Exploring the UK: River Stour with the Fore Runner 340AS

While the idea of a folding hardbottom RIB packing down into the trunk (or boot) of a hatchback may seem like a stretch, we can insure you it is not! We put the new recently-arrived Fore Runner 340AS boats (available at https://nestawayboats.com/ for those who are interested in England) to the test on the River Stour in Christchurch.

After parking at the launch ramp, we were in the water in under 10 minutes. The Fore Runner 340AS unfolds in two segments easily and requires 3 points of inflation before it is ready for the water. Despite taking only a few minutes to prepare the boat, we drew in a small crowd who was quite intrigued by the concept and ease-of-use as well as rather jealous of the day we were about to spend on the river. If you are unfamiliar with the folding process of the boats, it only requires two manual sections to be locked into place before it is ready to inflate.

• 

• 

• 

After getting the boat out on the water, we were able to test the ePropulsion Spirit 2 electric outboard, which we got up to 8 knots, just getting the boat on plane in beautiful conditions. Although most of the cruising on the River Stour was held at a 3-4 knot pace, just to maximize our time on the water!

• 

• 

• 

The River Stour gives quite an impressive and different scene of Christchurch. Beautiful views of the Priory and the Quay made the day all the better. The fiberglass hardbottom paired with the keel guard made beaching the boat simple and worry-free.

• 

• 

The ride quality and performance of the boat was great! While the conditions were not challenging by any means, the boats still had no trouble navigating the river with ease. Having a hardbottom boat made all the difference as there were quite a few downed trees up the river, thus relieving the worry about accidentally making contact with one in a soft inflatable boat (SIB). If you are exploring Christchurch, a trip to wander inside the Priory is a must, and the River Stour has some great views of the top of the Church, peaking above the tops of the buildings in the rest of the town. The benefits of the Fore Runner 340AS are that it requires no trailer, no mooring to pay for, nor a slip to book. All you need is a beach or a launch ramp and a couple minutes to spare and the boat can go from the inside of your trunk to the water in short order. Given the quality rigid folding fiberglass hull, it allows you to explore open waters or back into rivers and lakes with ease. It can be paired with either electric engines for an quiet simple ride, or up to a 15 horsepower gas engine to get places fast and with loads of power. You can take up to four people on either model and fill the boat with gear for whatever adventure you wish to set off on.

If you are interested in checking out the Fore Runner models, pop into one of our dealers across the US or Europe. Given its compact size when folded, the boat can be shipped with ease! For more information on locations, navigate to https://www.forerunnercraft.com/dealers