Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

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They sell that collapsible dolly at harbor freight, I was looking at it too!

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Here's an interesting link about building a dolly for a Kayak. May be useful for a raft too:

Palmetto Kayak Fishing: DIY Bulletproof Kayak Cart - Build Instructions + Pics

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I am wondering if that katak weighs as much as our boats + batteries? Anyone know?

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I am wondering if that katak weighs as much as our boats + batteries? Anyone know?

I feel if I used apoxy glue it would hold good but screw that! that collapsible dolly is the best!! the only problem I noticed was I tore up the plastic handle a little bit.(pic 3 look real close to the handle bar) I might screw in a peg on each side so it doesn't drag on the floor. Sorry Chris I couldn't get a video going on how it works maybe next time I will try to create a video. once you slide the dolly underneath, the only concern I seen was the handle bar sliding in and out but holy crap I put that dolly in the water under the transom when taking it out took 2 tiedowns connected to the axel and tied it to front handle. I took it out of the water like a mini trailer. Just took a little strength because boat ramp is slanted so its like walking up the hill but came out like a champ. putting it underneath and tieing down took 30 seconds and did not break 1 drop of sweat, walks pivots turns like a god damn champ. I wish assembly of the boat would be this easy . by the way I tried that type of dolly when mine fell apart It wont work for us.

 

[comfy68]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hello everyone!! I've been following this thread for a while. I just received my M4 the other day and will be heading out to Weaver Lake BC Canada this weekend.
It will be stock with a Minkota 30 trolling motor and power centre.
I am definitely going with the hardwood floor. Curious about the best thickness of wood to use without the slated floor.
I was at Costco this morning and got the dolly to move the boat for $19 CAD. I saw a roll if shock absorbent/water resistant foam floor liner that would be great for lining the floor with. It was a roll 7'10" x 3'10". I know it's a bit short but it was only $13

 

[Sinistre1]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Weimed, i see you "met" the launch ramp. Doesn't look too bad until you are coming in at low tide and even though it appears to be a shallow angle you get a work out pulling your boat up that ramp! In the north channel launch it is even more fun because you are puliing in sand!!!!

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Weimed, i see you "met" the launch ramp. Doesn't look too bad until you are coming in at low tide and even though it appears to be a shallow angle you get a work out pulling your boat up that ramp! In the north channel launch it is even more fun because you are puliing in sand!!!!

yep, but that little hand truck made me feel like I had a crew helping me pull, it was amazing how that little hand truck stood up to the pvc, screws and 800lb weight capacity tires

 

[astanton81]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

AStanton: I recommend that when you can afford it you also purchase a power source, as I have, thus freeing you from your vehicle, to inflate your boat. Earlier in this thread (June 28th I believe - pg 10) I posted 3 pix of my setup and in the 1st (left) you can see the Black & Decker 375 amp unit I have. This was $50, and I'd recommend it, but is also able to inflate car tires (on its own). Units without this feature are less expensive. In the photo, my pump is already plugged in.

When I get to the water, I unload everything, including this unit so I do not need to inflate the boat close to the vehicle. I place it in the boat and simply move the pump from valve to valve to inflate the boat. This unit plus the pump goes out on lakes with me and is handy if I want to top up any of the boat tubes, which might be necessary if the temperature drops. Bring along your phone's car charger and your phone won't die while on the water, even if you are using it to play tunes or the ball game.

Thanks for this. I was looking on Amazon and I see they have a 300amp and a 500amp one. The 300amp one does not have the best of reviews either.

How do you actually power that thing? Is it just something that you charge and it lasts a while?

Does anyone else have any other suggestions on what to use to pump up the boat near the water instead of having to be hooked to the car to power the pump? I do already have a pump for air mattresses and what not, so this B&D amp does seem like it could be a good item to purchase. I'm looking to purchase today so that I can definitely have it by this weekend to hopefully take it out on Saturday.

 

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I'll admit I didn't do any reviewing of this item before I bought it. I do have another, non-B&D one that does not come with a compressor to inflate car/bike tires. Though, much cheaper, it too worked just fine to inflate a similar boat, but was starting to show its age. I bought this B&D as a replacement, because the price seemed right and the good experiences I have had with B&D products in the past. As far as specific models, brands and amperages that would be best, I'm afraid I can't make a particularly informed recommendation, other than this easily meets my needs with the boat i.e. inflating the boat barely touches the charge of the unit.

