Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Bro, I hope it is rebuilt

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

@mrdrh99

I do not see that as a problem at all. No inflatable is 100% air-tight. Losing a noticeable amount of pressure over a 1 week period is reasonable. Even the strength of a tire bead or valve is not 100%. Seams are the weak link in the inflatable boats.

Awesome, thanks for the reply!

 

[RVman]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Let me know if you need one. I work at Central Valley Nissan in Modesto.

+1^....... I like titans but think its overkill , the frontier would be my pick. But I'm still holding out for a jet ski trailer so then my paid for blazer is still tops for me! I can put my m4 on the roof rack and I'm ready to go!

 

[da_q-ban_one]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hello all here is my floor for my Mariner 4 that I made out of 1/2 plywood and aluminum H channel and some gorilla tape I have added some pictures of it along with this post I have been out in it and it works real good way lot better than the roll up floor that came with it. I weighed all the pieces togather and it came up to 36 lbs not much over the weight of the factory roll up floor. I am gonna paint top side white and put some grit in paint so person dont slip when getting in and out of it they say that white reflects heat so we will see . Feel free to comment.View attachment 203065View attachment 203066View attachment 203067View attachment 203068View attachment 203069

Hey Kenny,

Awesome setup BTW!!! (Sorry it took me this long to ask, I must've missed your post on the first glace through) I don't think anyone has gone with this route with the floors before, and I honestly think this is a great idea.. I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on the whole solid floor build (if I can find the time of course). So a few questions, where did you get this aluminum H channel, how much did it set you back and is it meant to exactly fit 15/32" ply (more commonly known as 1/2" ply or will it accommodate variations of that provided some proper sanding takes place? Also, just out of curiosity, does this H channel come in other sizes... for say.. 5/8? or 3/4" ply? Where can it be purchased and what type of ply did you use ACX, CDX, and how did you prep it, cut it, sanded it, did you treat it with anything?

Also why did you decide to install your H channels in a cross-sectional manner as opposed to running it parallel to the length of the boat as it is normally seen with the wood/aluminum floor set ups of some of the pricier inflatables like the avons, zodiacs, achilles, and some of the saturns? Was it because of the design of the H channel, and the fact that you would have a half section of it sticking against the tubes? And if this is the case, I wonder how difficult (or even worthwhile) would it be to cut the remaining piece, thus making it a square C or 'bracket' [ channel? Finally, i noticed you made the floor run the entire lenght of the boat. Do you forsee any structural damage to the hull for not following the boats curved contour at both bow and stern? (maybe others can chime in on this as well...I know ChristianMariner had this realization upon building his floor)

Please be as specific and detailed as possible. Again awesome setup, thanks for sharing!!

Q-ban

 

[da_q-ban_one]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Would anyone else like to please share their detailed floor build... I don't have many tools and would like to keep from having to buy so many... Provided some preliminary cutting done by home depot or lowes...i think i can probably manage the other cutting with what I currently have (manual hack saw, drill, and a small, pos, battery operated dremmel) but sanding is another animal altogether as I have no tools for that.... so im thinking of getting a jigsaw, especially for the curved parts, should I, and what should I get to sand all the surfaces and edges?

I'm also on the fence as far as what to seal it with... whatever is easier and on the cheaper side but not to the point where I'd have to redo it in 6 months..also not extremely messy, the wife hates my DYI's.. ;-)

So I was thinking several coats of some high gloss exterior oil based paint... How much of the stuff should I need, will a quart do? I noticed lots of folk recommend Thompsons sealer, but its a bit pricey for one, and also seems to make the wood very brittle....thought s , comments, please share and as always thank you for doing so!! Godbless

 

[Rakumi]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hey... well as far as sanding, get some sand paper and and sand the edges and buy a roll of ducktape and place it along the edges. I did this and it worked. I just had the raw wood with taped edges. I put a really cheap wiping (wont even call it a coat) of poly on it. It simply added a smell of poly to my wood. Lol. I have to redo my floor for thicker wood. I used 1/3 inch and it is not strong enought... but so light to carry. It works but it is slowly bending.

Would anyone else like to please share their detailed floor build... I don't have many tools and would like to keep from having to buy so many... Provided some preliminary cutting done by home depot or lowes...i think i can probably manage the other cutting with what I currently have (manual hack saw, drill, and a small, pos, battery operated dremmel) but sanding is another animal altogether as I have no tools for that.... so im thinking of getting a jigsaw, especially for the curved parts, should I, and what should I get to sand all the surfaces and edges?

