Rugged. Foldable. Offshore-Capable. Ready When You Are.
The forerunner inflatable boat is a uniquely engineered Folding Inflatable Boat designed for serious marine performance. Built with a rigid fiberglass hull and heavy-duty welded seams, every forerunner boat delivers offshore capability while folding down for compact storage.
Unlike traditional inflatables with soft floors, a forerunner folding boat performs like a true rigid inflatable boat, delivering open-water confidence. It cuts through chop, tracks confidently, and deploys in minutes. When the day is done, it folds and stows easily, protecting the tubes from prolonged sun exposure and extending lifespan.
Whether used as a yacht tender, offshore support craft, or high-performance collapsible dinghy boat, Fore Runner is built for real water.
A Rugged Folding Inflatable RIB Built for Real Water
A forerunner inflatable boat is not built for calm ponds. It is engineered for demanding marine environments.
Key structural advantages:
- Rigid fiberglass hull, not an inflatable floor
- Offshore-capable design
- Double-welded seams, never glued
- UV-resistant premium German fabric
- Rapid deployment system
- Fully foldable hull for compact storage
Unlike light-duty inflatables, a forerunner boat features a re-engineered hull with pronounced strakes. This allows the boat to grip the water, reduce bounce in chop, and maintain directional stability.
The Fore Runner boats are folding inflatable boats that perform like a rigid platform.
Explore Fore Runner Models in Detail
Fore Runner 290 AS (9'6")
Compact in size, serious in performance.
The 290 AS is an ideal entry into the forerunner boat lineup. At 9'6", it provides rigid-hull capability in a manageable footprint, making it an excellent yacht tender or offshore-ready collapsible dinghy boat.
Its folding fiberglass hull allows for:
- Easy vehicle transport
- Onboard storage
- Quick deployment
- Stable offshore handling
For solo boaters or small crews, this forerunner folding boat delivers strength without excess bulk.
Fore Runner 340 AS (11'3")
More space. More power. More capability.
At 11'3", the 340 AS expands on the strengths of the 290 AS while offering greater load capacity and horsepower compatibility.
This larger forerunner inflatable boat supports:
- Increased passenger space
- Greater gear transport
- Improved weight distribution
- Stronger planing performance
For families, anglers, and offshore explorers who need additional range and carrying capacity, this Folding Inflatable Boat provides serious capability in a compact storage format.
Folding Inflatable RIB vs Traditional Inflatable Boat
Not all inflatable boats are designed for the same purpose. A forerunner folding boat is structurally different from a basic inflatable.
| Feature | Folding Inflatable RIB | Traditional Inflatable Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Construction | Rigid fiberglass hull | Inflatable air floor |
| Performance in Chop | Stable, cuts through waves | Bounces in rough water |
| Offshore Capability | Suitable for offshore waters | Best for calm lakes |
| Seam Construction | Double-welded seams | Often glued seams |
| Durability | Heavy-duty UV-resistant material | Moderate lifespan |
| Storage | Fully foldable | Limited compact storage |
| Intended Use | Offshore, rescue, harbor cruising | Casual recreational use |
The difference begins with the hull. A fiberglass foundation transforms performance, making the forerunner inflatable boat capable of handling offshore conditions with confidence.
Engineered for Real-World Marine Applications
Every forerunner boat is designed with adaptability in mind.
Ideal for:
- Harbor cruising
- Coastal travel
- Offshore exploration
- Transporting gear
- Hunting trips
- Recreational boating
As a high-performance collapsible dinghy boat, it transitions easily between roles while maintaining rigid-hull performance.
Whatever the mission, the forerunner inflatable boat adapts.
What Sets Fore Runner Boats Apart?
- Fiberglass hull construction
- Offshore-ready structure
- Rapid deployment system
- Heavy-duty double-welded seams
- UV-resistant premium fabric
- Re-engineered strake design for improved tracking
- Foldable hull for transport and storage
- Built for long-term durability
Because sun exposure can degrade inflatable materials over time, the folding hull allows you to stow the boat quickly, helping protect your investment.