Yes, you simply charge this unit and it holds power. Like any battery, it's best to charge it asap after its last use and keep it charged. In the photo referenced, on the right, my pump is plugged in and on the left is a small black rubber cover. Take that off and there are 2 progs, like on the end of any plug-in appliance. Plug an extension cord into the wall and the other end on this, and it charges. Colored lights in the middle show its 'charged' stratus. I also use this unit & pump for air mattresses and pool toys.

 

[astanton81]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Thanks again for the info. I may look into the 500amp one since the 300 one just seems to have pretty poor reviews.

I am still wondering though what else everyone uses to charge them. If I could get something smaller just like a portable pump that I know will last to fill up and deflate the boat, I'd rather get that just because it is probably cheaper and also would be smaller.

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Thanks again for the info. I may look into the 500amp one since the 300 one just seems to have pretty poor reviews.

I am still wondering though what else everyone uses to charge them. If I could get something smaller just like a portable pump that I know will last to fill up and deflate the boat, I'd rather get that just because it is probably cheaper and also would be smaller.

I know people who use car booster packs to blow up there boat, power a fishfiner and use it to power an ipod dock. says it lasts all day

 

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Coleman does make a portable pump (~$20) that runs on 4 D cells. It is no larger than the pump you likely already have and would easily fill the boat to 90% pressure needed many times on those same batteries. From experience though (air mattresses) it does not have quite the strength of of a plug-in version, so you'd likely also want a hand model to top it off.

Currently I pack my power source and pump in a milk crate with a few other items that go in the boat with me. The occupied space is manageable.

 

[astanton81]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I know people who use car booster packs to blow up there boat, power a fishfiner and use it to power an ipod dock. says it lasts all day

Is that the name of what these things are called? I am actually just having trouble even searching for the type of product that CopperFox showed me, other than that B&D one.

I just ran to Walmart and got a marine battery (also a new fishing rod since my tip broke off of mine - had an Ugly Stick 7ft rod for $30). So now all I need is to find a way to pump it up, and register the boat, and it will be ready to be taken out for the first time! Hoping to get it out this weekend.

EDIT:

I'm thinking of this one possibly. Does it look to have enough power for this kind of stuff?

http://www.amazon.com/Generac-6179-...084933&sr=8-11&keywords=portable+power+supply

Sorry I just don't know anything about this stuff.

 

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

AStanton: I do NOT think this is the same thing. I believe a power inverter plugs into a cigarette lighter and allows you to plug a regular 2 or 3 prong device into it. The unit carries no power of its own and can not be charged.

 

[astanton81]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

AStanton: I do NOT think this is the same thing. I believe a power inverter plugs into a cigarette lighter and allows you to plug a regular 2 or 3 prong device into it. The unit carries no power of its own and can not be charged.

Ah I believe you are correct after giving the page another read through. Just proof that I have no idea what I'm looking for lol.

EDIT:

And CopperFox, is yours similar to this one but with different ampage?

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-...1837&sr=8-1&keywords=black+and+decker+500+amp

 

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

That item looks almost identical to mine, but with more power, and for a slightly higher price. I'm sure it would be great but also that you wouldn't need one this powerful for this job. Obviously it could be used for other jobs, and so the exact power level that would be best for you is up to your other needs.

Their B & D $16 model may suffice, unless you want the tire inflater. I did want this feature for other applications, but have noticed that the prices seem to have climbed significantly. Though the 2 reviews for the $16 model are not particularly good, the complaints are irrelevant to your situation with the boat. Exact amperage really only affects jump starting power and the other complains about the condition of the packaging.

 

[astanton81]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Where is the $16 model I didn't see that?

Also since today I got my battery, and had already had the Minn Kota Power Center, I had a couple questions about it. If this is the wrong forum, could someone point me to where this is better suited to be asked? But I figure since it will be for my Marine 4 and people here may have one also, that this might be relevant here.

