Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

[wellysm]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Hi everyone

Sorry for the late update - I've been away on a camping trip and just got back.

Neil, regarding the weight and measurements, I will get those in to you tomorrow after work - I think I am done for the day to do anything else.
As for your question, I think I can handle putting it in by myself - the only problem is the possibility of getting by fingers crushed between the wood once I take it out and it folds.... therefore I will be installing straps/handles to assist me. I will take pictures when that is done.

CopperFox - Although I think the floor can handle a light person without an issue, and even a heavier person... I still want to be on the safe side and keep the slate floors. My initial thought was since the slate floors prevent side to side flex, my piece of wood will prevent forward/backward flex. Without the slate floors, there is the possibility that if you put all your weight on one board, it may pop out? ... I just want to be safe than sorry.


I am hoping to take this boat out for the first time (with the flooring) this week... friday is a good day for me, hopefully we will have good weather.


One extra thing I just did in the past 30 mins was make a chair for the boat... Not sure if I mentioned this earlier, but I got my hands on two used folding seats for a great price, similar to this: Seat Pad | Canadian Tire

I was going to put both of them on a milk crate (similar to what CopperFox did), however I just realized I can use a rotating (and up/down) hydraulic pedestal from an old office chair I have lying around... this saves me almost alot of $$ that would've been spent on one of those marine pedestals.

I will have more pictures of the chair tomorrow + whatever mechanism I end up dreaming of to mount it to the floor.

More updates to follow!

 

[Mr.Victor]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

So my project is all but complete...the only thing left is deciding what I'm going to finish the wood with...I have two coats of solid stain on now and was considering carpeting the top but decided against it because I don't want to deal with cutting, aligning, contact cementing etc...plus hooks get snagged in carpet very often and its harder to clean. So I thought a grippy rubber coating (rubber spray or truck bed liner) would be easier to apply, clean, and also protect the boat better from any type of splintering that would possibly occur, The rustoleum truck bed coating is what I have decided on. Does anyone have experience with this type of thing? Would painting the floor black make it unbearably hot? Are there any other reasonably priced alternatives to my rubber coating idea?

 

[ronaldj]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I have not used it but black rubber seems like it would be very hot in the summer. I cant imagine trying to fish in your bare feet on a surface like that. You might want to try some car mats. You may just be able to get by with a couple of real heavy coats of polyurethane. They do make a version that is water proof

 

[Mr.Victor]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I may coat with black rubber for waterproofing and for extra protection for the boat from the edges of the plywood (which I did sand the corners round btw)...then apply some Velcro strips to the floor so I can throw down the carpet whenever I want/need...that way carpet will be optional and easily replaceable too...hmmm...I've changed my mind so many times on this last step of the project but I want to make sure I do it right.

 

[Mr.Victor]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

In fact, this way I can cut the carpet as one piece to cover the whole floor hiding the actusl three pieces that do make up the floor...aesthetics, aesthetics, aesthetics lol.

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Haven't had much time to play with the boat much less take it out over the last week and a half....however, I finally decided it was time to put my registration numbers on this evening. I used 4" stencils and a sharpie and thinks it looks pretty good! However, I need to figure out how I'm going to attach the actual date sticker....any suggestions??? I plan on getting out on some prime trout waters around here this weekend with the fly rods, which is really why I wanted this boat in the first place. Gonna try to troll some streamers and maybe hit the banks with some terresterials (hoppers, ants, etc) I'll try to get another nicer video report up this weekend if I'm able to make it out!

BTW, all you newer guys in the last couple weeks, its about time for some updates and pics!

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I may coat with black rubber for waterproofing and for extra protection for the boat from the edges of the plywood (which I did sand the corners round btw)...then apply some Velcro strips to the floor so I can throw down the carpet whenever I want/need...that way carpet will be optional and easily replaceable too...hmmm...I've changed my mind so many times on this last step of the project but I want to make sure I do it right.

I like the idea of the velcro, let us know how that turns out! WE NEED PICS!!!

