Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

[erikr]

Just got my #40lb Minn Kota endure max in today...still waiting on the mount to come in. Found something interesting while googling information, a website that sells trolling motors for inflatables says this:

" ~~How fast can I go?
Electric trolling motors are chosen by thrust. Higher pounds of thrust WILL NOT move a boat faster. In fact two 55 pound thrust motors will not move you any faster than one 30 pound thrust motor. Higher thrust 12V trolling motors are designed for bigger heavier boats with larger payloads. The maximum speed of a trolling motor is 5 mph regardless of how many pounds of thrust. The 55# thrust MinnKota Endura with all the new electronic gadgetry is overkill. Save your money! Pick up a MinnKota 30# Endura at half the price of the larger thrust trolling motors.

How Long can I go?
The twist-grip speed control on a MinnKota has 5 speeds forward. On the top of the MinnKota Endura motor are markings, actually a reference graph that show how many hours your boat will run at speeds 1 thru 5. If you ran it continuously at the highest speed (5 MPH) the battery would last two hours, Speed 4 - 4 hours, speed 3 - 8 hours, speed 2-12 hours, and the lowest speed 1 -16 hours. I find that by prudent use I can enjoy a weekend on the water between charges."

Sounds legit...

 

[flukesofnature]

I know I have got at least twelve hours on speed 1 regularly, and the meter still shows three lights...

 

[flukesofnature]

I know I have got at least twelve hours on speed 1 regularly, and the meter still shows three lights... also I found this chart..pretty helpful
o LED's = less than 9 volts
one red "Recharge" LED = 9 to 12 volts
two red LED's = 12.1 to 12.2 volts
two red and yellow "1/2" LED = 12.3 to 12.4 volts
all 4 LED's (including green "Full" LED) = 12.5 volts and up

This pertains to the Minn Kota Power Center battery indicator

 

[Landohour]

I am getting a Mariner 4 this week and am looking to make a hardwood floor. Is there somewhere that i can find a blueprint for the floor or does someone have specs/dimensions to make a hardwood floor?

 

[shadow_cruiser]

Just got my #40lb Minn Kota endure max in today...still waiting on the mount to come in. Found something interesting while googling information, a website that sells trolling motors for inflatables says this:

" ~~How fast can I go?
Electric trolling motors are chosen by thrust. Higher pounds of thrust WILL NOT move a boat faster. In fact two 55 pound thrust motors will not move you any faster than one 30 pound thrust motor. Higher thrust 12V trolling motors are designed for bigger heavier boats with larger payloads. The maximum speed of a trolling motor is 5 mph regardless of how many pounds of thrust. The 55# thrust MinnKota Endura with all the new electronic gadgetry is overkill. Save your money! Pick up a MinnKota 30# Endura at half the price of the larger thrust trolling motors.

How Long can I go?
The twist-grip speed control on a MinnKota has 5 speeds forward. On the top of the MinnKota Endura motor are markings, actually a reference graph that show how many hours your boat will run at speeds 1 thru 5. If you ran it continuously at the highest speed (5 MPH) the battery would last two hours, Speed 4 - 4 hours, speed 3 - 8 hours, speed 2-12 hours, and the lowest speed 1 -16 hours. I find that by prudent use I can enjoy a weekend on the water between charges."

Sounds legit...

While this is true, that website isn't factoring in wind, water current and boat payload. I upgraded from a 45lb to 50lb motor and saw huge increases in certain conditions. According to this reviewer, the 50lb minn kota is the best of the bunch in terms of value http://www.amazon.com/review/ROS9HB...0043H31HA&nodeID=3375251&store=sporting-goods

 

[Crusher0032]

