In this Intex Mariner 4 review, we’re going to tell you all about why we think the Mariner 4 is one of the best inflatable boats around in terms of strength, practicality, and performance.
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There’s nothing quite like having an inflatable boat.
They’re much cheaper than regular boats, easier to store and transport, and are very versatile.
Thanks to Intex, a company that has been manufacturing high-quality inflatable boats for over four decades, they have an excellent track record of innovation.
All in all, if you are trying to find an inflatable boat that is fun and inexpensive, the Mariner 4 might be right up your alley.
It's much of the reason why this boat has made our best inflatable boat list.
The Mariner 4 Review
Specifications
Pro's
Con's
Features and Benefits
Durability
The Intex Mariner 4 is designed with an extremely durable PVC vinyl material that is made to last. Not only does it protect against punctures or abrasions that you might encounter on your boating extravaganza, but the material also helps to resist UV rays, salt and grime, and things that might be found in the water such as gas and chemicals. This specific type of PVC is also great for holding in air, meaning you won’t have to continue to inflate time after time. Lastly, the floor on this boat is pretty unique compared to other Intex boats, as it is a heavy-duty plastic flooring instead of inflatable flooring. This makes it much easier to stand and fish, as it is far more stable.
Comfort
The Intex Mariner 4 is beautiful, large, and very comfortable for an inflatable boat. You can fit up to 4 people for a tight squeeze or two adults, a cooler, and a tackle box if you want some elbow room. It comes with three different inflatable rectangular seats that are all the same size. They’re pretty comfortable to sit on all day and can also be removed from the boat if you want the extra room.
Transportation and storage
This is a pretty sizeable inflatable craft, though you might be surprised how easy it is to transport to and from the water. For starters, there is an all-around grab line that makes carrying the boat much easier. It also adds an element of safety. For even easier transportation, there are two grab handles located at each end of the boat that is both very sturdy. In terms of inflation time, it takes about 10 minutes with the included manual pump to get this bad boy blown up and ready to go. When you’re all done, you can easily deflate it, roll it up, and store it away in a small space out of the way.
Accessories
The Intex Mariner 4 is jam-packed with some really cool accessories. It is the perfect inflatable boat for fishing, as it comes with two convenient fishing rod holders on each side that make for a superb hands-free fishing experience. It comes complete with two 54” aluminum oars as well that can be hooked into the oarlocks that swivel at a complete 360-degrees. This makes paddling very easy and is great for beginners who are getting used to the motions. Pair that with the fact that the bottom of the boat is designed with a keel for better maneuvering, and you have a true excursion craft.
Intex Mariner 4 Mods
If you decide to pair up your Intex Mariner 4 with a trolling motor, you can take your relaxation to a whole new level. Inflatable boats need specific motors and the people at Intex made sure to make it very easy to install them with the Intex Mariner 4 Motor Mount.
Not only can a motor take away needing to paddle in the lake, but it can also make much easier to control your boat if conditions start to get rough. Though you shouldn’t be taking the boat out in chop, if the water gets a bit uncontrollable, you can easily flip on your motor to get back home.
Lastly, the Mariner 4 Motor is extremely quiet, making it great if you’re going fishing and don’t want to scare away your possible catch. This thing is straightforward to install if you’re new to the inflatable boating world too, so don’t worry if the DIY life isn’t your thing.
Canopy
A second mod that is absolutely awesome when paired with the Mariner 4 is the Mariner 4 canopy. Canopies can help to protect you from harmful UV rays, and in the case that there is a little bit of surprise rain on your lake outing, can also protect you and your gear from getting wet. These canopies are super durable so no need to worry about them getting wrecked. For the most part, besides the aluminum tubing, they are made from the same PVC coated material that the boats are made from. Just like the motor mount, it’s effortless to attach and detach when you please.
Sunroof
Mariner 4 Sunroofs are a little bit less intense than canopies and they’re pretty much used for only sun protection. The Intex Mariner 4 sunroof is incredibly lightweight, very easy to install, and is excellent for protecting your body against direct sunlight. It is also incredibly strong with the strong and steady carbon poles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Intex Mariner 4 vs. Excursion 5
Right off the bat, the first thing that you’ll notice is the Intex Excursion 5 is bigger than the Mariner 4. The Excursion 5 can fit up to 5 people with the 1,000lb capacity. All in all, it is a much bigger boat and harder to use unless you have a larger group to roll with.
The seating on the Excursion 5 is a bit different from the two large seats that are placed at each end. They come complete with backrests that are much more comfortable and made to provide lumbar support for longer trips. Like the Intex Mariner 4, they are easily detachable.
Regarding accessories, you can find most of the same things on the Mariner 4 as you can on the Excursion 5. The Excursion 5 has two more fishing rod holders than the Mariner 4. Other than that they both come with gear and storage pouches. The big positive for the Mariner 4 is the rotating oarlocks that make paddling much easier.
Lastly, the design of these two is pretty similar. The winner goes to Intex Mariner 4 in our opinion though, as you do have the option to blow up the inflatable keel, as well as the ability to have hard floors right off the bat. This makes the Mariner 4 much more stable and easier to maneuver in rougher conditions.
Intex Mariner 4 vs. Intex Mariner 3
The noticeable difference, like with the Excursion 5 comparison, is that the Mariner 4 is bigger than the Mariner 3. The Mariner 3 has only two seats and a 3-person, 660lb capacity. It is undoubtedly better for smaller parties or solo fishing trips in that regard.
Other than that, these boats are pretty much exactly the same. They’re both made with the same durable PVC vinyl, they both have all of the same accessories, and they are both great in the same types of conditions.
How do I store my Intex Mariner 4?
You can choose whether or not you want to keep your boat inflated or deflated when you store it, though there are some rules you should follow. Make sure to clean the boat every time you bring it back in before storing and store it away in a nice, cool, and dry storage space away from direct sunlight. It’s best to lay the boat flat and keep it at a good distance away from objects that might penetrate or puncture it.
How do I clean my Intex Mariner 4?
The best thing you can do after each boating session is rinse your Mariner 4 with cold freshwater. This is a great way to rid your boat of any sand, salt, grime, or other debris that may have stuck to your boat on the way home. If your boat is filthy, you can even use a mild soap agent to clean it off to.
Is it easy to repair my Mariner 4 in case of a puncture?
The people at Intex provided a handy little patch along with your Mariner 4 and a set of directions to quickly and easily repair and punctures or tears that are smaller than 2 inches. It only takes minutes to do and can even be done if you get an ear on the water. If your tear ends up being larger than 2 inches, Intex recommends that you send it in for more professional repairs.
Overall Review
The Intex Mariner 4 is one of the more high-quality inflatable boats on the market right now.
It’s very durable, equipped with tons of cool accessories and features, and will last you a long time if you care for it properly.
For the things mentioned above, as well as the comfort and seating capacity, sturdy keel and hard floor, and ability to modify/upgrade, we have to give the Mariner 4 an A+.
It’s an overall strong performer and is the perfect choice for those looking for a versatile inflatable boat.
