The Intex Mariner 3 is a versatile inflatable boat. That can provide hours of fun in the open water with the family or a few friends. You can do some fishing, kick back with a good book and take in the sun’s rays, or paddle around and enjoy the scenery alone or with the company of family or friends. The Intex Mariner 3 comfortably seats three to four average-size adults.
Features
- Width — 4 feet and 2-inches
- Length — 9 feet and nine-inches
- Height — 1 foot and 6 inches
- Passengers — Three to four average-size adults
- Maximum Weight Amount — 880 pounds (combined passengers and supplies brought on board)
- The weight of the package is 73.50 pounds (includes all supplies)
- The dimension of the package is 31.10 in. × 16.22 in. × 18.70-inches.
- Optional motor capacity with a horsepower of 2.1
Durability
The boat is an extremely durable and stable. The boat is built out of strong solid materials that are long-lasting, making the boat extremely durable, puncture-resilient, and reliable. The materials also provide a great deal of strength and a heavy-duty floor and keel rock guards to protect the bottom of the boat from rocks, sand, other foreign objects in the water that can damage the bottom of your boat. All these features enhance your boating experience.
What makes this boat so durable are the two Boston valves (which are really called check valves) that are connected to the main hull chamber. They prevent the air from escaping while the boat is inflating. So, you never hit the open water with less air than required.
The hand pump that comes with the boat pumps the air into the chambers. It is either pulled in or pulled out. The air fill combination results in quicker inflation and deflation of your boat.
People are often cautious purchasing inflatable boats because not all inflated boats are created equally. Some boats are prone to punctures which results in endless attempts at patching tears. That is not the case with the Intex Mariner 3. A great deal of time and effort went into designing, developing, and manufacturing this boat to be one of the most durable boats available.
Here is a good overview video that explains the features quite well:
Durable Materials
This boat is made of super durable materials. It is made with two layers of 30 gauge plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material that is layered to an inner layer of polyester mesh material, making the boat so durable and robust. The materials provide resistance to abrasions (scratches and scrapes caused by rocks/stones, branches, and other underwear debris) and harsh chemicals that allow the boat to endure a higher air pressure than other inflatable boats.
As a responsible boat owner, you must still use caution when operating your boat. While it is durable, it is not indestructible. You should never pull or try to drag your boat across the beach, dock, or wherever you are launching from, and if possible, it should be empty while launching. If you are alone and unable to carry all your supplies practice extra caution launching and always give the boat a once over to make sure everything is tip-top shape before you set out on the open water.
This boat is so strong you can stand up in it and even move around. The only problem you may run into is losing your balance, tipping over, and falling out.
Performance
Boat owners have the option of paddling or motoring. If you choose to paddle the boat has rotating oarlocks, making them easier to paddle and stay in place when not in use.
The other option is a motor some serious boaters prefer the motor over paddling. The motor must be purchased separately. The only downside to a motor is the amount of supplies you can bring with you is more limited due to the increase in weight. Sometimes, it is just nice to relax on the water without having to paddle. A trolling motor will do all the work for you just kick back and enjoy the serenity.
Installing a Trolling Motor
The boat comes with mounting fittings for the motor. Use the platform to install a 1.5 horsepower or 2 horsepower trolling motor. It’s not difficult to mount the motor. Gather your fittings, tools, and instructions, and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Ease of Use
Some boaters are concerned with the amount of time it takes to put the boat together and disassemble. You’ll be happy to know check valves make the process quicker you can inflate and deflate your boat in approximately twelve minutes.
View this post on Instagram
A smart thing to do is a trial run (at home) before getting to the water. Inflate and deflate your boat and make sure there are no issues if there are you will know in advance and be able to correct them before you get to your launch spot.
Transporting the Boat
It’s always best to get a small trailer to transport the boat to and from the water. Plus, when you’re not using the boat it can remain stored on the trailer safe and sound.
Getting your boat to the water after it is inflated — use the three handles on the sides of the boat and carry it. One person on each side will suffice.
Boat Accessories
The boat comes with several useful accessories. It includes six grab handles three on each side for carrying the boat. It also includes oar holders, fishing rod holders, and oarlocks, and other convenient accessories. The Intex Mariner 3 also comes with the U.S. Coast Guard ID which means the boat is safe to use in the water.
Pros and Cons
- The boat is portable.
- Easy to carry (light-weight)
- Stable and safe
- Feel comfortable and safe in open waters.
- Option of paddles or trolling motor
- Can sometimes be hard to get the boat back into the bag.
- Some people have found a couple of issues with the leaking of air. It must be patched as soon as it is noticed, or it will lead to damage.
Conclusion
Our rating: 
4.5 / 5
The Intex Mariner 3 is certified by the National Maritime Manufacturers’ Association (NMMA) so buyers trust that the boat is, durable, safe, and reliable, and the boat should last a long time if used and taken care of properly.