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ForeRunner Folding Hull RIBs
£210.00 – £4,000.00
NEW 2026! These Folding RIBs from ForeRunner Craft are undeniably similar to the popular F-RIBs,
but from a new manufacturer and with several updates/improvements to specification/features.
ForeRunner Folding RIBs are in production now, available UK May 2026
STOP PRESS 14 MARCH – our demo 290 is now here to see!!
“Proper RIBs” have several advantages over fully inflatable or soft-bottomed boats (SIBs), the most obvious being a defined hull shape with wave-cutting bow for better and more comfortable performance in a chop.
Their solid hulls are more efficient (less draggy) through the water, which means for any size of motor they’re faster, and more fun! They are also more stable, and more durable in the event of a grounding or collision.
BUT… conventional RIBs have some disadvantages. As yacht tenders, their length makes them difficult to store on deck. And if your boating is more land-based – from a car or motorhome for example – a conventional RIB will need a trailer, or perilous manhandling onto the roof.
Folding RIBs are the solution, an unusual win-win in the world of boating compromise! As you unfold them, the solid hull sections are held together by interlocking tabs and slots, plus the pressure in the tubes as you inflate them. Once assembled it’s genuinely difficult to tell they fold.
A PROPER RIB, THAT FITS IN A BAG!
ForeRunner Folding RIBs only need about a third of their assembled length for storage.
ForeRunner Folding RIBs Performance/Features
If you are used to a dinghy with an airdeck (or worse still single layer fabric/slatted) bottom, changing to a ForeRunner folding RIB with its solid fibreglass hull will be revelatory. Before you even go anywhere it just feels better to step down into and stand on something solid. Stable too, with a beamy hull and big diameter tubes.
And then you’ll start the motor. With a small petrol or electric outboard you’ll achieve higher speeds and greater efficiency, whilst with larger engines you’ll be able to continue pushing along at higher speeds even when the chop builds up. If looking at petrol outboards 6hp will get one or possibly two adults on the plane (depends how much they weigh!), 10hp is more than adequate in almost all situations, and 15hp (the max rating for both the 290 and 340) is somewhat overkill (also fun, if you are slightly crazy!). If your preference is electric motors the 1kW class (eg ePropulsion Spirit PLUS, Torqeedo Travel) will push you along nicely at 5 knots or so, and we believe the new ePropulsion Spirit 2 should get one person on the plane in boost mode (tbc).
ForeRunner folding RIBs also row better than most inflatables. You’re probably not going to row them of choice though, so for that reason oar storage straps are provided inside the tubes… which frees up the top of the tubes as more comfortable seating (ie without half an oar up your backside!). The designers have clearly thought about this as the rowlock mountings are the “star fitting” type, meaning if you’re not using them for oars you can put other (optional) things in them: fishing rod holder, speargun mount, even a drink holder if you wish (cans balanced on dinghy floors ALWAYS spill!).
Other accessories available include:
– LAUNCH WHEELS. These can be locked in the down position for launching, up position (wide enough apart for full motor steering angles), or removed. Very nicely engineered, and unique to ForeRunner.
– SEAT CUSHION with underseat bag
– BOW CANOPY (mounting points factory fitted as standard)
– BOW MOUNT STORAGE BAG. This is insulated (keep your sandwiches cool) and fits to standard mounting points.
Fore Runners Fit Inside Your Car
This picture shows a folded Fore Runner 290 in the boot (ie behind the back seats) of a BMW 5-Series Touring estate (wagon). A 340 would only need slightly more space so we think that would also fit without needing to fold the back seats (tbc).
There’s plenty of room above it for your motor of choice, and the accessory bag containing seat, oars and pump. And you still have all 4/5 seats available for you and your passengers.
Similarly, the folded hulls will fit in the back of many hatchbacks (eg VW Golf), although with smaller cars of that type you would need to fold the rear seats, so can only travel two-up.
Either way, there’s no trailer to faff about with on the slipway, nor extra parking to pay for (parking fees are usually doubled if you have a trailer). And of course much easier storage when you’re back at home!
Assembly
This image shows a FRIB275 being unfolded but the process is identical for ForeRunner folding RIBs.
FORE RUNNER FOLDING RIBS ARE BUILT TO LAST
Fore Runner folding RIBs are made by a factory we know well… they also make our SpearFish boats. Definitely not cheap, but very good.
The tube material is 1100 decitex fabric made by Heytex of Germany (heavier duty than the original production F-RIBs). This is a multi-layer heat-bonded fabric with a very strong mesh reinforcement layer, specifically chosen for its quality and ability to take the rigours of folding and unfolding for many years. Importantly the tube seams are heat-welded, not glued… glued seams are the most common failure point on inflatables.
