Question 1

What's included when I buy?

Accepted Answer

Every Fore Runner ships with everything you need to get on the water (except an engine) — no need to search for accessories separately. Inside the accessory bag you'll find a pump, oars, seat(s), a repair kit, and a hinge bolt where applicable. Unpack, set up, inflate, and go.

Question 2

What is it made of?

Accepted Answer

The tubes are constructed from German Heytex — a premium material known for its durability, UV resistance, and mold inhibitor. All seams are welded, not glued, which means a stronger, longer-lasting bond that holds up over time and repeated use. The hull is rigid fiberglass, giving you the structural integrity and performance of a traditional RIB in a package that folds flat.

Question 3

How long does it take to set up and break down?

Accepted Answer

Set-up of your Fore Runner is surprisingly simple. There are only 2 hinges to join which only requires a "lift & unfold" motion. Boats (excluding the 290AS) will require a bolt to fasten the forward hinge together. After that, it's just like any inflatable boat. Simply blow it up and you're done. From start to finish (or from strapped in the travel bag to full inflation) it is only about 4 minutes. Breakdown is just as quick.

Question 4

Does the product hold up with repeated folding?

Accepted Answer

The hinges are joined & supported by heavy-duty material that is glued in place. The supple nature and pliability of the material help it stand the test of time through many repeated folds; although customers should always tend to their boats with regular cleaning and the application of inflatable conditioners. This will help extend the life of the tubes – which on any RIB or SIB, tend to degrade first.

Question 5

Do the hinges rattle or flex when underway?

Accepted Answer

If the hinges are properly engaged and bolted (model dependent), the boat should have zero chatter or torquing of the hull sections. Hinges remain engaged even at 50% total inflation (although it is always recommended to fully inflate your Fore Runner to the provided specs). Once fully set up, the ride is nearly indistinguishable from a traditional RIB.

Question 6

Is it too heavy to lift?

Accepted Answer

At 95 lbs. and 105 lbs. respectively, the 290AS and 340AS are shockingly lightweight. Most customers comment that they expected it to be heavier given how the boat is constructed. The travel bag is fitted with 4 robust handles (2 per side) and two people can move the boat in a folded or inflated state quite easily. While the 290AS can be moved with just one person, it is much easier with two. The combination of weight and portability is a big reason these boats appeal to both boaters and travelers alike.

Question 7

Is it a good fit for someone without much boating experience?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Fore Runner was built to make boating accessible — setup takes about 4 minutes, and operating it with an outboard is as straightforward as it gets. You don't need a trailer, a launch ramp, or years of experience. If you live near the water, you can enjoy life on it. It's a boat that removes the barriers that keeps a lot of people off the water in the first place.

Question 8

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

The Fore Runner is as safe as any traditional RIB. And when compared to a SIB (soft inflatable boat) that has a blow-up floor/hull, the Fore Runner is exceedingly safer. Our rigid fiberglass hull is resistant to damage that SIBs are prone to, taking foul weather much more safely — similar to a traditional RIB.

Question 9

How big is the tube diameter?

Accepted Answer

The tube diameter is standard for boats of this size, which is approximately 16". You'll find that, when inflated, it has a slightly tapered design which allows it to move quickly in the water and look smooth doing so.

Frequently asked questions