The Intex Mariner 3 is arguably the best 3-person inflatable boat in the market for the price. It is easy to inflate and deflate, has a safe and durable design, and is affordable. In this article, I’ll give a full Intex Mariner 3 review, with all of its specs and features.
The Intex Mariner 3 is an inflatable boat designed to seat three people comfortably. It is made from a super-tough material consisting of two outer layers of 30 gauge PVC that are laminated to one inner layer of polyester mesh.
These two layers and mesh layer reinforcement make the Mariner 3 very strong and durable. It resists harsh chemicals and abrasion and can withstand higher air pressure.
Read on to learn more about the Intex Mariner 3 boat. I’ll go over all of its key specs and features so that you can decide if it is the right boat for you.
Also, take a look at the Mariner 3 on Amazon, to see its price and great reviews:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Intex Mariner 3 Review and Specs
Intex Recreation Corp. is the maker of the Intex Mariner 3. For more than 40 years, this company has been making high-quality but very affordable inflatable boats, among other consumer products that it sells around the world.
Mariner 3 is designed to accommodate three people comfortably. It can be used for fishing or just leisure boating and relaxing on the water. Recreational fishers will love this boat because it has plenty of room for all your fishing gear and other supplies.
In this review, I will present the specifications, features, and what comes in a package of the Intex Mariner 3. For its price point, Mariner 3 offers the best value. If you have a limited budget but seeking a high-quality boat, you may want to consider this three-seater inflatable boat.
What Is the Intex Mariner 3?
The Intex Mariner 3 is an inflatable boat that you can use for boating, fishing, or just plain relaxing all day on the water. This boat is built with very tough materials, making it puncture-resistant, long-lasting, and reliably durable. It can support the weight of three average-sized adults as well.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Features & Materials Used
Its hull is made of three super-tough layers of quality materials. There are two layers of heavy gauge PVC that are laminated to another layer of polyester mesh for extra reinforcement. Additional strength is provided by its heavy-duty flooring and keel rock guard. These features enhance the rigidity and stability of the boat.
This boat is equipped with two Boston valves attached to the main hull chamber. Also, the boat comes with a high-output hand pump. Inflating and deflating the boat is easy and fast when this hand pump is attached to the Boston valves.
No amount of air will escape while inflating this boat because the Boston valves are actually “check valves.” Additionally, the hand pump will pump air into the chambers, whether pulled in or pulled out. This combination results in much faster inflation and deflation of the boat.
Boat Accessories
The Intex Mariner 3 is also suitable for weekend boaters who don’t want to exert much effort in rowing and paddling. This boat comes with a mounting kit at the stern, and this platform will allow you to attach an outboard or trolling motor. With outboard power, you can go anywhere you want and won’t break a sweat.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The Intex Mariner 3 is supplied with many useful accessories. These accessories include two aluminum oars, grab handles on both ends, and all-around grab lines. It also includes other helpful accessories, such as two built-in fishing rod holders, oar holders, rotational oar locks, and many more. This boat comes with a U.S. Coast Guard ID, which means that it’s really safe to use on the water.
Video Reviews of the Intex Mariner 3
First Video Review
Crab Master did the first video review. The review starts with the boat not yet inflated and lying flat on the ground of a marina. He first pumped in some air (just enough to get it started) on both sides or hulls of the boat using the supplied hand pump.
Boat Assembly
Next, he inserted the floor of the boat and covered it with a black mat. He then resumed the pumping of air into the boat. The reviewer used a combination of a small electric air pump and the supplied hand pump until the boat was fully inflated.
He then attached the motor mounting fittings at the back of the boat. Then, he added the two seats made of plywood on the top of the boat crosswise. The seats, which he described as uncomfortable, rested on the top of the hulls. He tied it around the cleats of the boat with some black ropes to secure them.
The reviewer then carried the boat to the water and mounted the outboard motor. Then, he installed the propeller on the motor and connected the motor to the battery. He then untied the boat from its moors on the dock so that he can take the boat out to sea.
Testing the Boat on the Water
While on the water, he says he needs cup holders as there is none on the boat. The boat seems steady as the trolling motor on the water powers it. He took the boat out of the marina and into the bay. The boat is steady and solid at this kind of speed. He mentioned that the motor is already at its top speed. The reviewer steered the boat out into the sea but still close to the marina and then went back to the docks safely.
Second Video Review
Jiggy’s Outdoors made this second video review. In this video, the reviewer is comparing the Intex Mariner 3 with the Intex Mariner 4. He placed the boat side by side, maybe to make it easier for us to see their differences. The reviewer said he wanted something that he can pack and a boat that does not need a trailer.
Length and Width Comparison
As you can see in the video, Mariner 4 is definitely bigger than Mariner 3 (not much on the length but more on the width or beam of the boat). Mariner 4, he says, is probably only 10 inches to 12 inches longer and about 12 inches wider than Mariner 3.