I've read almost this entire thread over the past couple days and have a question for the local inflatable gurus. 12 and 14 foot jon boats are for sale around me in the $500 range almost all the time, usually with at least a trolling motor already, some with gas engines. I have plenty of room and a one ton pickup to store and pull a regular boat, but I'm still interested in the mariner 4. We popup camp at least 4 or 5 times a year and would like to have a boat I could throw in the camper and not need to take both our vehicles (one to pull camper, one to pull boat). I'm used to setting up and tearing down stuff (Been popup camping all my life) and not too worried about having to set up a boat for a weekend of playing. The boat will most likely never be used unless we are camping. I'm on a pretty set budget of $500 to get in the water, and have 3 children under 5 and my wife and I. The way I'm looking at it, if we buy a trolling motor ( I have seats, a battery and box, scrap wood and carpet already and really only looking at buying a motor and boat) and boat we are in for less than $500. After reading through all the changes you all have made to your mariners over time, I wonder if you all look back and still think it was a better purchase (The mariner 4) than buying a used jon or v boat? When the oldest two kids get older, my thought is to buy them a SeaHawk or something similar of their own to go with us and we all have plenty room. I'm in western WV with access to a ton of lakes, ponds, and creeks in WV, OH, and KY, and won't be taking this down the New River or any kind salt water. Hope this is posted in the right spot and look forward to hearing from you folks.

 

[Gerald1755]

I'm wondering what suggestions anyone may have for puncture repair. I recall some posts about repair materials that several recommended but haven't been able to find the post again. Any suggestions?

 

[Rakumi]

Hey gerald, i use super glue. Standard patches and super glue. The patches i use just to get the glue started. Once it dries, i pile on the rest of the super glue till it forms a super thick glop of protection.

 

[flukesofnature]

Gerald
You did noy say much about the puncture, size location etc,,,just an air leak llook up cogland's air stop on Am a Zon dot com or even wall M art, there is also a product called TEAR AID, like a band aid for air boats,,comes in type A or Type B ,( depending on what type of boat you have, instructions are clear). also check out SAil-rite HH-66

 

[flukesofnature]

Gerald This company has good instructiional videos RE: repair
www.nrs.com/category/2987/rafting/pvc-pu-parts-materials

 

[flukesofnature]

crusher
As you have llooked through this forum, you have seen the ingenius versatility of the modifications done to the mariner 4. Once you see that you can make it to suit your needs , you will forget about the jon Boat.....
One person, fishing only...two person fishing, seats, river floating, lake fishing. trolling, gas power enough fast cruise, fun use on the lake just for kids, nearly indestructable, easy maintenance, STABLITY FOR YOUNG KIDS,easy portability for pop up camping...long distance easy transport over rough terrain to get to those cool special spots, set up and inflation on the dock while jon boat trailers are waiting in line at the marina...La La La..and the best of all..fold up in the back of the car..drive away. End of lecture...LOL Just Goog LE "Intex Mariner Videos) and you will "light the fire" so to speak.....

 

[Landohour]

I am getting a Mariner 4 this week (ordered it last week) two questions: 1. In make a modified floor, what are the proper dimension to make a 2 (up to 4) section removable floor (2 sections being the majority of the floor). I have read 27" wide up to 37" wide x 32" Long (up to 36" long). Also, to compensate for the valve on the floor can anyone give me dimension as to where in the floor i would cut the circle (ex. 3" down from top center and 16" in or center if using 32" wide, circle should be 2" diameter)? 2. With the electric motor that comes with the complete kit purchased, what battery (and accessories) will in need? I will upgrade my motor in a few months to a 55lbs thrust (using a 750amp battery). Thanks for the answers.....been reading this board non-stop for answers

 

[Landohour]

I am getting a Mariner 4 this week (ordered it last week) two questions: 1. In make a modified floor, what are the proper dimension to make a 2 (up to 4) section removable floor (2 sections being the majority of the floor). I have read 27" wide up to 37" wide x 32" Long (up to 36" long). Also, to compensate for the valve on the floor can anyone give me dimension as to where in the floor i would cut the circle (ex. 3" down from top center and 16" in or center if using 32" wide, circle should be 2" diameter)? 2. With the electric motor that comes with the complete kit purchased, what battery (and accessories) will in need? I will upgrade my motor in a few months to a 55lbs thrust (using a 750amp battery). Thanks for the answers.....been reading this board non-stop for answers

 

[Landohour]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips Hey Guys, I got something going on over here View attachment 204680View attachment 204681

