic Tenders, maximizing protection without bulk.

Premium Stitching Quality for Long-Term Durability

To ensure maximum performance, Annapolis Inflatables uses a multi-stage professional stitching process designed specifically for marine environments.

1. Double Stitching

Two parallel stitch lines increase strength in high-stress areas. This structure reduces the risk of tearing or seam separation.

2. UV-Resistant Thread

The thread is engineered to withstand prolonged sunlight exposure, preventing early thread degradation and maintaining seam integrity.

3. Reinforced Stitching

Corners, seams, and high-tension zones are reinforced with:

• Additional fabric layers
• Structural stitching techniques
• Bar tacks where needed

These reinforcements prevent ripping in areas that endure the most stress.

4. Serged Edges

Overlock (serged) stitching is applied to fabric edges to prevent fraying. This maintains shape, improves appearance, and extends the lifespan of the CHAPS.

Installation of Highfield Classic Tender Chaps

Installing Chaps is straightforward. They’re designed to snugly wrap around your tender’s tubes, secured with zippers, Velcro, or lacing systems that make them easy to remove when necessary.

Here are easy steps to follow to install Highfield Classic Tender Chaps:

Highfield Classic Chaps CL Cover No glue No drilling

• Prepare the boat: Make sure your Highfield Classic Tender is clean and dry before beginning installation.
• Align the CHAPS: Place the CHAPS over the boat, ensuring correct orientation (bow vs. stern) and proper fit over the tubes and transom.
• Secure the fastenings: Attach straps, buckles, or zippers along the sides and transom. Ensure a snug, secure fit to prevent shifting.
• Check coverage: Make sure all high-contact areas, lifting points, and Transom corners are properly protected.

Highfield Inflatable Boat Chaps Care Tips

Here are a few care tips to keep them performing their best:

• Rinse your Chaps with fresh water after saltwater use.
• Always let them dry completely before storage.
• Check periodically for loosened fittings or trapped debris.
• Clean with mild soap and water; avoid bleach or harsh solvents.

Follow these simple steps, and your Chaps will serve you faithfully for years, protecting your Highfield Classic Tender every day it’s on (or off) the water.

Real Value: Cost vs. Longevity of Highfield Classic Tender Chaps

Some boat owners hesitate at the idea of adding Chaps, thinking they’re just an aesthetic upgrade. In reality, they’re a wise investment.

Consider the cost of repairing or re-tubing a Highfield tender, which may go up to $5,000; it’s significantly higher than the price of a quality Chaps set generally available. By preventing UV and abrasion damage early, Chaps pay for themselves many times over in avoided repairs and extended service life.

They also help maintain resale value. A tender that still looks clean and well- cared-for after years of use stands out immediately to potential buyers.

Simply put: Chaps aren’t just protection, they’re preservation.

Final Thoughts

CHAPS are more than an accessory; they are a long-term protection system for your Highfield Classic Tender.

By shielding against UV, heat, abrasion, moisture, and daily wear, they preserve both the tender’s performance and appearance. When made with SUNTECh fabric and reinforced with high-quality marine stitching, CHAPS significantly extend the operational life and resale value of your inflatable.

For Highfield owners who want their tender to stay protected, polished, and ready season after season, CHAPS from Annapolis Inflatables offer smart, durable, and dependable protection.