mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

[redrock09]

Hey all, long time lurker.
Still trying to decide between the mariner 3 vs 4. I'll be fishing alone or with my son on small lakes and ponds in MA. I plan to put a trolling motor on it. I like the size of the m3 but I also like the m4 for its space and "floor board." I read a few of you have both, any suggestions?

While waiting for the ice to melt I figure I could spend this time setting up the boat.

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

I have the 4 but at times.... Esp when it's just me.... I wish I had the 3 just because of the weight.... The m4 easily tips 80lbs before anything you add. But I love my m4. Do you plan on adding a more solid custom floor?

 

[300winmag]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

After owning the M3 for a bit you might wish you bought the M4... better to big then to small.

 

[redrock09]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

I dont see me fishing with more than one other person. I do plan on making a wood floor, making bench seats and mounting a fishfinder and down-rigger for trolling. I like the m4 due to hard floor and inflatable keel. Does this make much of a difference?

Hey mr- watched all your youtube vids. your setup is pretty dope. Do you keep yours inflated?

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Hey red.... Yeah usually.... I carry the boat without mods inflated on top of my blazer, then drop the mods in waterside. I'm in the water in less than 15 min after parking that way. I don't always inflate the keel... Depends on how big the water is.... I'm moving from the mountains back towards the coast so all that will be changing soon... I have a Johnson 2hp to put on it soon

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Hey red.... From time to time I check out rubber boats. Com. Apparently they have revamped the m3 do that it has the slated floor just the m4... They don't mention it in the review video (guess it's older vid) but the description and pictures show it,... Only thing missing is keel. If this was an option when I was shopping I think I would have gotten it.

 

[redrock09]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Found on CL a M4 with 40 trolling motor for 350. no oars, seat, motor mount. used twice. good deal?

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Hard to say... Do you trust that it had only been used twice? If it's in mint condition then you are saving about $75

 

[ronaldj]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Found on CL a M4 with 40 trolling motor for 350. no oars, seat, motor mount. used twice. good deal?

You do no that you can get a new one with the same motor, oars, seats and motor mounts for $399 at rubber **********
They will also give you the paperwork you need to register the boat

 

[redrock09]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

You do no that you can get a new one with the same motor, oars, seats and motor mounts for $399 at rubber **********
They will also give you the paperwork you need to register the boat

Totally forgot about the paperwork issue...blerg.

 

[redrock09]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

I pulled the trigger...getting the M3 with 30# minn kota. should arrive next week!!! no more bank fishing sadness for!!! now only if the ice would melt.

 

[redrock09]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

boat finally came in yesterday!!! i am surprised with the materials...i also didnt know that the model has the slatted floors and inflatable keel. Cant wait to get it on the water.

if i decide to make a solid floor, should i keep the slatted flooring underneath?

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Try it out stock a couple times and see how it feels to you

 

[ronaldj]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Congrats
Don't forget the pictures

 

[redrock09]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

maiden voyage was a success, i didnt fall in or drown. it was pretty windy on the water but i managed to paddle around at a good pace. i still need a battery for the motor, maybe next time out. overall i am impressed with the boat.

when i was inflating up the boat at home i did notice a few creased marks on the pontoons, should i be concerned?

 

[ronaldj]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

maiden voyage was a success, i didnt fall in or drown. it was pretty windy on the water but i managed to paddle around at a good pace. i still need a battery for the motor, maybe next time out. overall i am impressed with the boat.

when i was inflating up the boat at home i did notice a few creased marks on the pontoons, should i be concerned?

Do you have any pictures?
It could be anything from being under inflated to losing air, to a pin hole

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Nah.... The mariners come like that

 

[redrock09]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

Nah.... The mariners come like that

sweet good to know. btw mrd, how are keeping your boat secure to the top of your truck? i got a lot of side-ways glances driving down the road. the places i want to go require me to drive on the highway. last thing i need is seeing the m3 flying away in the rear view!

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

I use 3 good sized tie down crank straps..... Be sure to get decent sized ones!

 

[Brian B.]

Re: mariner 3 vs 4?!?!?

I havent read the thread, but i can tell you if you buy the 3, the very next season you will buy a 4, (kinda like i have a 4, and a S4, but now i want a second M4 for "clean (safe) water" deep lakes etc.

(Going to start fishing my current M4 on skinny water)