Does Anyone use an inflatable boat? What Brand? Any take on the Intex Mariner 4?
I just read the specs on this item. Probably good for lakes etc. saw big price disparity between websites
Walmart 250 plus and another site lauershop.com for less than $100.
I always worry about sharp things with an inflatable. Just my opinion .
fishfinder wrote:
I just read the specs on this item. Probably good for lakes etc. saw big price disparity between websites
Walmart 250 plus and another site lauershop.com for less than $100.
I always worry about sharp things with an inflatable. Just my opinion .
Sharp things aren't a problem with one of these:
https://tucktec.comI believe they're on sale for about $50 off
Deb
Loc: Thonotosassa, FL
I've never seen that. Looks like the kind of kayak I would use. Thanks for the tip!
flyguy
Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!
doc alden wrote:
Sharp things aren't a problem with one of these:
https://tucktec.comI believe they're on sale for about $50 off
Hey doc, do you have one? Know anything about them? Enlighten us, please.
Coffeeman86 wrote:
Does Anyone use an inflatable boat? What Brand? Any take on the Intex Mariner 4?
Have been checking out a 5 man inflatable with paddles, pump and motor support and with motor for 349. Or can get without the motor for 177.
Hey Ronnie,Trolling or outboard?
Trolling motor, can have the option of buying with just accessories or with a motor. 177 for just the boat, 349 with the motor. Or can get a trolling motor for 99 from walmart
Coffeeman86 wrote:
Does Anyone use an inflatable boat? What Brand? Any take on the Intex Mariner 4?
Just bought the Bote Lono Inflatable Kayak. I love it. Also can be used as a Stand Up Paddle Board. You do have to paddle. Comes with optional cooler, fish pole racks, anchor pole. Took it fishing for the first time and was very stable.
I am a big fan of the Sea Eagle products. I have 3.
A kayak, same configuration as a Sevylor "Tahiti", perfect for the "splash and giggle" days on the river, up to about Class lll's, IV's if you are adventuresome.
A 440 Foldcat (no longer made, a larger version of the 375, a 2-man craft still available) that holds 3-4 on pedestal seats.
And my favorite one-man boat, ever....a 285fpb. 9', oars, pedestal seat, transom for motor, hard floor to enable casting while standing, super stable.
All of these are made of super tough stuff. The kayak is made of something called K-80 Polycrylar , and is far superior than the Intex products use. The other 2 I have use a much heavier 1000 denier fabric/rubber combo that is damn near bulletproof. I don't dislike the Intex line, but it's just a "Walmart-type" product, best relegated to "play time" (that splash and giggle run), not serious fishing.
That being said, GOOD INFLATABLES...kinda spendy. A Mariner 3or4, is in the $350-400, with a small trolling motor and additionally, you'll need a battery (and some way secure it, which is sketchy in an Intex product) A Sea Eagle the same size... close to $1000 plus whatever motor, electric or gas. You will however, have a BETTER boat, that will last many years, with decent maintenance, rather than the constant worry that you need to become an expert in patching. My 440 (14'l x 6'w) is now 11 years old, the former owner took it down the Colorado River (of all places !), & I've had it down the Rogue several times....no leaks, no patches. Inflatables.... you get what you pay for. Extremely exceptional when it comes to transport and storage.
I am going to have to further check out the folding kayak linked above....looks rather interesting and reasonably priced.
For fishing, I might try to steer you to something that will give you MANY seasons, rather than an Intex that only be good for 1-3, at best...and probably won't be the "fishing boat" you were hoping for. Do be sure to check out CRAIGSLIST before you dive into your purchase.... that's where I found the Foldcat at a very good price. Good Luck on your boat search..... just try not to let it become "the disease" my flotilla has become to me, I have a total of eight boats, with only four that hold more than one person......... LOL !
So where’s the 65 corvette stingray?
Coffeeman86 wrote:
Does Anyone use an inflatable boat? What Brand? Any take on the Intex Mariner 4?
I have a Saturn, 18' inflatable with a Honda 35 and it fits my fishing well. It's on the cheap end of what's out there. Certainly not a Zodiac, but I have a large family and can't seem to sneak out without at least 6 in the boat and there's room to move around. I fish the open ocean out of San Diego and find it very stable in rough water, even when many hard bottom boats head in. When I'm fishing lobster there's room enough for the nets. I use a converted jet-ski trailer to haul it around and launch it. The boat is so light that just about anything will tow it. I've used it in some of the larger mountain lakes, as long as there is a ramp. I could use the wheels to get it to the water, but it's too much work for me. I used to have a 16' Zodiac with the same Honda but when I priced a replacement I decided I could buy a new Saturn every 10 years and be money ahead. The one downside is that when you mix fish hooks with a big inner-tube you have to take extra precautions not to poke holes. I've never lost time on the water because of leaks, but I've had to spend time patching them before the next trip. Hope that helps!
Paul59
Loc: New Bedford.Ma ( Cape Cod )
Coffeeman86 wrote:
Does Anyone use an inflatable boat? What Brand? Any take on the Intex Mariner 4?
Bestway Hydro Force Marine Pro comes with pump, oars and inflatable seats. Nice set up if you enjoy rowing. At my age I need all the exercise I can get. You can check them out on Ebay. 150.00 to 250.00 .
Comes with pump scared me off.
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