My friends got this new folding fiberglass RIB from their friends (I think they just launched these?) for their larger powerboat. 40ft something Tiara in San Diego I believe. We fish on it quite a bit in the summer and occasionally go up to Catalina. Initially they had one of those inflatable dinghy boats with the soft inflatable floor, but we hated them because of the rocky shores in most of the coves we anchor in. So basically a few weekends ago we tried out this folding fiberglass RIB about 9-10ft, we took it out with a 9hp to go dive for lobster before the season ended, and the thing handled way better than I expected and much better than the west marine inflatable boat they had before (even though it did the job) haha.
Tried a new folding RIB, Fore Runner
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Mac2
Guru
Couldn't find a link. Possible you were talking about the Portabote?
Here, it's called a Fore Runner; forerunnercraft.com i believe?
it it one of these? Maybe renamed for sale here?
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This is the correct website:
www.forerunnercraft.com
Fore Runner | Folding Adventure Craft
Fore Runner Craft builds uniquely folding inflatable RIBs with durable fiberglass hulls—never flimsy inflatable floors. Designed for both rescue services and harbor cruises, our boats deploy in minutes and thrive in offshore waters. Made with robust German materials and double-welded seams, Fore...
www.forerunnercraft.com
SteveK
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I lost interest in having to remove the OB before tilting up the dingy. So a foldable RIB that needs to be assembled is very far down the list of wants.
READY
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Seems you can only pre-order. I see no info on the actual ship dates. 2 models (sizes) that are $4k and $5k. Made from PVC and not hypalon but if stored inside perhaps that would extend the life.
Phyrcooler
Senior Member
Not sure the “newness” of this, as I saw something identical or nearly identical being sold years ago. Didn’t seem to market well at the time, as I remember issues with leaks and the “rubber” or whatever the flex material was cracking after a couple years. I’m interested in the OP’s relationship with the product as it is always interesting to have a new member’s first post be to share a new product they had found. That all said, there may be a small market - for someone needing a roll up dinghy with a more protected keel/bottom.
Peter Pegasus
Veteran Member
looks like the old sailing tender the UK made folding Tinker inflatable, various models, but that was...30 years ago!
Great little boats, we still have one in Berkeley
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hollywood8118
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crap web site, no real info, no specs.
Nice idea for a sailboat.
If it gets a leak do you get folded up in it?
HW
Nice idea for a sailboat.
If it gets a leak do you get folded up in it?
HW
Peter Pegasus
Veteran Member
It was 30 years ago! Tinker was designed to be a sailable lifeboat. Has internal tubes around which the outer tube inflates, so even if it leaks, the internal tube will keep you afloat. Has a centerplate rudder spars sails oars. Folds up atop plywood floor to size of a large liferaft, easily deck mountable. Ply transom to mount a 3hp Merc outboard.
These days I'd put the 3 HP Enerdrive on it which is what we have on our tender rib Minibelle on M/V Aquabelle on Australia.
Many Tinker Tramps still in service. Henshaw stopped making them after 25 years about 2010. They were ahead of their time.
These days I'd put the 3 HP Enerdrive on it which is what we have on our tender rib Minibelle on M/V Aquabelle on Australia.
Many Tinker Tramps still in service. Henshaw stopped making them after 25 years about 2010. They were ahead of their time.
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engine room
Newbie
Sounds like an F-Rib. I have no personal experience but interesting solution for sure. It appears they went out of production in 2021 and have thus far not restarted.
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