The Intex Excursion 4 inflatable kayak is a popular option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors on the water with their family or friends in a single kayak.
The Intex Excursion 4 review will provide an in-depth analysis of the kayak, including its design and features, performance, durability, value for money, and pros and cons. As someone who has personally used the Intex Excursion 4, I will provide my own experience with the product as well.
By the end of this review, you will have a better understanding of whether the Intex Excursion 4 is the right inflatable kayak for you.
Table of Contents
Intex Excursion 4 Design and Materials
The design and features of the Intex Excursion 4 inflatable kayak are noteworthy and worth exploring further. The kayak is made of rugged vinyl construction and features an inflatable I-Beam floor, which provides a comfortable and durable platform for a variety of outdoor activities.
Additionally, the kayak has all-around grab lines and a handle on the bow, making it easy to transport and maneuver.
Features of the Kayak
The Intex Excursion 4 inflatable kayak includes several features that make it stand out from other kayaks. These features include:
Capacity: The kayak can hold up to four people, with a weight limit of 1,100 pounds.
Fishing rod holders: There are two fishing rod holders built into the kayak, making it an excellent option for anglers.
Gear pouch: The kayak also includes a gear pouch for storing items such as snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials.
Inflatable seat cushions with backrests: The kayak comes with inflatable seat cushions with backrests, providing added comfort during long trips.
Oar holders: The kayak also features oar holders, making it easy to secure your paddles when not in use.
Motor mount fittings attached: The kayak includes motor mount fittings attached, giving you the option to use a motor for added convenience.
Overall Thoughts on the Design and Features
Overall, the Intex Excursion 4 inflatable kayak’s design and features make it a versatile option for a range of activities. The kayak’s sturdy construction, ample capacity, and numerous features make it an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Durability
The Intex Excursion 4 is a 4-person inflatable kayak that is well known for its durability. Its construction features three separate air chambers, making it virtually impossible to sink in case of accidental punctures. This means that the kayak can handle rough conditions and offer a safer experience on the water.
The kayak’s material is made of heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl, which is a high-quality material that is known for its long-lasting durability. This makes it resistant to punctures, abrasions, and other types of damage that could be caused by rocks, logs, or other debris in the water.
Motor Mount
The Intex Excursion 4 comes with standard hardware to mount the motor mount to the raft, which is sold separately. It’s well worth purchasing the mount and a decent 40-60 lb thrust trolling motor if you intend to use this setup for fishing.
We found the motor mount to be sufficient as-is, and the Excursion 4 did not seem to have as much dip to it with a trolling motor installed.
Our trolling motor is a Newport Vessels 55 lb trust, which runs on a 12V deep cycle marine battery. A size 29 105Ah battery is recommended, which is heavy (about 50-60 lbs), but it has enough power/capacity to run the trolling motor for a full day on the water.
Suitability for Different Water Conditions
The Intex Excursion 4 is not seaworthy and is not recommended for cruising over choppy sea water or rivers with moderate to strong current. However, it is perfect for calm waters like lakes, streams, and ponds.
It’s ideal for 1 or 2 adult bass fishing and can easily support 2-3 young kids along with an adult. Despite its overall weight rating of 1100 lbs, this raft would not provide comfortable seating for four adults.
Customizations
The only drawback to the boat was the soft decking, which felt like walking on a waterbed. To solve this issue, I cut out a piece of 1/2″ plywood in the shape of the deck, coated it with marine paint, and carpeted the upper side with outdoor carpeting. This modification works great and provides a stable platform for movement around the boat.
Transportation and Setup
The boat is easy to transport, as it comes with a carrying bag that also holds both the hand and electric air pumps, as well as two Coast Guard approved life vests. Inflation takes only twelve minutes with the electric pump that plugs into the car’s lighter.
Once inflated, assembling the oars takes only a few minutes. After inserting the modified floor and setting up the motor mount and motor, the boat is ready for the water.
Fun and Convenience
Once in the boat, it’s just pure fun and lounging around, listening to classic rock and soaking in the rays. The boat provides a relaxing and enjoyable boating experience that is unmatched. The convenience of being able to transport and store the boat without a garage or trailer is also a huge plus.
Recommendations
It’s important to never boat drunk or otherwise impaired, always bring a life vest for each passenger, and provide for some kind of night lighting, should the unexpected occur and you end up boating after dark.
An anchor is also recommended, as inflatable boats drift easily in the wind. An anchor that is fold-up and weighs 3.5 pounds, paired with 50 feet of 3/8″ nylon rope, is a suitable choice and can be conveniently stored in the storage bag of the boat.
Pros:
- Quality material that feels durable and unlikely to tear
- Comfortable seats that can be attached to or removed from the boat
- Convenient little pouch for storage
- Easy to load and transport, even for two average-sized females
- Easy to steer once in the water
- Air-only-in valves make it easy to inflate
- The Excursion 4 is more affordable than other similar types
Cons:
- Listed as a 4-person boat, but more comfortable for only two people, especially for two big men with a cooler
- Air pump that comes with the boat is slow to inflate the whole boat
- Paddle holders may not be suitable for all users
Conclusion
Overall, I highly recommend this inflatable boat with a trolling motor for anyone looking for a fun and convenient boating experience with their dearest on a single boat. It’s affordable, versatile, and provides endless hours of enjoyment. Plus, it’s easy to transport and store, making it a practical solution for any water enthusiast.