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I have not used it but black rubber seems like it would be very hot in the summer. I cant imagine trying to fish in your bare feet on a surface like that. You might want to try some car mats. You may just be able to get by with a couple of real heavy coats of polyurethane. They do make a version that is water proof

Totally agree....my original floor I only spray painted with black paint and it burned the crap out of my feet! Some type of carpet is a great idea, it isn't as heavy as many people have said they think here lately

 

[ronaldj]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Haven't had much time to play with the boat much less take it out over the last week and a half....however, I finally decided it was time to put my registration numbers on this evening. I used 4" stencils and a sharpie and thinks it looks pretty good! However, I need to figure out how I'm going to attach the actual date sticker....any suggestions??? I plan on getting out on some prime trout waters around here this weekend with the fly rods, which is really why I wanted this boat in the first place. Gonna try to troll some streamers and maybe hit the banks with some terresterials (hoppers, ants, etc) I'll try to get another nicer video report up this weekend if I'm able to make it out!

BTW, all you newer guys in the last couple weeks, its about time for some updates and pics!View attachment 196306

The stencil and sharpie was a great idea for the numbers. Im getting ready to do the same thing . Thanks. I have been using a piece of plexiglass that I hang off of the boat

 

[Mr.Victor]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

I like the idea of the velcro, let us know how that turns out! WE NEED PICS!!!

Putting the boat on the water for the first time since the mod tomorrow...I will take several pics and post!

 

[kenny25271]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Haven't had much time to play with the boat much less take it out over the last week and a half....however, I finally decided it was time to put my registration numbers on this evening. I used 4" stencils and a sharpie and thinks it looks pretty good! However, I need to figure out how I'm going to attach the actual date sticker....any suggestions??? I plan on getting out on some prime trout waters around here this weekend with the fly rods, which is really why I wanted this boat in the first place. Gonna try to troll some streamers and maybe hit the banks with some terresterials (hoppers, ants, etc) I'll try to get another nicer video report up this weekend if I'm able to make it out!

BTW, all you newer guys in the last couple weeks, its about time for some updates and pics!View attachment 196306

Here is what I did I went to Walmart and had my stickers laminated and when I go out I just use gorrail duck tape to secure it to my marnier 4 yacht lol and it works great .

 

[kenny25271]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Haven't had much time to play with the boat much less take it out over the last week and a half....however, I finally decided it was time to put my registration numbers on this evening. I used 4" stencils and a sharpie and thinks it looks pretty good! However, I need to figure out how I'm going to attach the actual date sticker....any suggestions??? I plan on getting out on some prime trout waters around here this weekend with the fly rods, which is really why I wanted this boat in the first place. Gonna try to troll some streamers and maybe hit the banks with some terresterials (hoppers, ants, etc) I'll try to get another nicer video report up this weekend if I'm able to make it out!

BTW, all you newer guys in the last couple weeks, its about time for some updates and pics!View attachment 196306

Go here see what you think Registration Sticker Holders for Inflatable Boats, Pair

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Go here see what you think Registration Sticker Holders for Inflatable Boats, Pair

Seems to be the way to go but I'm nervous about gluing anything, worried it may fall off!

 

[lukki]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Just wanted to drop in and show what I did with my Mariner 4 a couple years ago- it is still going strong and I haven't even had a leak after 3 seasons! Great inflatable.

Here's a couple pics to help people get ideas on what they can do with their boats.

My amazon review- Customer Image Gallery for Intex 4 Person Mariner Inflatable Boat Set

 

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Mr.Victor: If you haven't already, I wonder of you want to reconsider that velcro on the floor. This past winter I bought some neoprene fishing gloves to keep the hands from freezing, and there is a slit part way down the index and thumb of each through which you can slip those digits, for temporary work, so you don't have to remove the gloves completely. To hold the glove-finger-tip out of the way, there are 2 velcro patches for each digit, and you simply bend the glove back on itself. It is simple, but should you ever rub your face with that part of the glove when not in use, you quickly learn how rough one part of velcro actually is.

