This is a comparison guide of the Intex Excursion vs Seahawk vs Mariner vs Challenger vs Explorer boats.
We list the main differences and similarities of these boats at the top of this guide.
We also include ‘review’ type information of each kayak at the bottom of the guide. This information covers the individual features of each kayak.
Let’s take a look!
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Intex Excursion vs Seahawk vs Mariner vs Challenger vs Explorer Boat Comparison
If you prefer, you can go straight to viewing these boats here:
- Intex Excursion Inflatable 4 & 5 Series Boats (on Amazon)
- Intex Mariner Inflatable 3 & 4 Series Boats (on Amazon)
- Intex Seahawk Inflatable 2, 3 & 4 Series Boats (on Amazon)
- Intex Challenger Inflatable 2 & 3 Series Boats (on Amazon)
- Intex Explorer Inflatable 100, 200 & 300 Series Boats (on Amazon)
Onto the comparison …
Intex Inflatable Boats – Summary, & Which To Get
There’s a couple of ways to look at what inflatable boat to get from this Intex range …
The first way to decide what boat to get would be to look at how many people will be using the boat
The Excursion is the only model designed to fit up to 5 people (and also has the highest carrying capacity in terms of weight)
The Excursion, Mariner, and Seahawk all have 4 people capacities available
All models have the capacity to fit 3 people or less in the boat
Having said that, for each model, you have to check the weight limit/weight capacity, and also the dimensions/size of the boat to make sure you can fit the number of people, and mass of people you want in the boat
The second way to decide what boat to get would be to look at the price, features and design/layout of each boat
The Excursion and Mariner both have the most features, and are currently the most expensive models, but the Excursion currently has a higher carrying capacity, and has a different internal layout with a seat at either side of the boat, compared to the Mariner which has spaced out seating along the length of the boat
Both the Excursion and Mariner have integrated fishing rod holders, motor mount fittings, a gear pouch, decent storage space, and are reasonably sturdy in their construction material compared to cheap inflatable boats
They are both made of heavy duty puncture resistant vinyl, and the Mariner has a rock guard on the hull
The Seahawk and Challenger models are the mid price/mid tier models.
The Seahawk 4 may actually be one of the better value for money options for what it offers in terms of features and it’s price point
It has fishing rod holders, motor mount fittings for up to a 1.5HP motor, a gear pouch, handles, and open boat design, and is made of heavy duty puncture resistant vinyl
Although, the Seahawk 4 it designed to carry slightly less weight than the Mariner 4 at the moment, and it doesn’t have the rock guard that the Mariner has.
The Seahawk models all include integrated fishing rod holders, and motor mount fittings. Whereas, when going down to the Challenger models, only the Challenger 3 has motor mount fittings, and both the Challenger 2 and 3 don’t have fishing rod holders
The Explorer models are the cheapest of all the boat models, with the tradeoffs being that they come with the least features, and also the lowest carrying capacity
It’s worth noting that although the models like the Excursion, Mariner, and Seahawk 4 may currently be made of sturdier than average material/construction, all of these boats are ultimately inflatable boats.
They might be best suited to calmer and flatter water conditions, more casual, recreational and lighter/less intensive boating, and are best kept in minimal contact with rough and sharp objects and surfaces
For more demanding boating, more demanding water conditions, and to remove the risk of punctures altogether, hard boats may be better for those looking for those requirements.
For all these boats, make sure to confirm the warranty and return conditions and policy prior to buying to cover your financial investment, especially for the more expensive models.