I'm also on the fence as far as what to seal it with... whatever is easier and on the cheaper side but not to the point where I'd have to redo it in 6 months..also not extremely messy, the wife hates my DYI's.. ;-)

So I was thinking several coats of some high gloss exterior oil based paint... How much of the stuff should I need, will a quart do? I noticed lots of folk recommend Thompsons sealer, but its a bit pricey for one, and also seems to make the wood very brittle....thought s , comments, please share and as always thank you for doing so!! Godbless

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I have a 1/2" hardwood ply floor painted with 3 coats of outdoor paint, covered in indoor/outdoor carpet. Had the width cut at lowes, and then cut the tapers with a jigsaw. Its in two pieces and about 6" short on both ends. Now with this H and C channel idea I'm thinking of redoing my floor in a 4 piece over the winter connected by H in the center and C on the edges. I am also planning to make a much larger storage area in the front of the boat and making a board on the back similar to what Heath has on his boat which would almost completely free all my floor space other than my chair and battery, which is tucked under that front storage area already

 

[mznewman]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hi da_q-ban_one,

There are several floor configurations on this thread. Cost, performance, simplicity, portability, and aesthetics I think are some of the main factors people considered. These factors are all weighted differently for each of us. You need to set a priority on these factors and then back into the project.

It does seem as though the sweet spot for weight vs strength is 1/2"-5/8". Some of the more expensive ply sheets have more layers and are stronger and thinner, but heavier (because they are dense). So I do not think its worth putting too much time into hunting down the right ply. I used a cheap 5/8" birch ply, and sealed it with oil-based poly (satin finish), then affixed inexpensive marine carpet, wrapping the edges. Unless you plan to keep the boat, with floor installed, outside in the rain all the time, I just can't ever see the boat outliving the floor.

Regardless of the configuration you choose, just be sure that the floor is cut to the correct dimensions. Too small will make it difficult to stay in place at run-time, and too large will put unnecessary stress on the chamber/floor seams. Use the factory floor as your guide, and remember... measure twice, cut once ;-)

The C and H channels to join the floor sections is something I would explore if you plan to have more than 2 sections or plan to use a 4HP+ Outboard. Many here on the forum established the need to tie the motor mount into the floor when using higher HP motors.

Keep it simple though. The more burden on assembly, the less enthusiastic you will be about taking it out. Someone else said that earlier and they are correct.

 

[RVman]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Thanks for the video Chris!!!

Here it is:

 

[Guest]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Thanks for the video Chris!!!

with a 3.5 on your m4 you would blow right by. Chris when you plan on getting that 3.5? or if you want I have friend selling a mercury quicksilver with air floor. Very nice boat he is on the forum here his name is sinitre. he has videos with that quicksilver

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Thanks for the video Chris!!!

thanks for watchin!

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

with a 3.5 on your m4 you would blow right by. Chris when you plan on getting that 3.5? or if you want I have friend selling a mercury quicksilver with air floor. Very nice boat he is on the forum here his name is sinitre. he has videos with that quicksilver

I am getting a non-inflatable next. Probably an old beater tri-hull. I like the M4, but I think I have it maxed out as far as the dollar per value ( for what I do with it ) is concerned. That truck was bought to tow something that can hold a small party

 

[da_q-ban_one]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hey... well as far as sanding, get some sand paper and and sand the edges and buy a roll of ducktape and place it along the edges. I did this and it worked. I just had the raw wood with taped edges. I put a really cheap wiping (wont even call it a coat) of poly on it. It simply added a smell of poly to my wood. Lol. I have to redo my floor for thicker wood. I used 1/3 inch and it is not strong enought... but so light to carry. It works but it is slowly bending.

Rakumi,
I think I'm going to just dive into it when I have a chance and do a full scale, rough, yet functional mockup for the purpose of testing functionality. I can always mod it later by sealing/painting/carpeting it as I see fit.

I have a 1/2" hardwood ply floor painted with 3 coats of outdoor paint, covered in indoor/outdoor carpet. Had the width cut at lowes, and then cut the tapers with a jigsaw. Its in two pieces and about 6" short on both ends. Now with this H and C channel idea I'm thinking of redoing my floor in a 4 piece over the winter connected by H in the center and C on the edges. I am also planning to make a much larger storage area in the front of the boat and making a board on the back similar to what Heath has on his boat which would almost completely free all my floor space other than my chair and battery, which is tucked under that front storage area already

mrdrh99, I think the 3-4 sections would be a good setup, especially with Kenny's H channel support... It not only eliminates the bulkiness of folding floors, it offers the flexibility of taking it all apart if you have a limited space to work with (like I do). I really liked your storage concept, even the early versions... While the mariner does offer some decent interior sq. footage, it is very easy to get it cluttered and occupied with gear.. Then add to that a second passenger and you quickly realize you need to rethink how much gear you really NEED (to) or SHOULD bring on board.. So, I'm curios what your new storage solution will be like... BTW, on what page of the forum can I find Heath's storage mod? Thanks for sharing..

Hi da_q-ban_one,

There are several floor configurations on this thread. Cost, performance, simplicity, portability, and aesthetics I think are some of the main factors people considered. These factors are all weighted differently for each of us. You need to set a priority on these factors and then back into the project.

It does seem as though the sweet spot for weight vs strength is 1/2"-5/8". Some of the more expensive ply sheets have more layers and are stronger and thinner, but heavier (because they are dense). So I do not think its worth putting too much time into hunting down the right ply. I used a cheap 5/8" birch ply, and sealed it with oil-based poly (satin finish), then affixed inexpensive marine carpet, wrapping the edges. Unless you plan to keep the boat, with floor installed, outside in the rain all the time, I just can't ever see the boat outliving the floor.