The fibreglass hulls are laid up in a controlled-atmosphere workshop, again using very high quality materials.
ForeRunner folding RIBs come with a three year warranty.
Customer Comments
“Such an epic concept. You can literally pack a small boat in the trunk of your car. Perfect for someone that doesn’t want to pay for boat storage. The Fore Runner rides super nice and is very comfortable for a small boat. My buddy and I took the 290 outside the harbor and it handled SO well in the chop. 5 stars.” Dylan
“At first, when seeing the Fore Runner folded, I couldn’t believe how big it was when fully inflated. This is no “blow up raft”. It’s a serious offshore beast that feels confident in lots of conditions. I have a blast taking it into the open ocean.” Faraz
Nestaway & ForeRunner Folding RIBs
(March 2026) We are very excited about the new Fore Runner folding RIBs, having sold more of the original F-RIB folding RIBs than anyone else in the world! It was a great shame, indeed frustrating, that we couldn’t sell FRIBs any more (they were made in Russia, so the Ukraine war put an end to that), and that they’ve been unavailable for so long…
Fore Runner have done a great job of recreating this product, and improving it. As we happen to know – and use ourselves – the same factory that’s making the ForeRunner folding RIBs, we have complete confidence in the quality and supply chain for this new and updated version of a very popular concept. The first UK batch will be available late May 2026 – don’t miss out!
(17 March 2026) We now have a Fore Runner 290 in our showroom that you can come and see for yourself.
Fore Runner Craft Folding RIB Features
How can we help?
We understand there is a lot of information to digest when trying to decide which product is for you. We have a lot of knowledge in this space and would love to help you make an impartial, informed decision.
Email: mail@nestawayboats.com or Phone: 0800 999 2535
Additional Information and Advice
Specifications
FRIB Folding Hull Specifications
The F-RIBs are all rated in (RCD) Recreational Craft Directive category C (max wind Force 6, max wave height 2m), which is reassuringly high (or ridiculous, depending on how you look at it, we wouldn’t choose to take a 6m RIB out in that!). If rated in category D (ie for calmer waters) the person capacity would typically increase by 40-50%, so the 275 for example could take at least 4 adults (and does, we’ve tried it, with 5 in fact).
Model 275
£2,195
*boat only
Length - 9ft
Beam - 160cm
Weight - 36kg
Tube Diam - 40cm
Max load* Cat C - 300kg
Max Engine - 15hp
Recommended - 1kW elec or 6hp
Folded Size - 90x85x40cm
Model 330
£2,695
*boat only
Length - 11ft
Beam - 165cm
Weight - 43kg
Tube Diam - 42cm
Max load* Cat C - 450kg
Max Engine - 15hp
Recommended - 1kW elec or 6hp
Folded Size - 100x90x40cm
Model 360
£2,995
*boat only
Length - 12ft
Beam - 165cm
Weight - 48kg
Tube Diam - 43cm
Max load* Cat C - 700kg
Max Engine - 25hp
Recommended - 6hp to 20hp
Folded Size - 110x90x45cm
Model 430
£3,995
*boat only
Length - 14ft
Beam - 190cm
Weight - 68kg
Tube Diam - 47cm
Max load* Cat C - 800kg
Max Engine - 30hp
Recommended - 6hp to 20hp
Folded Size - 115x115x50cm
What is included?
F-RIB Prices include as standard: oars; foot pump; hull and accessory storage bags; repair kit; and removable seat or seats (depending on size).
Options include: Bow Canopy (£185 DIY fit see accessory fitting note below); Transom Wheels (£160 also DIY fit): Davit Lifting Points x4 (£120 also DIY fit); Seat Cushions £50 each; Bags that hang underneath seats £50 each; 12V-powered Electric Pump (£95). NB If you want the underseat bag(s) these only work in conjunction with the cushions, and need to be ordered at the same time.
Accessory Fitting Note: Price for bow canopy, transom wheel and davit lifting points are for the items supplied loose for you to fit. All are relatively straightforward DIY jobs, but we can do them if you wish us to. However it does take time, and we have overheads and staff to pay for, so we have to charge for it.
Fitting charges if you want us to do it are: £65 for transom wheels; £80 for bow canopy; £120 for davit lifting points.
We are also agents for Torqeedo and Epropulsion electric outboards. Our recommended motor will depend on which size F-RIB you choose, what you want to do with it, and of course budget. This is something we’re happy to discuss over the phone or by email, if you want us to supply the motor.
Accessories
FRIB Folding Hull RIB Accessories
Epropulsion Electric Outboards
£90.00 – £2,125.00
FRIB Folding Hull Ribs
Refundable deposit to get on waiting list (any FRIB, state in note section on order)
£500.00
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