If you already have an Intex inflatable boat or are looking to get one soon, getting an electric trolling motor is a great upgrade.
An Intex raft paired with a motor opens up a lot of possibilities out on the water and is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike:
- fishing is made so much easier without the need for handling the oars,
- kids love cruising with a motorized boat,
- paddling is hard with many people in the boat.
This article will list the best electric trolling motors for Intex inflatable boats (Mariner, Excursion, Seahawk, Challenger), and answer a few questions you may have before committing to a motor.
The following review of the Intex Mariner 4 will highlight to you the various reasons that put the Mariner 4 among the best boats you can find on the market as far as strength, performance, and practicality are concerned.
I have a lot of experience with this boat, since I own one. Naturally, I use a trolling motor with it, more on that later.
Do you leave your SIB in the water over an extended period? Say, for the entire season? It’s more convenient than having to constantly assemble and disassemble your boat, that’s for sure.
But there is a problem.
Leaving your boat in the water for extended periods will result in biofouling.
Nature is incredible. A marine ecosystem will start developing on a submerged object within 24 hours, starting with bacterial adhesion. In a week, microalgae forms. In 2-3 weeks, macrofoulizers attach.
This process is what leads to the formation of marine growth and barnacles. Read more
Proper care, cleaning and maintenance of an inflatable boat will not only keep your boat in tip-top shape, it will also extend its lifespan.
If your boat is cleaned regularly, it will look like new almost all of the time.
But if you don’t clean maintain your boat, the fabric will start turning dark, which will take more effort to clean. It can be done, but it’s better to avoid it with regular cleaning. Read more
The Intex Excursion family of boats are definitely among the most popular boats on the market. The Excursion 5 is among the biggest boats you can find.
I had a chance to use one on the lake a while back, and think the Excursion 5 makes an excellent vessel for large families that are trying to find a portable and price-friendly boat for a summer outing on the lake.
The following is a review of the Excursion 5, in which I’ll give you valuable insight into the features, specifications, and overall qualities that this raft offers on the water. Read more
Many inflatable boat owners like to upgrade their SIBs either aesthetically or mechanically. As a first upgrade, I always recommend the installation of a hydrofoil on your outboard motor. It has numerous advantages, makes your motorized boat faster & safer, and best of all, it is cheap.
What is a hydrofoil?
A hydrofoil is a lifting surface in the form of a foil, which is operated in water. It bears similar appearance and purpose as airfoils, which are actually the wings of an airplane.
Boats and watercraft that have hydrofoils installed are termed as hydrofoils.
The term Hydrofoil actually refers to the wing-like structure fastened on struts below the hull of the boat. This feature elevates the hull of the boat a little out of the water during forward motion to reduce the drag on it.
In theory, hydrofoil technology increases fuel efficiency and speed in boats during operation, by stablizing them and getting them on plane quickly. Read more
Before going on the water, it is important to check and inspect your inflatable boat to guarantee that there are no leakages, punctures, or damage that may result in mishaps during your boating trip.
However, accidents do happen:
- You drop your utility knife while fishing.
- Your dog’s claws puncture the boat.
- A shark takes a bit out of your boat.
Anything is possible. Except for the last one 🙂
Punctures and leaks can be very alarming away from shore, but thankfully they rarely happen.
Nevertheless, it’s good to have a little knowledge about how to keep the inflatable boat afloat whilst heading towards safety. Read more
A lot of people buy an inflatable boat as their main boat, but there are instances where you might want to tow your inflatable boat using your mother boat.
Whether you’re using your dinghy as a tender for your main boat, because of a mechanical failure or inability to stow your boat aboard the larger vessel, it’s a good idea to know how to properly tow a dinghy.
Towing might seem relatively simple and easy, looking at it from afar. Just tie a knot and tow. However, it does take careful preparation to ensure the success of the entire operation, otherwise, you will end up damaging your dinghy and possible your mother ship.
Here is a complete guide on how to properly tow your inflatable boat. Read more
A life vest, also known as life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD), is considered fundamental safety gear for inflatable boating. If you’re out fishing, recreational boating, and doing various water sports, you and the kids in your SIB should wear a life jacket.
Life jackets are designed to keep one’s head above the water to prevent drowning. They are a must-have onboard your inflatable, but remember that it’s not enough to just stow them nearby.
Most drowning accidents occur even when life vests are available nearby, but victims chose not to wear them because they know how to swim.
Here are some frightening statistics on why you should always use life-vests:
- The majority of people who drown are able swimmers.
- Most drownings happen in inland waters, only 10% happen out at sea.
- Out of all the drowning fatalities that happen, 85% of the victims do not wear a PFD.
- A child can drown in 20 seconds.