Intex Inflatable Boats – Main Differences
Some of the main differences between the boat models might include:
Price
The Excursion and Mariner are currently the most expensive models, the Seahawk is next, then the Challenger, and the Explorer is the cheapest
Colors
Each boat is a different color or color pattern, which you can see when you view the product
Internal Boat Layout/Design
Each boat has a slightly different internal layout
The Explorer and Challenger models just have the boat floor inside the boat
The Seahawk has a seat at either end of the boat
The Mariner has three seats spaced out across the length of the boat
The Excursion has two seats either end of the boat, but also a seat or footrest in the middle of the boat
Dimensions/Size
Each model has a different inflated size, and different amount of space/area inside the boat
Generally, the 4 and 5 person boat are the largest (Excursion, Mariner, Seahawk)
The Explorer is the smallest
You can see the sizes and dimensions of each boat on the product pages
Person Capacity
Each boat has a different max number of people capacity/limit
The Excursion has the highest person limit of 5, with the Excursion, Mariner and Seahawk all having 4 person boats available
The Explorer has a 1 person boat available
Weight Limit/Capacity
The weight limits generally align with the number of people each boat can fit, so they all have different max weight limits
The Excursion currently has the highest weight limit, and the Explorer the least
Inflated Weight Of The Boat
The larger boats weigh more when they are fully inflated
Material Type Used
The Excursion, Mariner, Seahawk and Challenger all use a heavy duty puncture resistant PVC
The Mariner in particular also has a rock guard that lines the circumference of the boat hull, and generally uses a 3 ply construction, and has a heavy duty extruded plastic floor
Number Of Air Chambers
The Excursion, Seahawk and Challenger all use 3 separate air chambers for extra safety and bouyancy
The Explorer has two air chambers
Grab Line
The Explorer is the only boat that doesn’t come with a grab line on the boat, although it does have a grab rope on the front of the boat
Fishing Rod Holders
The Excursion, Mariner, and some of the Seahawk models come with fishing rod holders
Some of the Seahawk models, the Challenger and Explorer don’t come with fishing rod holders
Motor Mounting Fittings
The Explorer is the only model that doesn’t come with motor mount fittings
You’ll need to confirm the HP of the motor that is suitable to use with the boats though
Oars
Each model comes with different types and lengths of oars – you have to check the these specifications when you by
Gear Pouch
The Excursion, Mariner, and Seahawk models all come with a gear pouch, whilst the Challenger and Explorer don’t
Intex Inflatable Boats – Main Similarities
Some of the main similarities between the boat models might include:
Types Of Boats They Are
All are inflatable and deflatable boats
What They Are Ideally Used For
Although the Excursion, Mariner and Seahawk models in particular are reasonably well constructed Foran inflatable boat, these boats are ideally used for calm and flat waters (not rough water conditions), recreational and casual boating (not intense or demanding boating), and ideally should come into contact with rough or sharp objects or surfaces to prevent puncturing and damage
Hard boats may be better if you want a boat that doesn’t have some of the limitations that most consumer type inflatable boats have
Pump
All come with a manual pump
Oar Holders
All boats have oar holders
Repair Patch
Each model comes with a repair patch (although you should check if you need to purchase additional supplies like glue etc.)
Intex Inflatable Boats – Review Guides
Below is ‘review’ type information on each boat series …
Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat Series Reviews (4 & 5 Series)
This is a review guide of the Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat Series – both the 4 and 5 Series boats.
Below we outline the main features of the boats, along with other relevant buyer’s information such as what they might be used for.
View
Main Features
An inflatable, puncture resistant vinyl construction boat
Is a white/grey and blue color
Comes in both a 4 person, and 5 person model
4 person model measures 10 feet 4 inches long x 5 feet 5 inches wide (3.15m x 1.65m), and has a 1100lbs weight capacity (500kg)
5 person model measures 12 feet long x 5 feet 6 inches wide (3.66m x 1.68m), and has a 1320lbs weight capacity (600kg)
Has an I-beam floor for increased rigidity
Has a grab line around the perimeter of the boat
Has a grab handle on the front of the boat
Has 3 separate air chambers
Has Boston valves for inflation/deflation
Has inflatable seats on each end of the boat
Has oar holders on each side of the boat
Has a gear holder pouch
Has integrated fishing rod holders
Has motor mount fittings on the back of the boat
Comes with 54 inch aluminum oars, a carry bag, repair kit and pump
Potential Drawbacks
One of Intex’s more expensive inflatable boats (across their inflatable boat range)
Although the construction and design of this boat is reasonably sturdy and durable for an inflatable boat, it’s still inflatable. This means that there is a risk of punctures and deflation when coming into contact with some sharp or rough surfaces. Be mindful of this.
