Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

AStanton: I used 15/32" basic plywood (i.e. nothing special), so effectively 1/2". It seems to weigh less than the stock floor, but to get a better idea, lift a sheet of 4'x8'. It is less than that. I cut about a foot off the width. Then I cut the 3'x8' in half and used these two for the back section and most of the rest of the boat. I used a little less than half of the 1'x8' section to create the bow cone of the floor.

Four floor pieces seems too much. It is at the joints that any issues might occur e.g. instability. Three sets of hinges will likely make something that is difficult to fold and force the hinges to fold alternating ways. If you try 3 pieces, you may not need hinges at all, especially if you don't intend to do much standing. That's my set-up.

 

[ssobol]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Couple more questions for some of you guys.

1. Someone said they had a "clear boat sticker patch" they used to put their sticker on the side of their boat for registration. I have been searching and searching for something like this, but have had no luck. Can someone point me to where they actually got this from?

I used these for the stickers on my zodiac. You have to glue the holder on to the tube, then apply the sticker. Make sure you get the right size holder for your state's sticker.

Registration Sticker Holders for Inflatable Boats, Pair

Sticker stayed on tight for the two years I had that boat.

Don't remember if I got the holder from that store or not, but it shows what you need.

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Does anyone know how to properly check air pressure in these things? The Excursion comes with a transparent measuring tool that you line up with the references lines on the boat to see if you are stretching it out properly. I see the same lines on the boat, but I wasn't provided with the little transparent doo-dad. Thanks!

Edit: Found the little transparent ruler in with the patch kit. Awesome!

 

[smashed]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Couple more questions for some of you guys.

1. Someone said they had a "clear boat sticker patch" they used to put their sticker on the side of their boat for registration. I have been searching and searching for something like this, but have had no luck. Can someone point me to where they actually got this from?

2. Those of you who have made a hardwood floor for your boat out of plywood, could you mention how much it weighs and the type of plywood you used? I'm kind of thinking about using a 1/2" plywood and cutting into 4 sections with hinges, if I go this route.

I think I'm going to actually order a fish finder shortly too. I was looking at the Garmin Echo 100 and it looks like a solid fish finder for an inflatable and is cheap with good reviews.

Thanks!

I used 21/32 I believe, 38 bucks in Home Depot, nicely poliched, made in peru I think. I wanted to do the motor mount for a 9.8 engine (don't try it, didn't work) so my goal was to have as longer piece as possible. I ended up cutting one piece that was less than a foot shorter from the front and the back as the floor is not flat at the ends. Then I left it empty in the back - it is less than a foot of space that is unusable, so no keel could be seen from there. In the front I cut a piece that could fit snugly, but never attached it with a hinge. You may not need to either. It is important to sand and round all the corners. A very easy and quick way was to use an angle grinder with a sandpaper disc (those discs that are composed of a number of small sandpaper pieces. This took care of the corners. Then I smoothened the edges with a vibrational sander, again very quick job - 20 - 30 minutes. Of course, now the floor can be transported only on a roof rack, wont fit in the trunk.

 

[smashed]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Does anyone know how to properly check air pressure in these things? The Excursion comes with a transparent measuring tool that you line up with the references lines on the boat to see if you are stretching it out properly. I see the same lines on the boat, but I wasn't provided with the little transparent doo-dad. Thanks!

Edit: Found the little transparent ruler in with the patch kit. Awesome!

I never used the transparent ruler. I seriously doubt that the material will stretch so much. I always make sure it is firm to the touch. If it is too firm when the sun hits it, I just unscrew the valves a bit and slowly release some air. I don't think that the boat is so sensitive to UNDERinflated tubes. Always take the pump with you, just in case.

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I never used the transparent ruler. I seriously doubt that the material will stretch so much. I always make sure it is firm to the touch. If it is too firm when the sun hits it, I just unscrew the valves a bit and slowly release some air. I don't think that the boat is so sensitive to UNDERinflated tubes. Always take the pump with you, just in case.

My last boat ( Challenger 300 ) I overinflated and the boston valves turned inside out ( like a belly button, they were "innies", then they were "outties" ). I don't want to mess this thing up lol.

 

[Loop_Dad]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Boy, I haven't been here for awhile and this thread became one monster thread! I wish I had this many people bouncing ideas when I was doing.

Couple more questions for some of you guys.

1. Someone said they had a "clear boat sticker patch" they used to put their sticker on the side of their boat for registration. I have been searching and searching for something like this, but have had no luck. Can someone point me to where they actually got this from?

2. Those of you who have made a hardwood floor for your boat out of plywood, could you mention how much it weighs and the type of plywood you used? I'm kind of thinking about using a 1/2" plywood and cutting into 4 sections with hinges, if I go this route.

I think I'm going to actually order a fish finder shortly too. I was looking at the Garmin Echo 100 and it looks like a solid fish finder for an inflatable and is cheap with good reviews.

Thanks!

I did the four section set up, almost the exact same thing as the originator of this thread did. My pic should be somewhere in this thread.

Pros. Very solid set up and I can do jumping jack on it with all the floor space covered. I find the very back section is especially useful to me as that's where my battery #1 goes and my anchor and rope sits. This keeps my standing area nice and wide open. I chose not to attach seats as I fish for bass and being able to stand and pitch/flip is important. I can take them down to small pieces for transportation.

Cons. Too many bolts to put them together as I went with bolt and nuts route. I ended up keeping the first two and the last two together in the car as it barely fits. And it is heavy. I forgot but a bit more heavier than original.

