Intex Excursion 3: A Complete Guide for Water Engines

Boat. Intex Excursion 3 One of the most popular models for outdoor water recreation, this PVC inflatable boat from the American brand. Intex It combines affordable price, compactness and good driving qualities, and is positioned as a versatile model: suitable for fishing, cruising on a river or lake, and when installing a small engine, even for short sea trips in the coastal zone.

What's he doing? Excursion 3 So, this is the kind of thing that's in demand? unique combination of load capacity (up to 410 kg) and compact dimensions in folded formIt's a very powerful material, which allows you to carry a boat in the trunk of a car, and secondly, it's a durable material, which is a three-layer PVC density. 0.9 mmIt's a sleek, puncture-resistant, abrasive, and thirdly, it's a very sophisticated design with an inflatable keel that improves handling on the wave, but like any technology, it has its own nuances that you need to know before you buy.

In this guide, we will analyze the technical specifications, pros and cons of the model, give step-by-step instructions for assembly and care, and also tell you which motor is better to choose for the model. Excursion 3Special attention will be paid to security and registration in the GIMS - this will help to avoid fines and troubles on the water.

Technical Specifications of Intex Excursion 3

Model Intex Excursion 3 It's a medium-sized PVC inflatable boat, and here's the key parameters.

• 📏 Length/width: 305 × 137 cm (inflated condition)
• 🔄 Weight: 18 kg (without motor and additional equipment)
• 👥 Capacity: up to 3 people (maximum load – 410 kg)
• 🛡️ Material: three-layer PVC (density 0.9 mm) with reinforcement
• ⚡ Engine power: up to 1.5 hp (on the manufacturer's recommendation)
• 🌊 Inflatable keel: It improves exchange rate stability.

The peculiarity of this model is bottom type Air DeckIt's a slate that provides stiffness without the need to install extra slates, which makes it easier to build, but requires more careful pumping to evenly distribute the load, and it comes with two oars, a pressure pump and a repair kit.

It is important to bear in mind that Excursion 3 not intended for extreme conditions: the maximum wave height recommended by the manufacturer, 0.5 metersThe boat is doing well in standing water and small rivers.

Parameter	Meaning	Note
Type of bottom	Inflatable (Air Deck)	Does not require slate, but is sensitive to punctures
Number of air cameras	3 (board + keel)	Increases safety when one of the cameras is damaged
Maximum speed with motor	~10 km/h	With the engine 1.5 hp and 1 passenger
Pumping time.	10-15 minutes	Manual pump (includes)
Dimensions folded	70 x 40 x 30 cm	It fits in the trunk of the sedan

Please note: the manufacturer indicates the maximum power of the engine in the 1.5 hpMany owners have installed engines before 2-3 hp.However, this requires additional transax reinforcement and can affect handling.

Advantages and disadvantages of the model

Like any boat, Intex Excursion 3 It has its strengths and weaknesses, and let's look at them in detail so you can make an informed decision.

Pros:

• 💰 Price: One of the most affordable in its class (from 25 000 rubles in 2026).
• 🚗 Compactness: It is easy to transport in a backpack or trunk.
• 🛠️ Easy to assemble: bottom Air Deck It doesn't require slate installation.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Capacity: It is suitable for a family of 2-3 people with equipment.
• 🔧 Repairability: PVC is easily repaired with glue or patches from the kit.

Cons:

• 🌬️ Sensitivity to wind: Due to the ease of the boat can be demolished in a strong side wind.
• 🔥 Motor limit: the standard transom is not designed for engines more powerful than 1.5 hp
• 💦 Condensation inside: The inflatable floor can "sweat" in hot weather.
• ⚠️ Low resistance to puncture: Thin PVC (0.9 mm) is vulnerable to sharp objects.

Especially worth mentioning. condensationMoisture accumulates inside the inflatable floor, which can lead to an unpleasant odor, and this is solved by regular drying after use.

⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the boat inflated in direct sunlight for more than 2-3 hours. PVC can deform, and the pressure inside the chambers - exceed the permissible limits.

