In this Intex Mariner 3 review, we’ll be taking a look at what makes the Intex Mariner such a high-quality inflatable boat for the price.
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Inflatable boats are practical and durable crafts that are perfect for relaxing water excursions on the lake and the Mariner 3 is no different.
Much of this is due to the fact that Intex has been designing inflatable boats for more than four decades and their experience in creating premium watercrafts is out of this world.
Much like the Intex Mariner 4, the Mariner 3 is a durable, well-designed, and highly praised inflatable boat. Let’s discuss why it might just be the best fit for your needs!
The Mariner 3 review
Specifications
Pro's
Con's
Features and Benefits
Durability
The Intex Mariner 3 is perfect for a day on the lake and the heavy-duty PVC vinyl construction helps to ensure that you can take it out again and again while keeping it in rock solid condition. It’s puncture resistant and abrasion resistant, meaning you can drag it along the ground to get it in the water and it’ll stay intact. It is also rated to withstand the harshness of elements including UV rays and chemicals or gas that can be found in the water. If you’re looking for an inflatable boat with some longevity, Intex has got your back!
Assembly and Transportation
The Intex Mariner 3 is a breeze to assemble, even for people who have never dealt with inflatable boats before. The included Intex Double Quick II Hand Pump is a great high output pump that can get your boat inflated in about 10 minutes. It is compatible with electric pumps as well if you choose to go that route. You can thank the two Boston Valves located on the main hull chambers for the fast inflation and deflation. When you’re all done with your boat, easily roll it up and store it away in a closet or the trunk of your vehicle.
Comfort
The Intex Mariner 3 comes complete with two inflatable rectangular seats to provide some comfort, as well as a better vantage point thanks to their raised design. They can also easily be removed if you decide that you want to go alone and need more room for onboard storage instead. This boat also comes with a hard floor which makes fishing much easier, though is also still comfortable enough to kick back and take a cat nap on.
Accessories
The Intex Mariner 3 comes with a surprising amount of included accessories. You have a gear pouch that is perfect for storing small items like phones, wallets, or flashlights, a storage bag for larger items, a battery pouch, and a US Coast Guard ID. There is also a grab line that surrounds the circumference of the boat, as well as two grab handles located on each side that both makes carrying the boat much easier. Lastly, you have two-fishing rod holders that allow for hands-free fishing all day long!
Oars and Oar Locks
The oarlocks are truly what make the Mariner 3 unique. They’re built with a 360-degree rotation that is ideal for trying to row and maneuver in any direction. Pair that with the included keel that is underneath the boat and you can easily stay straight, even if the water gets a bit choppy. Included are two standard 54” aluminum oars that are perfect for kids and adults alike.
Intex Mariner 3 Mods
Trolling Motor
If you’re looking to just kick back and relax in the water rather than paddling around all day, you should definitely mod out your Mariner 3 with a trolling motor. Thanks to Intex, you can easily pair your Mariner 3 with a 2HP motor with the help of their Mariner 3 motor mount kit. Obviously, you won’t be up to Yacht speed with these things, but they’re fantastic for when you inevitably get tired arms after a long day of rowing. Intex’s Mariner 3 motor is also extremely quiet, meaning you won’t be scaring away the fish you’re trying to catch.
Swiveling Chair
The raised inflatable chairs on the Mariner 3 are great, though if you want to add a bit of extra height and versatility to your ride, we would highly recommend looking into getting some swivel chairs. Many people install these by setting two pieces of plywood on the already sturdy hard floors and then bolting down chairs into them. These can be especially helpful if you’re fishing and need a way to react to bites faster.
To see how the Intex Mariner 3 stands against other inflatable boats, make sure to check out our inflatable boat homepage for some top-tier reviews!
Frequently Asked Questions
Intex Mariner 3 vs. Seahawk ii
The Intex Mariner 3 and Seahawk ii are very similar in many ways. Both are 3-person inflatable boats, and both have a 660lb. capacity, both have two inflatable seat cushions, both have two fishing rod holders, and…. Wait a minute…
These boats are the exact same thing. This is because, in 2013, the Seahawk ii changed its name to the Intex Mariner 3. You’ll find that all of the accessories and design features on the boats are the same except for the colors and decals.
What conditions is the Intex Mariner 3 best for?
We would highly recommend the Intex Mariner 3 to anyone getting into recreational boating or fishing. It has tons of included accessories, as well as a tough build and keel that can even handle a bit of chop if you decide to take it in the ocean. That being said, we would not recommend it for river rapids or high-chop conditions, as it isn’t nearly sturdy enough. If you do take it out, you’ll notice that it’s much harder to paddle in rough conditions.
How do I care for my Mariner Intex 3?
Even though the durable PVC vinyl is tough and built to last, you should still give your boat a little bit of love to make sure it lasts. Make sure to wash it off with fresh water after every outing to get rid of salt, grime, or micro debris that may be present on the boat. When storing it, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight so it doesn’t suffer from discoloration, and make sure to store it in an area where it’s not under any heavy objects or on top of objects that are sharp.
Are punctures easy to repair?
The people at Intex include a nifty little patch that you can easily repair your boat within the case of any small punctures or tears. If your boat’s wound is smaller than 2 inches, you can patch it up in a matter of minutes and be back on the water in no time. If it is larger than 2 inches, Intex recommends that you send it back in for a professional repair for safety measures.
How big of a shaft should I purchase if I decide to add a trolling motor?
Most people use 36” shafts for their motors. This is because having a long shaft can be a major hassle when you hit the boat ramp. You can raise the motor slightly below the surface and power it without rowing very easily.
Overall Review
For the mix of quality and price, you’d be hard-pressed to find an inflatable boat that is this rugged with this many awesome, high-quality features. It’s comfortable, easy to transport, great for fishing, and can be modded out to your liking.
For that, we have to give the Intex Mariner 3 an A+ rating. If you’re looking to have an enjoyable day on the water, look no further than the Intex Mariner 3!