Designed for lakes and mild rivers – not designed for rapids, intense water activities, or the types of activities that hard boats might be better for
Other Notes
Make sure you are aware of the warranty and return conditions of the boat before you buy through the seller you end up buying from
Where To Buy
View the Intex Excursion Inflatable 4 & 5 Series Boats (on Amazon)
What It Might Be For
Those looking for an inflatable boat that might be designed to be slightly sturdier than cheaper boats not made of a heavy-duty, puncture resistant PVC
Those looking for a boat for lakes and mild rivers, and generally calmer water
Those looking for an inflatable boat that can also deflate and be stored away
Those looking for a 4 person or 5 person capacity boat
Those looking for an inflatable boat with a range of features that other inflatable boats on the market may not have
Those looking for an inflatable boat with fishing rod holders
Those looking for an inflatable boat with the ability to add some types of motors to it
What It Might Not Be For
Those looking for a cheap inflatable boat
Those who exceed the weight capacity of the boat
Those looking for a boat that is suitable for anything more demanding or intense than a lake or mild river environment, or for boating activities that are more suitable for hard boats
Can The Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat Be Used For Fishing?
It comes with fishing rod holders, so, it can be used for light fishing.
Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Reviews (3 & 4 Series)
This is a review guide of the Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Series – both the 3 and 4 Series boats.
Below we outline the main features of the boats, along with other relevant buyer’s information such as what they might be used for.
Main Features
An inflatable boat, that comes in either a 3 person or 4 person model
3 person model measures 9 feet 9 inches long x 4 feet 2 inches wide (2.97m x 1.27m), with an 880lbs weight limit (400kg)
4 person model measures (when inflated) 129″ x 57″ x 19″ (328 x 145 x 48cm), and has a 1100 pounds weight limit
Made of a strong PVC plastic, made of three layers, designed to be more resistant to abrasion. Two outer layers of heavy-gauge PVC are laminated to an inner layer of polyester mesh for extra reinforcement
Has a rock guard on the hull of the boat for increased protection
Has grab line around the perimeter of the boat, and a grab handle on both ends of the boat
Has rotational oar locks
Has Boston valves on the hull chamber for inflation and deflation
Has inflatable seats
Has fishing rod holders
Has a motor mount fitting on the back of the boat
Has a gear pouch and a battery pouch
Comes with oars, and a pump
There’s currently multiple styles of the Mariner available – so check the style you are buying before you buy if you have a preference for one over the other
Potential Drawbacks
One of Intex’s more expensive inflatable boats (across their inflatable boat range)
Although the construction and design of this boat is reasonably sturdy and durable for an inflatable boat, it’s still inflatable. This means that there is a risk of punctures and deflation when coming into contact with some sharp or rough surfaces. Be mindful of this.
Is a boat that is more for casual/recreational boating, and calm waters. Might not be suitable for more intense boating activities, or more intense water conditions. A hard boat may be better for this
Other Notes
Make sure you are aware of the warranty and return conditions of the boat before you buy through the seller you end up buying from
Where To Buy
View the Intex Mariner Inflatable 3 & 4 Series Boats (on Amazon)
What It Might Be For
Those looking for an inflatable boat that can be used for calm waters, and light/recreational/casual boating activities
Those looking for an inflatable boat that has a more sturdy construction/design, and more features compared to a cheap entry level inflatable coat
People who fit within the maximum person, and maximum weight limits of the different boat models
Those looking for an inflatable boat with fishing rod holders
Those looking for an inflatable boat with the ability to mount a motor
What It Might Not Be For
Those looking for a cheap inflatable boat
People who exceed the maximum weight limit of the boat
This boat might not be for rougher water conditions, or any boating activity that is more demanding or intense than casual/recreational boating. A hard boat may be better for that
This boat might not be for boating where the boat can come into contact with rough surfaces and potentially be punctured or damaged
Can The Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Be Used For Fishing?