Regardless of the configuration you choose, just be sure that the floor is cut to the correct dimensions. Too small will make it difficult to stay in place at run-time, and too large will put unnecessary stress on the chamber/floor seams. Use the factory floor as your guide, and remember... measure twice, cut once ;-)

The C and H channels to join the floor sections is something I would explore if you plan to have more than 2 sections or plan to use a 4HP+ Outboard. Many here on the forum established the need to tie the motor mount into the floor when using higher HP motors.

Keep it simple though. The more burden on assembly, the less enthusiastic you will be about taking it out. Someone else said that earlier and they are correct.

Hi mznewman,

I agree I think these factors differ from person to person.. I personally recently purchased a 2.5 suzuki motor (which I'm still waiting for and cannot wait to try on the m4 with stock setup) and this alone has rekindled my desire in building a solid floor to be able to fully stand while fishing or just boating. As I mention above, I just need to dive into it and go from there... This process alone will guide the development of the floor build. Just curious how do you wrap the floor in outdoor carpet, does it cover both sides, and where does the carpet overlap, or do you avoid this by leaving a slight gap? What kind of glue did you use? Thanks for sharing... BTW, Im starting to notice that enthusiasm drop in some of our members as they further they're M4 mods, and I'm sure it is partly because the novelty effect wears off after a while and in Parr because of the effort involved in taking it out with all the extra bells and whistles they've added ( I could be wrong of course..)

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions... As soon as I receive the lil outboard and get a chance to take it out.. I will post some pics and view as well as a summary comparing my current set-up with a 40lb Minn kota TM and the mighty lil 2.5hp suzuki...

 

[da_q-ban_one]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I also wanted to share this with you all.. I actually co-own a lil 12ft aluminum boat with a buddy of mine, and I can frankly tell you I hate the thing... Not only is it a headache to deal with the trailer and loading unloading... It is the most uncomfortable setup ever... I don't know if it is because we have no seats installed in it yet ( just the stock benches )...or perhaps because neither my buddy nor I are on the light side, and the slightest movement can send either one of us or both for an unscheduled swimming session.. I think I would rather take out my M4 any day over that lil aluminum tin can... And I have a feeling it'll get even better once I finally make the solid floor for it.. So my point is.. think it through carefully... a bigger boat = a bigger expense and a longer, often more complicated set-up, and this most often = a bigger headache which more often than not results in it sitting in the front/back yard or garage, collecting dust... Just my 2?...

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I very much agree....I was about to buy a Jon , and then thought about much of what you just said...now I'm planning my next round of my mods to my m4!!!

 

[Rakumi]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I love my inflatable boat. I agree with the both of you. I would not want to have something that is more trouble than it is worth. I wish I had more time to get on to the water than I have had lately.

 

[da_q-ban_one]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I love my inflatable boat. I agree with the both of you. I would not want to have something that is more trouble than it is worth. I wish I had more time to get on to the water than I have had lately.

THIS is what upsets me the most, and frankly, often discourages me from making further mods to my beloved "pool toy" ----> not having the time to get out on the water as much as I would like to. It's frustrating to work so hard at making it more comfortable, user friendly and all around more enjoyable and not be able to use as much. Both my wife and I are currently going to school full-time, and working part-time, and thus do not have much time off (or al least congruently) to relax and take it easy. So the few days that we DO get from time to time (fall or spring break or some three day weekends here and there) are often spent doing chores or housework or catching up with school or just compromising to do something we both enjoy (she's not not all that into fishing). I'm currently working on getting her to just come cruising on the boat with me (but it is SOOOO hard to resist the temptation of bringing a fishing pole or two
But, that's the nature of a relationship, right? She's wonderful, so I can't complaint...

Ya'll have a good weekend, as always thanks for sharing!!
I'll spend my weekend dreaming of taking the M4 out (Fish n Game JUST stocked all of the Phoenix' Urban lakes with a nice size load of , catch-able channel catfish in the 2-3lb range. I'm thinking of sneaking out Sat morning, while the wife gets her beauty sleep and catching me one or two, ill post some pics if I end up going


Q-ban

 

[mznewman]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

@Q-ban

1) I used Helmsman Satin to seal sides and edges of my 5/8" ply floor. You can use a router with round-over bit or hand belt-sander. Either will take away the splintering ply edges quickly. Belt sander with 80grit will grind the ply edges no problem.

2) Cheap/lightweight marine carpet on sale at Cabelas. Used DAP original contact cement to affix carpet to floor, with a few inches of wrap around all edges including the hole cut for the keel valve.





3) I hate clutter. I stuff everything in my Overboard pack, and get what I need when I need it. I might make front or back wood surface to attach things later on. For now it is luxurious for 2 people, tolerable with 3.

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Q ban....I'll discuss mods once I get to a laptop (on phone now) however, I usually get out on Sunday mornings while the wife and girls sleep.... I usually get home in time to grill for football! I love my wife!

 

[ChristianMariner]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

View attachment 212592

That boat is so awesome. You really knocked it outta the park.