For comparison: similar models from Bestway or Sevylor They often have thicker PVC (1.1–1.2 mm), but they cost 20-30% more. Excursion 3 It wins in price/quality ratio, but loses in durability.

Step-by-step instructions for assembly and pumping

Get the boat together. Intex Excursion 3 You can do it in 15 to 20 minutes, if you follow the algorithm.

1. Unpack the boat. Check the equipment, make sure all valves are closed.
2. Put the boat down. on a flat surface (better on grass or sand, so as not to damage PVC).
3. Pump up the side cameras. pressure 0.25-0.3 bar (use a pressure gauge!) Start on the right side, then the left.
4. Pump the keel. The keel should be hard, but not overpumped.
5. Pump the inflatable floor (Air Deckbefore 0.15-0.2 barThe key here is not to overdo it, because too high pressure can deform the seams.
6. Set the transom. (if you plan to use the motor) Secure it with the bolts that come with the kit.
7. Check the leakage.: apply soap solution to the valves and seams. If bubbles appear, tighten the valves or check for punctures.

Important nuance: Don't pump the boat in the sunThe temperature difference can cause the pressure inside the chambers to rise above normal and the seams to disperse. 15–25°C.

If you're using an electric pump, you should monitor the pressure in real time. The hand pump in the kit is less accurate, so check it periodically with a pressure gauge. 0.27 bar, for the bottom-- 0.18 bar.

⚠️ Attention: Never use a compressor to pump! High pressure can tear the seams. Only a hand or foot pump with a pressure gauge.

After assembly, let the boat stand for 5-10 minutes, so that the material adapts to temperature and pressure, and if you notice any areas sagging, pump them up.

Motor selection for Intex Excursion 3

The manufacturer recommends installing a motor with a power up to 1.5 hpIn practice, many owners use engines to 3 hpSo let's figure out which engine is the best one, and what to consider when choosing one.

Motor types:

• ⚡ Electric motors: They're quiet, green, but they're limited in operating time (depending on the battery capacity) and suitable for fishing.
• ⛽ Gasoline engines: It is more powerful, but noisier and requires registration in GIMS at a power of over 3.68 kW (5 hp).

For Excursion 3 The best options are:

Motor type	Power	Pluses	Cons
Electrical.	0.5-1.5 hp	Lightweight, does not require registration, environmentally friendly	Limited working hours (1-3 hours)
Gasoline (2-t)	2-3 hp.	High speed (up to 15 km / h), swimming range	Noisy, fuel-required, registration at >3.68 kW
Gasoline (4-t)	up to 5 hp	Maximum power for this boat	Requires reinforcement of the transaxis, registration is mandatory

*Installation of the engine over 3 hp requires transaxialization And you can also have a problem with handling, and you can also have a problem with the engines. 3.68 kW (5 hp) need registration and rights to rule.

Popular motor models for Excursion 3:

• 🔋 Minn Kota Endura C2 30 (electric, 0.4 hp) - ideal for quiet fishing.
• ⛽ Honda BF2.3 (Gastronic, 2.3 hp) - reliable and economical.
• ⚡ Watersnake T18 (electric, 1.2 hp) - good price/quality balance.

When installing the motor, pay attention to transmatureUgh. Excursion 3 it is 381 mm (15 inches)This is why short-dadewood engines are suitable (Short Shaft).

Caring and storage: how to extend the life of the boat

Term of service Intex Excursion 3 PVC is afraid of sun, mechanical damage and mold, so it is important to follow a few rules.

After each use:

• 🧼 Wash the boat with fresh water (Especially if it was in salty or dirty water)
• 🧻 Please. In the shade, turning the bottom up. Don't leave moisture inside!
• 🔍 Check for punctures. And minor damage, if necessary, seal them right away.

For long-term storage:

• 📦 Fold the boat. After a complete drying (at least 24 hours in the air).
• 🏠 Store in a dry place temperature 0–25°Caway from batteries and direct sunlight.
• 🛡️ Apply the protective equipment for PVC (e.g., for PVC) Intex Protectant) to prevent cracking.

For cleaning. don't use abrasive detergents, gasoline or solvents, optimally - soapy solution or special cleaners for PVC (for example, Star brite PVC Cleaner).