This is a Folding Inflatable Boat engineered for longevity, not short-term use.
Why Buy Fore Runner Boats From Annapolis Inflatables?
When investing in a forerunner inflatable boat, professional guidance matters.
Annapolis Inflatables provides:
- Authorized dealer support
- Marine product expertise
- Delivery coordination
- Model comparison guidance
- Ongoing customer support
We help you choose the right forerunner boat based on how and where you plan to use it.
Real Reviews From Real Customers
Tieren Ebbitt
Big changes made to this location that keep getting better and better! the service department is top Knoch! all brands of outboards sold and serviced. repowers, advice, electronics and more!
Jeff Meyer
If you want a place that really knows inflatable boats, this is it. Annapolis Inflatables delivers. The staff always seem to know what they’re doing and actually listen when you shoot them questions. The people here are helpful even if you come in with odd problems, and I’ve seen them hook up dinghies or engines, patch things up, or point you to the right boat without any pressure. Jessie is honestly the most know...
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Bill Hyland
Excellent work from Scott and his crew at Annapolis Inflatables. They tried their best to repair a year 2000 Yamaha 200hp, but we finally had to agree that a new engine was the best path forward. Scott installed the engine, installed and a new Simrad GO 9 in mid-August, now have 25 hours on the engine, all running perfectly. Professionally completed at this certified Yamaha dealer, on-time and at a good price.
G MAN
I never give five stars however they earned it, so my experience with them is this. I just bought a new hypalon dinghy, never hit water yet and I put a slice in it at the rub rail line. I was trying to prepare the boat material for glueing the new davit pads. I'm going on the loop in three days and i needed professional help to fix this tear and mount the davit pads and reg numbers.
Jimmy Franklin
There are simply too many choices for a new dingy! These guys very quickly narrowed my choice down to the best one (really the only one) that met my weight restrictions. It was a very good experience & I would certainly recommend them if you need help making a choice of boats or even small engines.
Moderate Victory
Jesse and the team at Annapolis inflatables were just fantastic. Really appreciate how they worked with me and met my deadlines so I could used our Dinghy on our cruise. Great advice and great delivery.
Darrel Heaton
Thank you Barbara and staff for making it so easy to purchase my new Highfield CL310. The service, from the time I first called to taking delivery, was professional and informative. You answered all of my questions with patience and treated me like a highly valued customer. I HIGHLY recommend Annapolis inflatables.
Jeff Brady
David worked with us to make sure we were deciding on the correct inflatable for our needs. He ordered a 2017 CL310 Highfield and had it in when promised. Picked it up with accessories installed. Purchase went great and I definitely recommend these guys!
Viau Christian
J'y suis allé pour un kit de réparation de dinghy PVC
FAQs
How do I choose between the 290 AS and 340 AS for my needs?
If you need a lightweight tender for short transfers or limited storage space, the 290 AS (9'6") is ideal. If you plan to carry more passengers, gear, or wantgreater horsepower capacity for longer runs, the 340 AS (11'3") offers added space, stability, and performance flexibility.
Is a folding inflatable boat stable enough for regular use?
Yes. Both models feature a rigid aluminum floor system that enhances structural integrity. When properly inflated and assembled, they deliver excellent stability for docking, transport, fishing, and recreational cruising.
How easy is it to transport and store a collapsible dinghy boat?
The folding design allows the boat to pack down into manageable components. This makes it suitable for transport in most SUVs, storage in garages, or placement on a deck as a compact yacht tender.It’sa practical solution for boaters who prefer not to use permanent dock storage.
What type of engine works best with a Fore Runner folding boat?
Engine choice depends on the model and intended use. The 290 AS pairs well with lower hp outboards for efficientshort-distanceruns. The 340 AS supports higher hp options, making it better suited for carrying heavier loads or covering greater distances quickly.