And I use extra strength velcro tapes to hold the reg sticker. It works great and easy. I just made sure to attache the soft cloth side of velcro to the boat and hard plastic side to the reg sticker.

Hope this helps.

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hey Guys, I got something going on over here

 

[astanton81]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Thanks for the replies guys about the flooring and boat sticker thing, definitely useful!

ChristianMariner, do you have the plans and dimensions for the wood that you cut there in the pic? I'm just wondering if a 3-piece floor will even fit in my car lol. I honestly don't think it even will so a 3 piece floor might be out of the picture for me.

EDIT:

I also just ordered a fish finder, hope to have it ready for this weekend!

 

[Default User]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I read as much as I can over the 360-something post (without getting caught at work) over the past 2-3 days now.
And all I have to say is "WOW". These are some awesome mods you guys have done.

OP - the hard floor mod is an awesome idea.

For those that have added floors, seating, motors....do you take everything apart to transport?

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I read as much as I can over the 360-something post (without getting caught at work) over the past 2-3 days now.
And all I have to say is "WOW". These are some awesome mods you guys have done.

OP - the hard floor mod is an awesome idea.

For those that have added floors, seating, motors....do you take everything apart to transport?

I know Chris does. I take apart and put togather a much bigger boat every time I go out to water. 15hp outboard, heavy wood floors, heavy everything. Now I have a 60lb battery and a back up engine to take with me. You will find my boat under calling all NYC boaters thread

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hey Chris, I purchased a 29 batter last night, charged it on 6 amps all night ( got the Schumacher 10amp charger Walmart 39.99) damn Walmart charged me 10 dollars because I did not bring in an old battery! It's all good though I needed the back up for my old gas ob. Oh and default user: setup could take as low as 10 min. The key is don't do everything to fast in the summer or you will be drenched with sweat before you even launch

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

...ChristianMariner, do you have the plans and dimensions for the wood that you cut there in the pic? I'm just wondering if a 3-piece floor will even fit in my car lol...

I have a 98 Mustang Convertible. This is a very small car that has a back seat best suited for 2 small people at most, and because it is convertible it has half the trunk space of a regular car. I had the wood cut into 3 equal parts at home depot and took it home in the car that way, I am hopeful that it will fit with the rest of my stuff. At the worst case, I can ride with the top down and gear sticking up higher than the roof would be, haha. ]
As for plans, I just traced the outline of the roll up floor, and shaved off about an inch ( accidentally ) from the sides. The wood I got was 4'x8' so it is a little too short anyways, by about 4 inches. I hope this works at those measurements. I put some water sealer on it, and plan to staple gun the indoor/outdoor carpet to the wood after checking to see if it fits. I am keeping the 3 pieces separate from each other I think ( I am undecided about this so far ).

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hey Chris, I purchased a 29 batter last night, charged it on 6 amps all night ( got the Schumacher 10amp charger Walmart 39.99) damn Walmart charged me 10 dollars because I did not bring in an old battery!

I got the everstart Group 29 Deep Cycle marine battery ( not the maxx ) for the same price and core charge as you, did we get the same battery? Mine is awesome! I charge it on a motorcycle / marine charge @ 1.5 amp and it takes a few days, haha. It lasts 4 to 5 hours on the water with my Minn Kota 17# motor.

Also, I couldn't find your "Calling all NYC Boaters" thread.

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I read as much as I can over the 360-something post (without getting caught at work) over the past 2-3 days now.
And all I have to say is "WOW". These are some awesome mods you guys have done.

OP - the hard floor mod is an awesome idea.

For those that have added floors, seating, motors....do you take everything apart to transport?

The original poster of this thread, Desode ( whom I stole my boats name "S.S. Pool Toy" from ) had pictures of his boat, floor, seats, etc in the back of his car, a small metro. I also have limited space, and breakdown and put together each time. My first trip was about 20 minutes to put together. My second trip was double that, because I have more stuff now, chairs and stuff. I will be making another video soon, after the floor is working.

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I got the everstart Group 29 Deep Cycle marine battery ( not the maxx ) for the same price and core charge as you, did we get the same battery? Mine is awesome! I charge it on a motorcycle / marine charge @ 1.5 amp and it takes a few days, haha. It lasts 4 to 5 hours on the water with my Minn Kota 17# motor.

Also, I couldn't find your "Calling all NYC Boaters" thread.

I'm sorry its under Jamaica bay meet photos

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

The original poster of this thread, Desode ( whom I stole my boats name "S.S. Pool Toy" from ) had pictures of his boat, floor, seats, etc in the back of his car, a small metro. I also have limited space, and breakdown and put together each time. My first trip was about 20 minutes to put together. My second trip was double that, because I have more stuff now, chairs and stuff. I will be making another video soon, after the floor is working.

Yes please do. I will try to make a real time video of me doing my setup from start to finish

 

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

For the record: I do take everything down each time. I have switched over from a crate seat base to a pedestal base, which does take up more room when stored, but allows more foot room in the boat. Assembly/disassembly time is about the same ~20 minutes. [See June 28; page 9 for photos]

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

For the record: I do take everything down each time. I have switched over from a crate seat base to a pedestal base, which does take up more room when stored, but allows more foot room in the boat. Assembly/disassembly time is about the same ~20 minutes. [See June 28; page 9 for photos]

20 minutes is good, especially for a boat like yours with all the bells and whistles.
How do you get it to the water?

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Yes please do. I will try to make a real time video of me doing my setup from start to finish

I would love to see it, man.
If I can get the girl that I am taking to the lake to film it, I will make a setup video, and an "out on the water passing by" video from the shore, this weekend.. I would love to see what my boat looks like cruising around.