Then, he put the two boats on top of each other to compare the length and width of Mariner 4 and Mariner 3. He observed that there is not much of a difference between these two inflatable boats.
What he liked about Mariner 3, though, is that it takes a shorter time to fill up compared to the slightly bigger Mariner 4. But for safety features, Mariner 4 is better because he said it has five air chambers instead of just 3 in the Mariner 3.
Intex Mariner 3 Specs
The important specifications of Mariner 3 that you need to know are as follows:
- Length – 9 ft. and 9 in.
- Width – 4 ft. and 2 in.
- Height – 1 ft. and 6 in.
- Person Capacity – 3
- Maximum Weight Capacity – 880 lbs.
- Package Dimension – 31.10 in. x 16.22 in. x 18.70 in.
- Package Weight – 73.50 lbs.
- Motor Capacity (optional) – A maximum of 2 hp
What Comes with the Intex Mariner 3?
One box of the Intex Mariner 3 boat set contains the following accessories:
- One high-output hand pump (for inflating and deflating the boat)
- Two units, Boston valves
- Heavy-duty plastic flooring
- Two units, inflatable thwart seats
- Two fishing rod holders
- One gear pouch
- One battery pouch
- One repair patch kit
- Two grab handles on each end of the boat
- Motor mount fittings
Intex Mariner 3 Key Features and Benefits
The Intex Mariner 3 inflatable boat comes with many functional features. The more useful features of this boat are as follows:
- Rotational Oar Locks – This feature will make rowing and paddling easier and more convenient.
- Super Tough Material Construction – This boat is made of solid material with three-ply construction. The material consists of two outer layers of a very thick PVC and an inner layer of polyester mesh. This material makes the boat highly resistant to abrasion and punctures.
- Heavy-duty Plastic Flooring – This feature enhances the rigidity and stability of this boat.
- Gear Pouch – For storing items like flashlights, cell phones, wallets, and similar items.
- Storage Bag – For storing bigger items, such as the battery for the outboard motor.
- Grab Handles – Located on both ends for easy carrying of the boat to and from the water.
- Fishing Rod Holders – One on each side (for hands-free fishing)
- Motor Mounting Kit – A platform where you can install a trolling motor to make your boating more relaxing.
Below is a complete list of items included in a box of the Intex Mariner 3 boat set.
- Mariner 3 inflatable boat (made of two outer layers of 30 gauge PVC and inner mesh layer for reinforcement)
- Two units (Boston valves installed on the main hull)
- Extruded plastic flooring (heavy-duty, for comfort and rigidity)
- Two fishing rod holders
- Two paddles (made of aluminum, at 54 inches each)
- Oar holders
- Two rotational oar locks, welded-on
- Two inflatable thwart seats
- Grab handle (one at the bow and one at the stern)
- An all-around grab line and rub strake
- One gear pouch
- One battery pouch
- Motor mount fittings
- One repair patch kit
- U.S. Coast Guard ID (NMMA-certified)
- TUV approved
Installing a trolling motor on the Intex Mariner 3:
Sometimes, you just want to relax on the water without spending too much energy on rowing and paddling. During these times, you will need a trolling motor to power the boat and go wherever you want.
The Intex Mariner 3 also comes with mounting fittings. You can use this platform to install a 1.5 hp or 2 hp trolling motor. It’s simple to mount a motor on this boat. If you have all the tools and fittings that you need, you can do it easily.
Intex Mariner 4
For a bit higher price, you can get some extra space with the Intex Mariner 4. There isn’t much of a difference between the Intex Mariner 3 vs 4. The Mariner 4 has the same sturdy and reliable materials as Mariner 3; it is just longer and wider to fit one other person.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The extra money you will spend on this boat will give you more space for one more member of the family or friend. You can also use the space for more fishing gear and supplies. The Mariner 3 has an 880-pound capacity, while this boat can carry four people with a 1,100-pound weight limit.
About Intex
Intex Recreation Corp. is committed to fulfilling its mission of being the most trusted, recognizable, and innovative brand in its industry. To fulfill this dream, this company is stringent in its manufacturing processes. It deploys strict product testing measures and quality control of its products before they are sold in the market.
The company has been implementing these measures in doing its business for the past 40 years. It also strives to reduce its carbon footprint in the process of making its products. Apart from different sizes and models of inflatable boats, Intex Recreation Corp. also produces pool accessories and toys, air beds, above-ground pools, and other similar items.
Conclusion – Intex Mariner 3 Review and Specs
So, to summarize, the Intex Mariner 3 is an inflatable boat that can carry three people comfortably. It is made of super-tough PVC that consists of two outer layers of 30 gauge PVC. This material is also laminated to one inner layer of polyester mesh. The combination of these layers makes this boat very strong and durable.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
I’d also like to emphasize in this review that the Intex Mariner 3 can resist harsh chemicals and abrasion. It can withstand higher air pressure as well. So I highly recommend the Mariner 3 as it will bring you years of fun and safe time on the water.
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