Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set

Good size, comfortable, but rowing is horrible & questionable durability
I debated long and hard between getting the Excursion 5 and the Seahawk II. I wanted a boat that I could immediately take out and go rowing, but one that is durable (sometimes there are branches sticking up in the shallow river here) and comfortable. I also wanted to get a boat that I could eventually mount a motor on in the future.

After reading tons of reviews -- and going to the Intex website and other forums -- I bought the Excursion 5 because some forums said the Seahawk II doesn't have motor mount points (this is not true) and some people on here commented that the Excursion 5 is made out of the same "Super-Tough" material as the Seahawk II (this is also not true, but it's very confusing and even the Intex website doesn't make it clear. The Seahawk II is more rigid, can be inflated to higher pressure, and is more puncture-resistant because it is actually a 3-ply system including Super-Tough PVC OVER a nylon fabric layer)

As soon as the Excursion 5...
This fishing raft got us through class IV rapids with no major problems.
Obviously the designers did not build this for whitewater, but if it can hold up to that - for the price, it is outstanding. We had it loaded with camping gear, food, and three people for 4 days, and it didn't even loose air. It will sit three comfortably. 5 is a stretch unless you are VERY comfortable with each other. Weight is no issue. This boat was filled to the brim with water several times and still skidded through shallow water. A pit stop to let the water out and we were cruising again. At one point, the raft was lashed against a rock and turned into the shape of a taco by the raging waters. I was sure it would break, but it didn't!
pros:
*The oars come in 4 parts that snap and screw together. Assembly is easy. The oar locks work well and allow one person to use two oars.
*The seats are comfy. They inflate and latch into the raft.
*It comes with a patch kit, but I doubt you will need it.
*Three air chambers make it sturdy. We could pump it up in less...
10 Recommended Accessories/Modifications + Reader Suggestions
Below is my review in 3 parts: i) a quick review on the boat; (ii) list of 11 recommended mods and accessories; (iii) summary of other people's comments/suggestions and (iv) minor issues for which I invite comments.

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Part I: Quick Review

Generally, the other reviews here say it all. This is a great general utility boat.

1. It is easy to transport. With all my accessories and fishing gear, it fits into the back of my minivan with ease (last seat row collapsed).
2. It is roomy enough for my needs. Accommodates two adults with two kids (under 10) easily with battery and fishing gear and trolling motor. My estimate, about 500lbs. I think three adults is comfortable, but four is pushing it.
3. Easy to assemble/disassemble but still time consuming (and tiring on hot days)
4. Seems durable enough. I have run into submerged trees, low water points, scraped trolling motor, etc. but have had no punctures...
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