I am getting a Mariner 4 this week (ordered it last week) two questions: 1. In make a modified floor, what are the proper dimension to make a 2 (up to 4) section removable floor (2 sections being the majority of the floor). I have read 27" wide up to 37" wide x 32" Long (up to 36" long). Also, to compensate for the valve on the floor can anyone give me dimension as to where in the floor i would cut the circle (ex. 3" down from top center and 16" in or center if using 32" wide, circle should be 2" diameter)? 2. With the electric motor that comes with the complete kit purchased, what battery (and accessories) will in need? I will upgrade my motor in a few months to a 55lbs thrust (using a 750amp battery). Thanks for the answers.....been reading this board non-stop for answers

 

[Landohour]

I am getting a Mariner 4 this week (ordered it last week) two questions: 1. In make a modified floor, what are the proper dimension to make a 2 (up to 4) section removable floor (2 sections being the majority of the floor). I have read 27" wide up to 37" wide x 32" Long (up to 36" long). Also, to compensate for the valve on the floor can anyone give me dimension as to where in the floor i would cut the circle (ex. 3" down from top center and 16" in or center if using 32" wide, circle should be 2" diameter)? 2. With the electric motor that comes with the complete kit purchased, what battery (and accessories) will in need? I will upgrade my motor in a few months to a 55lbs thrust (using a 750amp battery). Thanks for the answers.....been reading this board non-stop for answers

 

[Crusher0032]

Found a reconditioned Minn Lots endura max 45 lb trolling motor with variable speed for 149$ at sportsmans guide and a battery box with breakers and outlets for 29 with a 10$ dollar off coupon got both for 188$ shipped. Motor comes with a 1 year factory warranty. Guess I have to buy a mariner now since I have the motor to put on it 8)

 

[mrdrh99]

I've read almost this entire thread over the past couple days and have a question for the local inflatable gurus. 12 and 14 foot jon boats are for sale around me in the $500 range almost all the time, usually with at least a trolling motor already, some with gas engines. I have plenty of room and a one ton pickup to store and pull a regular boat, but I'm still interested in the mariner 4. We popup camp at least 4 or 5 times a year and would like to have a boat I could throw in the camper and not need to take both our vehicles (one to pull camper, one to pull boat). I'm used to setting up and tearing down stuff (Been popup camping all my life) and not too worried about having to set up a boat for a weekend of playing. The boat will most likely never be used unless we are camping. I'm on a pretty set budget of $500 to get in the water, and have 3 children under 5 and my wife and I. The way I'm looking at it, if we buy a trolling motor ( I have seats, a battery and box, scrap wood and carpet already and really only looking at buying a motor and boat) and boat we are in for less than $500. After reading through all the changes you all have made to your mariners over time, I wonder if you all look back and still think it was a better purchase (The mariner 4) than buying a used jon or v boat? When the oldest two kids get older, my thought is to buy them a SeaHawk or something similar of their own to go with us and we all have plenty room. I'm in western WV with access to a ton of lakes, ponds, and creeks in WV, OH, and KY, and won't be taking this down the New River or any kind salt water. Hope this is posted in the right spot and look forward to hearing from you folks.

One thing you really need to look at is the weight capacity of those Jon boats.... Hell the wife and I rented a nice 18ft fiberglass at the beach a couple weeks ago.... Weight limit... 750lbs... The mariner 4 I'd 880

 

[bassdaddy14]

Hello all I almost bought a excursion 5 and then I found this thread!! It has been so helpful thank you to everybody for the advice. I should be getting my mariner 4 shipped to my house in 4 days I can't wait!! No more shore fishing woes for me! I want to customize, what should I do first

 

[mrdrh99]

Hello all I almost bought a excursion 5 and then I found this thread!! It has been so helpful thank you to everybody for the advice. I should be getting my mariner 4 shipped to my house in 4 days I can't wait!! No more shore fishing woes for me! I want to customize, what should I do first

Put it on the water stock one time... Get a feel for the size and handling then mod from there

 

[Rakumi]

I am so happy... found the leak in my boat. It seems i had a paper cut in the front which must have come when it was deflated because it was going thru from the top thru to the bottom. Very thin so it was hard to find. Patching up now. If i count each as a separate hole, this will make 4th patch. Man, who else's boat is pretty banged up? It has just made a year.