Intex Excursion vs Seahawk vs Mariner vs Challenger vs Explorer Boat Comparison

 

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!

 

(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)

 

Intex Excursion vs Seahawk vs Mariner vs Challenger vs Explorer Boat Comparison

If you prefer, you can go straight to viewing these boats here:

 

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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