An alternate suggestion would be to use that one piece of carpet without any fastening. I suspect you'll have little if any slippage, it will still be replaceable, and when not in use the floor won't have visible velcro, so no ruffeage on the feet, and .. improved aesthetics!

 

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Lukki: So that's YOUR boat! Very nice and thanks for sharing on the Amazon site. Your photos were very inspirational and helped lead me to buying that boat!

Finally! I think I am about finished modifying my Mariner 4! Though those seat pedestals sure are looking nicer than my crates! And certainly roomier in the foot area, so who knows!? For now though, I am done! Here are my final 3 pics.
The 1st shows the 3 piece plywood floor, installed, with the cinch straps in place to fasten my seats.
The 2nd shows my center work space. It is held in place by gravity only, but heavy enough so this seems sufficient. Yes that is stained, varathaned wood trim. It does serve a purpose though. Split shot weight and other items are much less likely to be knocked off or roll off with some sort of edge. And that sort of wood trim on an inflatable, well, that has to be worth a smile! I did something a little less elaborate on my other boat and never regretted it. Also, I made a hole in the surface and used one of the pole holders from my previous boat, in that hole, and now have a 2nd pole holder for the person driving.
The 3rd shows the whole thing just prior to heading out. Not everything is stowed in its final location, so the boat looks a bit crowded, but when the fish are waiting, and you've just spent 20-30 minutes putting everything together, just remembering to take a pic is a feat!
Thanks everyone for the ideas and the encouragement. I'd be happy to provide details on anything if that'd help anyone.

 

[ronaldj]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Lukki: So that's YOUR boat! Very nice and thanks for sharing on the Amazon site. Your photos were very inspirational and helped lead me to buying that boat!

Finally! I think I am about finished modifying my Mariner 4! Though those seat pedestals sure are looking nicer than my crates! And certainly roomier in the foot area, so who knows!? For now though, I am done! Here are my final 3 pics.
The 1st shows the 3 piece plywood floor, installed, with the cinch straps in place to fasten my seats.
The 2nd shows my center work space. It is held in place by gravity only, but heavy enough so this seems sufficient. Yes that is stained, varathaned wood trim. It does serve a purpose though. Split shot weight and other items are much less likely to be knocked off or roll off with some sort of edge. And that sort of wood trim on an inflatable, well, that has to be worth a smile! I did something a little less elaborate on my other boat and never regretted it. Also, I made a hole in the surface and used one of the pole holders from my previous boat, in that hole, and now have a 2nd pole holder for the person driving.
The 3rd shows the whole thing just prior to heading out. Not everything is stowed in its final location, so the boat looks a bit crowded, but when the fish are waiting, and you've just spent 20-30 minutes putting everything together, just remembering to take a pic is a feat!
Thanks everyone for the ideas and the encouragement. I'd be happy to provide details on anything if that'd help anyone.
View attachment 196653View attachment 196654View attachment 196655

good job
That is a very smart way to attach your seats. The straps hold down the milk crate which in turn the seat attaches to

 

[lukki]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Lukki: So that's YOUR boat! Very nice and thanks for sharing on the Amazon site. Your photos were very inspirational and helped lead me to buying that boat!

You're most welcome! That's exactly why I put the review and photos up, when I was building my raft I couldn't find any Mariner-specific mod threads or photos anywhere. I thought it could help people envision what they could do with one of these boats if they were limited to an inflatable like I am. Super glad that they did! Thanks for saying something. I see you're a WA resident, also- I'll keep my eyes peeled for you.

Stoked to have found this thread- my people.

 

[CopperFox]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Lukki: I get mine out about once a week, in either Kitsap, Mason or Jefferson counties. Let me know if you make it over this way!

 

[lukki]

Re: Intex Mariner 4 modifications and Tips

Lukki: I get mine out about once a week, in either Kitsap, Mason or Jefferson counties. Let me know if you make it over this way!

Will do! Cheers buddy.