It comes with fishing rod holders, so, it can be used for light fishing.
Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat Reviews (2, 3, & 4 Series)
This is a review guide of the Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat Series – the 2, 3 & 4 Series boats.
Below we outline the main features of the boats, along with other relevant buyer’s information such as what they might be used for.
View
Main Features
An inflatable boat that comes in 2, 3 and 4 person models
The 2 person model is 7 feet 9 inches x 3 feet 9 inches (2.36m x 1.14m), and has a weight capacity/weight limit of 520lbs (240kg)
The 3 person model is 9 feet 8 inches x 4 feet 6 inches (2.95m x 1.37m), and has a weight capacity/weight limit of 790lbs (360kg)
The 4 person model is 11 feet 6 inches x 4 feet 9 inches (3.51m x 1.45m), and has a weight capacity/weight limit of 1050lbs (480kg)
Boat is made of a puncture resistant vinyl
Has 3 separate air chambers to the boat
Has Boston valves for inflation and deflation
Has an inflatable I-beam floor for increased rigidity
Has a grab line around the boat, along with a grab handle on the front of the boat
Has fishing rod holders
Has motor mount fittings on the back of the boat for a max horsepower 1.5 HP motor
Has a gear pouch inside the boat
Comes with oars, and has rotational oar locks
Comes with a manual hand pump
Comes with a repair patch
Potential Drawbacks
Although the Seahawk is more affordable than some Intex inflatable boats, it’s more expensive than the cheapest entry level boats at the moment. It’s currently a ‘mid tier priced’ inflatable boat, at least in the Intex range
Although the construction and design of this boat is reasonably sturdy and durable for an inflatable boat, it’s still inflatable. This means that there is a risk of punctures and deflation when coming into contact with some sharp or rough surfaces. Be mindful of this.
Is an inflatable boat for casual/recreational and light boating activity – might not be as suitable for more intense or more demanding boating activities
Is for calm water and lakes – might not be as suitable for more extreme or more rough water conditions
Other Notes
Make sure you are aware of the warranty and return conditions of the boat before you buy through the seller you end up buying from
Where To Buy
View the Intex Seahawk Inflatable 2, 3 & 4 Series Boats (on Amazon)
What It Might Be For
Those looking for an ‘above entry level’ inflatable boat with extra features and a more sturdy design/construction than the cheapest inflatable boats, but, is not the most expensive inflatable boat on the market
Those looking for an inflatable boat that can be used for casual/recreational boating on calm and flat water
Those who fit within the weight and people limit specifications of the boat
Those who want an inflatable boat with the ability to mount a motor
Those who want an inflatable boat with integrated fishing rod holders
Those who want the benefit of being able to store a deflated boat
What It Might Not Be For
Those looking for the absolute cheapest inflatable boat on the market
Those looking for a boat for rough water conditions
Those looking for a boat for demanding or intense boating activities
Boating where the boat comes into contact with rough or sharp surfaces and objects that could potentially puncture or damage the boat
Those who are outside the weight limit/weight capacity stated for the boat
Can The Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat Be Used For Fishing?
It comes with integrated fishing rod holders, so, it can be used for light fishing.
Intex Challenger Inflatable Boat Reviews (2, & 3 Series)
This is a review guide of the Intex Challenger Inflatable Boat Series – both the 2 & 3 Series boats.
Below we outline the main features of the boats, along with other relevant buyer’s information such as what they might be used for.
