Registration process in AZ and some Mariner 4 questions

Eiolon

Recruit
Joined
Jun 3, 2013
Messages
2
I am ordering the Mariner 4 this weekend. If anyone has registered in AZ, is the process difficult? I assume it comes with a HIN and I just need to send in the app with the required documents? What is the turnaround time to getting registered?

As for the Mariner 4:

Should I replace the stock oars? If yes, any recommendations?

Will the Intex motor mount work fine with the Minn Kota Endura 30 or will I have to custom build one?

I?ll be lugging this around in my trunk so I?ll need to make at least 3 separate boards for the floor. Does that cause a problem with the sturdiness of if? I hear people using 1/2 and 3/4 inch plywood, which would be recommended thickness?

What is the best thing to use for patching the boat?

Lastly, anything else I should be concerned about or think over before pulling the trigger? I was thinking about the Sevylor Fish Hunter but this appears to be doing much better in terms of reviews.

Thanks for your time!
 

saabsaviorlee

Seaman
Joined
Mar 16, 2012
Messages
59
Re: Registration process in AZ and some Mariner 4 questions

Hey, fellow Arizonan here and let me tell you about my 2 different experiences with AZGF. First time bought a sevylor fish hunter off craigslist. Had ZERO paperwork so I called and they told me to come down, bring the boat, inspect it, and issue registration stickers. Literally that easy. They didn't even ask me to inflate it, just unfolded enough to read the HIN and date of manufacture and that was it. went inside paid the 20$ and off I went. Second time was with my new Newport Vessels catalina. not as simple but mostly my fault. It didn't come with the right paperwork (though they did scan and email the same day I called) brought in the paperwork and lo and behold I purchased online from a cali outfit so I didn't pay sales tax. Had to go to the AZ dept of revenue in SE Mesa, pay 86$, then go back with receipt and pay my 20$ got the stickers and called it a day. If you paid sales tax and have all your paperwork, it should be a breeze.

for oars I'd say it depends on how much you plan on rowing. I did replace the ones on my fish hunter but I'm pretty sure the replacements were the exact same as the ones that come with the Mariner. That being said I only rowed it twice, once in Tempe Town Lake (50$ non tempe resident boat permit!!!) and again at Black Canyon lake. I can tell you she won't row well, though in a pinch it'll get you to shore...slowly.

Luckily the stock motor mount should be fine for a minn kota 30# which by the way I have one for sale!! I actually have 2 a 36# and a 30# and a Pro Controll device that turns your tiller troller into a foot controlled troller. pretty clever design Amazon.com: Procontroll RMIPC010 Foot Control for Trolling Motor: Sports & Outdoors PM me if you're interested in either. I don't know how Intex rolls but Sevylor sells the motor mount separate. I did replace the wood with a longer piece so I could mount a troller and a weed wacker "outboard" (long story about that one too also for sale)

For the floorboard I want to say I went with 23/32 but I don't recall 100% I also had a solid piece so I can't help with 3 piece designs. I opted to stick to standard plywood vs marine plywood solely for monetary reasons. treated and stained the wood and saved a few bucks.

For patching on my Sevylor I used Amazon.com: AIRHEAD AHRK-1 Vinyl Repair Kit for Inflatables: Sports & Outdoors which was pretty impressive as it has little fibers in the glue I was able to do a real half assed shore repair while inflated. kept smearing it on and eventually the air stopped bubbling. Mind you my fish hunter had a much lower working air pressure than my new boat and on my new boat I only use high grade 2 part glue and patches, but I still keep a tube of it in my emergency gear box.

Lastly I can't speak for the Mariner 4 but there's a huge community for it so I would guess you'll be alright!
 

Eiolon

Recruit
Joined
Jun 3, 2013
Messages
2
Re: Registration process in AZ and some Mariner 4 questions

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!
 

IraRat

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 9, 2013
Messages
248
Re: Registration process in AZ and some Mariner 4 questions

I had the optional 3-piece floor on my old Sevylor and hated it. Just wasn't rigid enough.

If you definitely can't haul a 1-piecer, do two 2 pieces--actually, one piece that's HINGED in the middle. You simply attach a small piece of trim molding that keeps it from buckling, and with some hinges, you don't even need that.

Also, I've heard of people simply laminating/gluing two pieces of rigid foam insulation together and not using wood at all! Remember--you're not going to be dancing on it. You just want something solid to stand on, and a little bit of flex is no big deal. (And extremely waterproof!)

I'm not a big fan of Sevylor and also heard good things about the Mariner, but as said above, these are all a b*tch to row.
 
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