Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips
MrDr: I've not really experienced any side to side wobbling or instability, but then again I have never considered not inflating the keel. The way I see it, there is a little more material in the bottom of the boat than is needed to cover the bottom. When you inflate the keel, on land it gives the bottom of the boat a 'V' shape. When you put the boat in the water with any weight in it, the keel tube is pressed upward by the pressure of the water, doing 2 things: 1. The bottom of the boat becomes flat, conforming to the hard floor, be it slat or smooth ply, with the keel forming a ridge down the center of the boat (this intentionally takes up any slack material in the floor); 2. The water pressure pins the hard floor, between the bottom of the boat and the inflated side tubes of the boat. I can easily imagine that without the keel inflated, stepping on one side of the hard floor would cause it to move down into the extra material that is the bottom of the boat, creating a very unstable hard bottom.
I think if you'd give it a go again, with the keel fully inflated, you'll find the plywood-only floor much more stable.
One more thing re: the circuit breaker talk earlier. The other day I saw a 50 amp circuit breaker in the boating section at Walmart for under $10. I have to confess, that though one is recommended, I have not installed one to date, largely because I can't understand how one would become necessary. Thoughts?
