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Intex Mariner 3 vs 4: Which Inflatable Boat is Better?

Intex Mariner 3 vs 4

If you are looking for a solution to take to the water and spend the day relaxing, or even fishing, Intex has 2 great options. Its range of inflatable boats are spacious, made of quality materials and great fun for multiple people.

We are going to focus on 2 in particular, Intex Mariner 3 vs 4. We will pay close attention to their specific features, how they are similar and different, some pros and cons of each, and we will finish off with our final verdict.

Let’s start with what the Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4 have in common.

Intex Mariner 3 vs Mariner 4 – Similarities

Quick Glance

Name
Our Pick
Intex Mariner 3, 3-Person Inflatable Dinghy Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for River and Lake Fishing and Boating
Intex Mariner 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Image
Intex Mariner 3, 3-Person Inflatable Dinghy Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for River and Lake Fishing and Boating
Intex Mariner 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Size
126 x 50 inches
129 x 57 inches
Weight
68lbs
91lbs
Capacity
3-person 880lbs (400kg) -2 inflatable seats
4-person 880lbs (400kg) -3 inflatable seats
Materials
Heavy-gauge PVC, resistant to sunlight, impacts and abrasions
Heavy-gauge PVC, resistant to sunlight, impacts and abrasions
Values
4 Boston values
4 Boston values
Keel
Yes, inflatable
Yes, inflatable
Motor Fittings
Fishing Rod Holders
X2
x2
Storage Pouches
What’s Included
2 54-inch aluminum oars, Intex high-output pump, repair patch kit
2 54-inch aluminum oars, Intex high-output pump, repair patch kit
Prime status
-
Amazon Prime
Our Pick
Name
Intex Mariner 3, 3-Person Inflatable Dinghy Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for River and Lake Fishing and Boating
Image
Intex Mariner 3, 3-Person Inflatable Dinghy Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for River and Lake Fishing and Boating
Size
126 x 50 inches
Weight
68lbs
Capacity
3-person 880lbs (400kg) -2 inflatable seats
Materials
Heavy-gauge PVC, resistant to sunlight, impacts and abrasions
Values
4 Boston values
Keel
Yes, inflatable
Motor Fittings
Fishing Rod Holders
X2
Storage Pouches
What’s Included
2 54-inch aluminum oars, Intex high-output pump, repair patch kit
Prime status
-
Name
Intex Mariner 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Image
Intex Mariner 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Size
129 x 57 inches
Weight
91lbs
Capacity
4-person 880lbs (400kg) -3 inflatable seats
Materials
Heavy-gauge PVC, resistant to sunlight, impacts and abrasions
Values
4 Boston values
Keel
Yes, inflatable
Motor Fittings
Fishing Rod Holders
x2
Storage Pouches
What’s Included
2 54-inch aluminum oars, Intex high-output pump, repair patch kit
Prime status
Amazon Prime

Inflation

Both the Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4 have two Boston valves on the main hull. These values allow for quick inflation and deflation, so you can spend more time in the water. You will also receive an Intex high-output pump.

Materials

The Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4 have three layers of super-tough PVC. The outer layers are made of heavy-gauge PVC which are laminated to an inner layer of polyester, providing additional reinforcement. The materials are highly resistant to abrasion, impacts, and sunlight.

Intex Mariner 4 Review

Oars

With the Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4, there are two 54-inch aluminum oars. The oars are rotational, and the oar holders are welded on for extra strength.

Motor Fittings

If you don’t feel like rowing, the Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4 come with built-in motor fittings, so you can attach your motor and effortlessly move across the water.

The Base

The floor of the Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4 are heavy-duty and slatted. They are made of plastic and provide stability and rigidity. Under the boat, there is an inflatable keel that helps improve the control and handling of the boats.

Intex Mariner 4 Comparison

Features for Comfort

Both of the boats have two fishing rod holders. There are grab handles on each end of the boats so that you can easily carry them. The Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4 also have an all-round grab line and rock guards. Finally, you will be able to keep things safe with battery and gear pouches.

Compliance

The Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4 are certified by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association and come with a U.S. Coast Guard I.D.

There are a few differences that will have an impact on your purchasing choice, so we will cover them next.

Differences Between Intex Mariner 3 and Mariner 4

Capacity

Intex Mariner 3 Review

The main difference between these inflatable boats is the size.

Intex Mariner 3

This is a 3-person boat that comes with two inflatable seats. It has a maximum weight capacity of 880 pounds.

Intex Mariner 4

As the name suggests, this larger boat has the capacity for 4 people and comes with 3 inflatable seats. Despite the larger capacity, the maximum weight is still 880 pounds.

The Winner Is- The Intex Mariner 4

Read next – Intex Mariner vs Excursion: Which Inflatable Boat is Better?

Appearance

Intex Mariner 3 Comparison

They are quite similar in how they look. They are both grey but there are features and dimensions that are not the same.

Intex Mariner 3

It is 126 x 50 inches when inflated. It weighs 68 pounds. The boat has blue features like sporty graphics.

Intex Mariner 4

It’s not actually that much bigger. It is 129 x 57 inches when inflated. However, it weighs a lot more at 91 pounds. There are two design options, one is with blue features and the other with red.

The Winner Is- A Tie

Read next – Sea Eagle 9 vs Intex Mariner 4: Which Inflatable Boat is Better?

Pros and Cons

Just before we offer our final verdict, we have added some pros and cons for a bit more clarity.

Intex Mariner 3

Intex Mariner 3

Pros:

  • It’s more durable than you would expect for an inflatable boat
  • It comfortably fits 2 adults and all the gear you want to take for a day out
  • The pump was really simple to use, and it made setting it up quick and stress-free

Cons:

  • The instruction manual has a lot to be desired

Intex Mariner 4

Intex Mariner 4

  • The floor is exceptionally sturdy and easy to install
  • There is a large online community that can help if you want to make modifications
  • The keel is a great help for keeping the boat straight

Cons:

  • The oars fittings could be stronger

Video Comparison

Intex Mariner 3

Intex Mariner 4

The Final Verdict

It wasn’t an easy choice. Both the Intex Mariner 3 and the Intex Mariner 4 are excellent inflatable boats made of great quality materials. They do fair up very well against bumps and knocks. There were a few things that were identical, for example, the ability to attach a motor, the fishing rod holders and the storage pouches. They also came with the same things, and all of these were of good quality too.

We definitely appreciated the all-round grab line and the two carry handles. This was needed more with the Intex Mariner 4 because it was a lot heavier, a lot more than the recommended weight for just one person. It was good to know that the inflatable boats were compliant with NMMA, it provided extra peace of mind.

Really, it came down to the price and the capacity. The Intex Mariner 4 was about $30 more expensive than the Intex Mariner 3, not the end of the world. Although the Intex Mariner has the capacity for 4 people, it will only fit three adults. On top of that, the weight limit is the same as the Intex mariner 3. For this reason, and the fact that it is much lighter and easier to transport, we have chosen the Intex Mariner 3 as the overall winner.


Last update on 2024-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API