intex mariner 4 question

[mrdrh99]

Hey guy, pretty much everyone has seen my intex mariner 4 setup by now, I have many youtube videos showing it. I have a question for everyone now.....if I have $300 to spend on it, would you spend it on a trailer or a 2.5-3.5hp motor? I don't care if its an older motor as long as it runs well....that Chinese crap isn't half as good as the smaller motors made in the 50's and 60's anyhow.

If I get the trailer I'm going to redo my floor with a solid 3/4" one piece carpeted and have much larger storage areas on the front and back, possibly able to stand on the front with my battery underneath and under the back will be all my storage, and leaving the middle open.

If I spend my money on the motor the boat will pretty much remain as is except I'll flip my 30# minn kota to the front of the boat and use it as a front trolling motor (if that is what's it's called)

Any and all opinions will be appreciated!!!!

 

[Guest]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

Hey guy, pretty much everyone has seen my intex mariner 4 setup by now, I have many youtube videos showing it. I have a question for everyone now.....if I have $300 to spend on it, would you spend it on a trailer or a 2.5-3.5hp motor? I don't care if its an older motor as long as it runs well....that Chinese crap isn't half as good as the smaller motors made in the 50's and 60's anyhow.

If I get the trailer I'm going to redo my floor with a solid 3/4" one piece carpeted and have much larger storage areas on the front and back, possibly able to stand on the front with my battery underneath and under the back will be all my storage, and leaving the middle open.

If I spend my money on the motor the boat will pretty much remain as is except I'll flip my 30# minn kota to the front of the boat and use it as a front trolling motor (if that is what's it's called)

Any and all opinions will be appreciated!!!!

DO NOT BUY THAT CRAP ON EBAY!! ONLY BUY NISSAN/TOHATSU, MERCURY/MARINER, SUZUKI/YAMAHA, JOHNSON/EVINRUDE OR HONDA (EXPENSIVE) . STAY AWAY FROM ANY OTHER BRAND

new engine will give you the ability to cruise around trailer will give you comfort and ease of launching

 

[Guest]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN06HJftEao

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

How large is that motor and how fast will it move you around?

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

I'm personally leaning towards the trailer, i want to update my mods to the point that they can't be broken down! It'll probably add another 100lbs to the boat but 3 of the 4 lakes i can go near by are electric motor only

 

[Guest]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

That's cool. My comments were more for Chris because he was looking to get a bigger troller so I said for almost the same price go for a gas engine. If I had to luxery of keeping my boat inflated 24/7 I would love that! I believe that's the best mod possible

 

[CopperFox]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

MrDrH: I was in a similar situation a couple of months ago so figured I'd add my 2 cents worth. I unexpectedly came up with ~$400 (casino) and decided to put it toward the boat. Since my SUV doesn't have a hitch and there really isn't a place to park a trailer, other than in the middle of my front yard, I focused on a motor more powerful than the 30lb thrust I had.

Weimed's video is impressive but that's not an M4 either. His more substantial boat has a wood stern which is able to handle that power and convert it to speed. I doubt that an M4 would fare as well.

I opted for a Minn Kota 55lb thrust electric. I only selected a 55 over a 50 because the price was actually $1 less! Based on 3-4 outings with it, I am pretty sure it reaches near the top end of what the M4 is able to handle. I plan on taking it out this Sunday and will attempt to video that effort and post it (a first for me). When kicked into 5th speed and I ride solo, even if the boat is fully inflated, the back chamber compresses noticeably and the back of the boat rides lower in the water.

If I am correct, plus as you say, 3 of the 4 lakes you go to only accept electric motors, there seems to be little value in going to a gas motor. That narrows your question a bit: if an electric motor, how big? or a trailer. The bigger motor option would probably cost less, but any extra $$$ would probably be eaten up with converting your current 30 to a front mount.

If you lean toward a bigger electric, I'd be happy to share any info I can. If you choose a trailer, I'm very much interested in what you choose and how you proceed with your mods. This could still find its way into my future! Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy the improvements the extra cash will bring. It's a nice dilemma to have!

 

[CopperFox]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

I stand corrected.

I just viewed a short video posted by Mitzy162, that Weimed linked on the other thread yesterday. It shows a gas powered Nissan 3.5 hp engine really moving a Mariner 4. Weimed says that engine only weighs 25 lbs. The Minn Kota 55 weighs double that and doesn't nearly approach that speed. The gas motor can also go in salt, which may or may not be a consideration. Sorry. I haven't helped you make your decision at all. Good luck!

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

Lol, copper, i always highly appreciate any thoughts and input from you! I still long for that foot controlled troller which is a 45#. However, i think the idea of being able to leave the boat intact and launch from a trailer is the way I'm leaning, and then I'll probably wait and do mods over the winter. Btw, did you check out the newest mod video posted? I'm loving his ideas!

 

[Guest]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

Lol, copper, i always highly appreciate any thoughts and input from you! I still long for that foot controlled troller which is a 45#. However, i think the idea of being able to leave the boat intact and launch from a trailer is the way I'm leaning, and then I'll probably wait and do mods over the winter. Btw, did you check out the newest mod video posted? I'm loving his ideas!

I would paddle if I had to just to keep my boat intact! if I had somewhere to put a trailer I would not mind going out after work from 6-9 pm without having to assemble and disassemble. bottom line: I vote trailer over anything

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: intex mariner 4 question

weimed, I agree!