Thread: Which Inflatable boat doe you use

Hi Guys with so many diffrent Models of Inflatable boats on the market. I would like to know what other guys are using and how they find there boats as well did the boat meet your requiremnts streight out the box or did you have to do mods eq to make it more stable , easier to stand up on and so fourth.I already have an Xplora V boat and im Pleased to say it is very comfortable except it gets a bit cold in winter, hense me looking for a inflatable boat.Mods i have done are install a fish finder and rod holders to my tube.

Cant wait to here your comments

I bought a cheapie, the only problem I have with it is the fact that the deck needs to be inflated. It is impossible to stand on the boat. The hard deck boats are a bit more expensive, but worth it.

Im Looking at The Intex Mariner 4 it looks greate value for money but im not to sure if you can stand up on the boat with the standard slatted floor

Hi Carp King,
I have a Mariner 4. It's difficult to stand on the slats but it's much better than a tube with an inflatable floor - that's like fishing from a jumping castle!

You will not go wrong if you make floorboards yourself. A 2.4 x 1.2m plywood board costs around R250 I think? You just need to shape it, paint it, and put protective tape (duct tape) on the edges and you're A for away!

Suggest you also do a search on "MARINER 4" - there are a few posts and threads on this topic already ........

I own a seahawk 11.i made a deck out of wood.works very well.only problem is that its a bit small.

Originally Posted by madporra

Hi Carp King,
I have a Mariner 4. It's difficult to stand on the slats but it's much better than a tube with an inflatable floor - that's like fishing from a jumping castle!

You will not go wrong if you make floorboards yourself. A 2.4 x 1.2m plywood board costs around R250 I think? You just need to shape it, paint it, and put protective tape (duct tape) on the edges and you're A for away!

Suggest you also do a search on "MARINER 4" - there are a few posts and threads on this topic already ........

Mad, I'm planning to do this, instead of tape I want to use those pool noodles the kids play with in the pool. Cut a deep groove into the side of the noodle so that it can fit nicely on the edge of your plank. This should make it fit snug in the boat and prevent the plank from moving around. This is on a boat with an inflatable deck, I don't know if it will work on a hard deck

Jakes the pool noodle stuff is way too thick, it won't work. The duct tape works nicely, and it's not rough on your boat's surface.

My board is just the right size and fits snugly in the floor cavity, it does not move an inch the whole day. Rather use the pool noodle stuff, cut a V in it, and cable-tie two pieces on either side of your net - that helps it to float when you're on your float tube. You can also make a floating net using a small keepnet and cable tie some pool noodle material around the top ring, if you really want to.

Originally Posted by madporra

Jakes the pool noodle stuff is way too thick, it won't work. The duct tape works nicely, and it's not rough on your boat's surface.

My board is just the right size and fits snugly in the floor cavity, it does not move an inch the whole day. Rather use the pool noodle stuff, cut a V in it, and cable-tie two pieces on either side of your net - that helps it to float when you're on your float tube. You can also make a floating net using a small keepnet and cable tie some pool noodle material around the top ring, if you really want to.

Thanks for the tip, I won't waste my time with the pool noodle then and go straight for the duct tape.

You could as well use that sponge edging that you use for cars that is thin and really soft.

Originally Posted by Carp King

You could as well use that sponge edging that you use for cars that is thin and really soft.

Thanks Carp King, I shall look into that.