advice on buying a 68 Mariner

[todd dillon]

I am looking to buy a 1968 Mariner as my first sailboat. I am looking for advice on things on what I might be looking for quailty wise..or what to be aware of. Anything that they are known for having a problem with?
Another question I have is that the owner added 400 pounds of ballast. Is an exeptable modification?
Any advice is appreciated..Thank you.

 

[djmeaney]

Todd,

I believe '68's were open cabin Mariners (prior to 2+2 design).

While I don't have any specific recommendations, you should go to the Yahoo Mariner Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MarinerSailors/) there a many knowledgeable Mariner owners who have restored and rehabbed and have first hand experience with the issues of '68.

Another good source is the Mariner Class Association (www.usmariner.org) lots of helpful folks there too!

I do recall the the pre 2+2's had wooden ribs across the hull there over 40+ years may have rotted a bit. You may also want to consider if you would rather have a 2+2, which has a self-draining cockpit and enclosed cabin.

Good luck
Dan

 

[Pink Flamingo]

I am looking to buy a 1968 Mariner as my first sailboat. I am looking for advice on things on what I might be looking for quailty wise..or what to be aware of. Anything that they are known for having a problem with?
Another question I have is that the owner added 400 pounds of ballast. Is an exeptable modification?
Any advice is appreciated..Thank you.

It all depends how much you are paying for the boat,it stands to reason a 40+ year old boat needs a lot of TLC,converted into sweat and dollars most of the time.