⚠️ Attention: If the boat is kept rolled up for more than 3 months, unpack it periodically (once a month) and ventilate it.

If you have small punctures, use a repair kit from the kit. For large damages (more than 2 cm), it is better to contact the workshop - self-repair can weaken the seams.

What if the boat started to let air through?

If the dams are fine, but the boat is still deflating, check the seams for microcracks. Often the problem lies in the places where the bottom is glued to the sides. PVC-90 or UHU Plus Endfest 300>

Registration in GIMS and operating rules

Many owners Intex Excursion 3 They don't know if they need to register a boat with the GIMS. motor-power and pond-likeThe one you plan to swim on.

When registration is required:

• ⛽ More powerful engine 3.68 kW (5 hp).
• 🚤 The boat is used in commercially (e.g. for the carriage of passengers).
• 🌊 Swimming in sea-water (Even with a motor up to 5 hp.)

When registration is not required:

• ✅ Drive to. 3.68 kW (5 hp) The boat is used for personal use.
• ✅ Swimming on prairie (rivers, lakes, reservoirs).
• ✅ The boat is used without a motor (on paddles).

For registration in GIMS will require:

1. Passport of a Russian citizen.
2. Documents for the boat (checks, certificates).
3. Documents for the engine (if the power is > 5 hp).
4. Receipt of payment of the state duty (800 rubles in 2026).

The procedure takes up to 10 working daysAfter registration, you will receive boat registration certificatewhich must be on board during the voyage.

⚠️ Attention: Even if your boat is not subject to registration, the general rules apply on the water: life jackets (one per person), a fire extinguisher (if there is a motor) and signaling means (whistle, lantern).

Violation of the rules of registration or operation may result in a fine before 1 500 rubles In addition, the inspector of the GIMS has the right to prohibit the access to water until violations are eliminated.

Owner reviews: real experience of use

To form an objective opinion on Intex Excursion 3We analyzed the feedback from the owners on forums and social networks.

Positive feedback:

• 👍 "Great boat for your money.Two seasons of no puncture, we go fishing every week. Honda 2.3 pulls two without a problem. Alexey, Moscow.
• 👍 "Convenient to transportWe take them camping, and they fit in the trunk. Lady Vesta.." — Igor, Yekaterinburg.
• 👍 "Quick assemblyWe pump it in 10 minutes, even the kids help. Maria, Sochi..

Negative reviews:

• 👎 "Weak PVCThe second season had micro-cracks at the seams. Dmitry, Novosibirsk.
• 👎 "Bad against the tide.On the river with a 1.5 hp engine, we barely cross the thresholds. Sergey, Krasnoyarsk.
• 👎 "Condensation inside the bottomIf you don't dry it smells like mold. Olga, St. Petersburg.

Average model assessment on sites like Yandex. Market. or Wildberries — 4.3 out of 5The main claims relate to durability and wave-controlHowever, for its price, the boat is considered one of the best in the segment.

Many owners recommend the following improvements:

• 🔧 Install extraribs at the bottom (e.g. plywood).
• 🛡️ Put it on. cover PVC (sold in boat shops).
• ⚓ Attach it. anchor weighing 3-5 kg for stability in the current.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Do I need to register Intex Excursion 3 with a 2 hp engine?

No registration is required if the engine is up to 3.68 kW (5 hp) The boat is used for personal use in inland waters, but life jackets and signalling devices must be on board.

Can I install a 3 hp engine on this boat?

Technically possible, but it will be necessary. plough up Also keep in mind that handling will deteriorate, especially on the wavelength. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of 1.5 hp.

How often do I need to pump the boat?

With proper pumping and no punctures, once-in-a-halfIf the boat blows away overnight, check the valves for leakage or look for micro-damage.

Is it possible to use a boat in winter?

Yes, but with caution, PVC becomes brittle at lower temperatures. -5°CAvoid ice and sharp edges. After use, dry the boat especially carefully.

What to do if the boat gets stuck in the water?

If the puncture is small, seal it with a repair kit on land. emergency glue (for example, Loctite Super Glue) and a patch.