1. On the power center I noticed that it has a cigarette lighter type of plug on it (2 actually). Would this work if I got a cigarette lighter adapter that I could plug my normal wall plug pump into, and use that to pump it up?

2. I also got the Minn Kota portable charger thing. Is it okay to connect the terminals to the ones on the power center? Or should I pop the top off and connect it to the actual terminals on the battery?

 

[comfy68]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Where is the $16 model I didn't see that?

Also since today I got my battery, and had already had the Minn Kota Power Center, I had a couple questions about it. If this is the wrong forum, could someone point me to where this is better suited to be asked? But I figure since it will be for my Marine 4 and people here may have one also, that this might be relevant here.

1. On the power center I noticed that it has a cigarette lighter type of plug on it (2 actually). Would this work if I got a cigarette lighter adapter that I could plug my normal wall plug pump into, and use that to pump it up?

2. I also got the Minn Kota portable charger thing. Is it okay to connect the terminals to the ones on the power center? Or should I pop the top off and connect it to the actual terminals on the battery?

It will work indeed. I have that same set up to charge my M4 with a Coleman Marine pump. It has a cigarette and battery connector to choose from. It worked great!

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Where is the $16 model I didn't see that?


Also since today I got my battery, and had already had the Minn Kota Power Center, I had a couple questions about it. If this is the wrong forum, could someone point me to where this is better suited to be asked? But I figure since it will be for my Marine 4 and people here may have one also, that this might be relevant here.

1. On the power center I noticed that it has a cigarette lighter type of plug on it (2 actually). Would this work if I got a cigarette lighter adapter that I could plug my normal wall plug pump into, and use that to pump it up?

2. I also got the Minn Kota portable charger thing. Is it okay to connect the terminals to the ones on the power center? Or should I pop the top off and connect it to the actual terminals on the battery?

It all depends how long you stay out and what u use on your boat if u bought a type 27 battery with a total of about 700-800 amps it should push a 55lb Kota at top speed for about 3 hours non stop. If u want to listen to music and have a fish finder I would consider carrying 2 batteries. I have a friend who bought a small tool box and mounted a motorcycle battery in it. He uses that for an iPod dock and GPS. But I plan on getting me a Kota 55lb riptide and gonna buy 2 batteries.

 

[astanton81]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Thanks for the replies.

Well this is going to be the first time I take my boat out and don't plan on having a fish finder or anything else right away. I have the Minn Kota 30lb motor as well so it probably isn't quite as powerful as the 55lb one at top speed. I also don't plan on actually trolling. It will be more of getting to a spot, then hanging out to fish for a while, then moving around when nothing is hitting.

I ended up with one of these batteries.

EverStart 27DC-6 Marine Battery: Automotive : Walmart.com

I think I'm going to run to target and get a 12v DC pump today at lunch and give it a test run tonight. Thanks for the tips!

Also, as far as charging goes, I got the Minn Kota portable charger. Should I keep the charger on and connected to the battery once it is fully charged? Or should I take it off? Will the battery hold it's charge for days even when it's not charging?

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Thanks for the replies.

Well this is going to be the first time I take my boat out and don't plan on having a fish finder or anything else right away. I have the Minn Kota 30lb motor as well so it probably isn't quite as powerful as the 55lb one at top speed. I also don't plan on actually trolling. It will be more of getting to a spot, then hanging out to fish for a while, then moving around when nothing is hitting.

I ended up with one of these batteries.

EverStart 27DC-6 Marine Battery: Automotive : Walmart.com

I think I'm going to run to target and get a 12v DC pump today at lunch and give it a test run tonight. Thanks for the tips!

Also, as far as charging goes, I got the Minn Kota portable charger. Should I keep the charger on and connected to the battery once it is fully charged? Or should I take it off? Will the battery hold it's charge for days even when it's not charging?

I never done it but based on all the research I been reading is, trolling is very important in catching fish especially if you don't have a fish finder. You won't know where the fish are. I pier fished a long time and got tired of waiting for fish to come to me so I bought a zodiac 11ft 2 months ago. I been doing extensive research on inflatables and how to fish from them (bait used, fishing styles, rods and reels used,) anyway I think you will have a great time cruising around tonight, just watch your battery meter closely or be prepared to row

Happy boating and fishing