The Mariner 4 has 3 layers of PVC and is constructed more like a modern inflatable Dinghy, whereas the Excursion is a raft. The PVC is very durable on both, they're not easy to puncture as long as you don't over-inflate them. The Mariner is without question more rigid and better quality, but it's also twice the price and almost double the weight at 91 lbs without anything added. If you're looking for true portability, something that can be easily transported, stowed in a trunk or pickup truck, then set up quickly for a solo fishing trip, the Excursion is the better option simply because it's lighter weight, and can be managed by 1 adult. If your intention is a portable raft for solo fishing trips, I'd recommend the Excursion 4...it's still large at 10 ft, has plenty of room for at least 2 adults, and is even more portable than the Excursion 5. IMO it's also tougher because of its shorter length...it's more stable and solid on the water, especially if you custom-cut a 1/2" plywood floor for it.
my wife was controlling our Excursion 5 and she went too shallow and we were rubbing and scratching a lot of rock, but the bottom of our iintex never deflated or had marks on it.
Thanks for the comp.I bought a 4..because of quality,totally agree they should of simply made the 5 the same as the 4,I am sure that it was all about the cost.
Major difference is that mairner 4 has an extremely tough guard all around the perimeter, protecting the boat against the rocks and the rigid floor allows anglers to cast their fishing rods with much more stability compared to soft inflatable floor of excursion. Also customisation for mariner 4 is unlimited, starting by replacing the floor by one, or two, or three plywood floor covered with carpet and then allow to install an outboard with more power and speed of course.
I have both mariner 3 and mariner 4 . I use them both for catfishing and they taken abuse but always stayed a float but if i had excursion id only use that for just fun on the lake with friends
I was surprised someone uploaded this comparison. I'm hoping to get the excursion 5 but it's all out of stock so I ended up with mariner 4 the latest version and your video make sense of what I've purchased. Thanks!
I got the Mariner 3 and ya the material on the Mariner series is way better then excursion series. And the floors a genius. The 3 only had 2 valves and 1 for the keel. What I like the most work the Mariner series is the manouverability you can basically do a 360 in the water with the paddles
I just got the 4 to be a temporary dinghy on our cruiser. I almost got the 5 but with 2 big dogs, the floor on the 4 was more appealing. After seeing this video of them side by side, I’m glad I went with the 4. The 5 looks very cheap in comparison.
Oh man, I was so about to buy an E5, but seems more like a toy next to the M4. My plan is making the wood flor, and build a mount from the floor to hold the motor, so I can put like a 5 or 6hp motor. Would you say size is an important factor in between this 2? I would most likely have 2 ppl in it, but the size of the E5 seems nice to carry more stuff.
Very helpful. How long does a battery last. I'm just getting into this and making some decisions. I am a wild life photographer and videographer. I think the Mariner seems like it would be more solid on the water. Is that so? I need to hold the camera as steady as still as possible. How many hours and you go on a car sized battery. I need to go a long way. I am going to document a 20 mile screech of the Delaware River. Thanks for this video. I'm certain now.
The Mariner 4 has 3 layers of PVC and is constructed more like a modern inflatable Dinghy, whereas the Excursion is a raft. The PVC is very durable on both, they're not easy to puncture as long as you don't over-inflate them. The Mariner is without question more rigid and better quality, but it's also twice the price and almost double the weight at 91 lbs without anything added. If you're looking for true portability, something that can be easily transported, stowed in a trunk or pickup truck, then set up quickly for a solo fishing trip, the Excursion is the better option simply because it's lighter weight, and can be managed by 1 adult. If your intention is a portable raft for solo fishing trips, I'd recommend the Excursion 4...it's still large at 10 ft, has plenty of room for at least 2 adults, and is even more portable than the Excursion 5. IMO it's also tougher because of its shorter length...it's more stable and solid on the water, especially if you custom-cut a 1/2" plywood floor for it.
my wife was controlling our Excursion 5 and she went too shallow and we were rubbing and scratching a lot of rock, but the bottom of our iintex never deflated or had marks on it.
Quarantine has me wanting to get more adventurous once this is over, thanks for the comparison
Thanks for the comp.I bought a 4..because of quality,totally agree they should of simply made the 5 the same as the 4,I am sure that it was all about the cost.
I have used Excursion 5 for 2 summers now.
Appreciate the review, helps the decision process! Going with the Mariner 4!
Yeeeeesss I was hoping for an Excursion vs Mariner video but I was doubting the odds of it happening. Thaaaank you!!!
I bought the excursion 5 because I wanted more space. It may look cheap but it doesn’t feel cheap at all.
Major difference is that mairner 4 has an extremely tough guard all around the perimeter, protecting the boat against the rocks and the rigid floor allows anglers to cast their fishing rods with much more stability compared to soft inflatable floor of excursion. Also customisation for mariner 4 is unlimited, starting by replacing the floor by one, or two, or three plywood floor covered with carpet and then allow to install an outboard with more power and speed of course.
Great review and comparison thanks. Considering for a tender, for occasional use.
I have both mariner 3 and mariner 4 . I use them both for catfishing and they taken abuse but always stayed a float but if i had excursion id only use that for just fun on the lake with friends
I was surprised someone uploaded this comparison. I'm hoping to get the excursion 5 but it's all out of stock so I ended up with mariner 4 the latest version and your video make sense of what I've purchased. Thanks!
I got the Mariner 3 and ya the material on the Mariner series is way better then excursion series. And the floors a genius. The 3 only had 2 valves and 1 for the keel. What I like the most work the Mariner series is the manouverability you can basically do a 360 in the water with the paddles
Nice review. Thanks! They need a combination of both boats.
I just got the 4 to be a temporary dinghy on our cruiser. I almost got the 5 but with 2 big dogs, the floor on the 4 was more appealing. After seeing this video of them side by side, I’m glad I went with the 4. The 5 looks very cheap in comparison.
Really good review! I'm gonna buy the mariner 4 and get the dogs on it. 😂
great review!!
Oh man, I was so about to buy an E5, but seems more like a toy next to the M4. My plan is making the wood flor, and build a mount from the floor to hold the motor, so I can put like a 5 or 6hp motor. Would you say size is an important factor in between this 2? I would most likely have 2 ppl in it, but the size of the E5 seems nice to carry more stuff.
Very helpful. How long does a battery last. I'm just getting into this and making some decisions. I am a wild life photographer and videographer. I think the Mariner seems like it would be more solid on the water. Is that so? I need to hold the camera as steady as still as possible. How many hours and you go on a car sized battery. I need to go a long way. I am going to document a 20 mile screech of the Delaware River. Thanks for this video. I'm certain now.
I just got the mariner 4 and glad I did.