View
Main Features
An inflatable boat, with a 2 person and 3 person model each available
2 person model has dimensions of 93 x 45 x 16 inches (L x W x H), and has a 440 lbs weight limit
3 person model has dimensions of 116 x 54 x 17, and has a 660 lbs weight limit
The 3 person model also has motor mount fitting, which the 2 person model doesn’t have
Made of heavy duty, puncture resistant PVC
Has an I-beam floor for added rigidity
Has multiple air chambers
Has Boston valves for inflation and deflation
Has a grab line around the perimeter of the boat
Has a grab handle on the front on the boat
Comes with oars, and the boat has oar locks
Comes with a manual hand pump
Comes with a repair kit
Potential Drawbacks
Is still an inflatable boat – there is a risk of puncture or damage when the boat comes into contact with some rough or sharp objects or surfaces
Is designed for casual and recreational boating – not for intense or demanding boating activites
Is more for calm waters and lakes – not for rough waters or demanding water conditions
Doesn’t have integrated fishing rod holders like other Intex inflatable boat models have
Other Notes
Make sure you are aware of the warranty and return conditions of the boat before you buy through the seller you end up buying from
Where To Buy
View the Intex Challenger Inflatable 2 & 3 Series Boats (on Amazon)
What It Might Be For
Along with the Intex Explorer inflatable boat, the Challenger might be for those looking for an affordable or cheaper inflatable boat model. The Challenger comes with a few more features though
Those looking for an inflatable boat for calmer and flatter water conditions
Those looking for an inflatable boat for recreational and casual boating activity
Those who fit within the stated weight limit of the boat
Those looking for a 3 person boat that has a motor mount
Those who want the benefit of being able to deflate and store a boat away
What It Might Not Be For
Those looking for an inflatable boat for rougher water conditions
Those looking for an inflatable boat for more intense or more demanding boating activities
Those looking an inflatable boat with integrated fishing rod holders
Those who want the benefit that a hard boat provides of being puncture resistant
Intex Explorer Inflatable Boat Reviews (100, 200, & 300 Series)
This is a review guide of the Intex Explorer Inflatable Boat Series – the 100, 200, & 300 series boats.
Below we outline the main features of the boats, along with other relevant buyer’s information such as what they might be used for.
View
Main Features
A plastic inflatable boat with 2 air chambers
Is currently one of Intex’s more affordable inflatable boats from their inflatable boat range
Is an orange and yellow color which is reasonably visible
Comes in 3 different models – the 100 (1 person boat), 200 (2 person boat), and 300 (3 person boat) series
100 Series is 58 x 14 x 33 inches (W x H x D), and has a stated 120-pound weight capacity
200 Series is 73″ x 37″ x 16″, and has a stated weight capacity of 210 lb
300 Series is 83″ x 46″ x 16″ (211cm x 117cm x 41cm), and has a stated weight capacity of 410lbs
Designed for pools or calm waters
All models come with oar locks on the side of the boat
All models come with a grab rope on the front of the boat
Can be bought with the boat only, or there’s also an option to buy with oars and an air pump. Oars are roughly 48 inches in length
Potential Drawbacks
Might be for light use and light activities only, and casual floating/boating only. It might not be designed for moderate to heavy or intense boating activity
Might be only water environments where the boat won’t come into contact with anything sharp like rocks, sticks, etc., as it may be at risk of puncturing
May be some other potential shortcomings with this boat such as taking a reasonable amount of time to inflate, the oar holders not being overly flexible, and the weight capacity/person capacity of each model not matching who and what can be fit in the boat in real life – different users may have different experiences with the potential shortcomings though
There’s an age limit to the use of this product – check it before purchasing
Other Notes
Make sure you are aware of the warranty and return conditions of the boat before you buy through the seller you end up buying from
Where To Buy
View the Intex Explorer Inflatable 100, 200 & 300 Series Boats (on Amazon)
What It Might Be For
Those looking for a cheap inflatable boat for casual floating, or casual paddling in pools and calm waters
Water deep enough or suitable that the boat won’t be punctured by rocks, sticks or rough surfaces
The stated weight limits and person limits on each model of boat, along with the stated age limit
Those who want the benefit that inflatable boats provide in being able to be deflated and stored easily
What It Might Not Be For
Any activity that isn’t casually floating in a pool or calm waters i.e. moderate to intense boating activity.
More intense waters like rough conditions in the ocean
Shallow water, or water environments where the boat could come into contact with any object like rocks or stick that could puncture the boat
Very young children under the stated age limit of the product
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