Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips
MrDrH99:
I took some time before responding to your query regarding the Sevylor HF-360 vs. the Intex Mariner 4 and should probably give a brief background before responding. I've owned and used 2 Sevylor HF-360s, for 4-5 months and ~12 months respectively and have had my Intex Mariner 4 for about a month now. I modded the 2nd HF-360 with hard floor, 2 raised swivel fishing seats and a work surface, and am in the process of doing the same for my Mariner 4. When in use, each of the 3 boats was taken out on freshwater lakes (~100 acre max.) about once a week.
My 1st Sevylor HF-360 was bought in the spring (2011) and in September, a seam within one (outer) of the 2 major valves failed completely. This was not due to over-inflation or contact with anything sharp. After a dispute with Sevylor, this issue was settled to my satisfaction and I started out 2012 with a new Sevylor HF-360. In about March of this year, the small floor valve failed in this boat. Highly skeptical but with nothing to lose, I patched it with Sevylor repair glue. Two trips later, the inner major valve failed. Very discouraged, I tried the same repair on this valve, given the smaller, earlier fix was still holding. If all factory-direct valves needed to fail, then be fixed, to make them stronger, I was fine with this. One or 2 weeks later, the floor valve failed again. Too many fishing days lost, particularly after all the prep and driving time. I ordered an Intex Mariner 4 that night.
So: Question: Valves aside, do I prefer one boat over the other?
- after considerable use, I have not found any other significant flaw in the HF-360, though the placement of the valves for the 2 bottom stability tubes, is poor - this boat seems to be surprisingly sturdy
- after only 6-7 outings, I have not found any significant flaw in the Mariner 4 - this boat appears to overall be of better quality but the Mariner 4 lists for roughly $100 more
- the HF-360 has an impressive rigid inflatable floor that keeps any limited water in the boat, to the sides, with 4 drain holes in the bottom, for easier removal; is about a foot longer overall and is rated for 1200 lbs total weight support
- the Mariner 4 has a slatted floor with very impressive slats but a weak sleeve containment design; is about a foot shorter overall, but due to smaller tubes, offers about a foot longer internal length and maybe 6" greater internal width and accordingly is rated for only 880 lbs total weight support .
- motor mounts for the Mariner 4 are of much better quality than the one for the HF-360 and are a fraction of the cost (~$20 vs ~ $45); these must be bought separately for both boats
- oars that come with the Mariner 4 are impressive in quality while the HF-360 does not come with any.
When I first started writing this I thought that if cost was a concern and the HF-360 had Boston Valves, I'd choose the HF-360. However, the added cost of oars and the motor mount for the HF-360 eliminate this scenario.
For fishing, the Mariner 4's significantly greater internal space is a huge plus and it's weight capacity of 880 lbs is far from restrictive. Only if you absolutely need the HF-360's extra 300 lb capacity, would this be the boat of choice, and then, only if the newly designed valves were replaced.
Hands down, the Intex Mariner 4 wins, in my humble opinion.
