Should I buy a '69 mariner 2+2 ?

[John Humnicky]

I need to find a manual ? Does a mariner have a supprt pole from the cabin roof to the cabin floor for the mast? What are the quirks? I have a 11, 10,and 8 year old,is this a safe boat?

 

[Don Evans]

Go to Website

John, the Mariner class sailboat association maintains a web site at www.usmariner.org I don't believe the mast has a compression post, as there was a post here recently on this subject. Like any sailboat of this vintage inspect very carefully for water ingress just about anywhere on deck, specifically around shroud anchor plates, cleats, portlights... the usual. Blisters on the hull would probably have risen and been dealt with in its time, but check it out anyways. If the standing rigging is original its long past its replacement time. I believe the centreboard cable can be a weak point, make sure its functioning properly. Check out that website. Good luck.Don

 

[Andre Cornelis]

Mariner Survey

Hi John,I am restoring a '67 Mariner and these are the weak points.Very carefully inspect the gunwhale, it is easily damaged and the rubrail hides the damage. I thought I had about 4 lineal feet of damage but when I stripped the rubrail I found that I had only 4 lineal feet of undamaged gunwhale. The repair is not complicated, the Mariners website has an article. To beef up the strenght of the gunwhale I insert a stainless steel strip. If you buy the boat and want to know more email me at ATHLC@msn.com.Item two is the center board, it is made from cast iron and rusts like the devil. Again the repair is not that complicated. Mainly lots of sandblasting and lots of epoxy putty and than lots of sanding.Item three is the reinforcement of the cabin roof under the mast. Remove the mast step and check that it is not soaked with water.Item four is the bulkhead between the cockpit and the cabin and the floor timber next to it in the cockpit. The drain from the icebox empties in the bilge at that location. The fresh water is can cause rot to develop rapidly.Item five are the plywood reinforcements under the deck around the cockpit and the reinforcement of the outboard well. The locations are difficult to reach. Maintenance might be neglected.Any questions, email meGood luck, Andre

 

[michael gee]

I love my mariner

John, sorry I took so long to see your question. I have a "75 mariner 2+2 that i bought in May based upon feedback I received here. My mariner does have a support pole from the cabin roof to the floor (for the mast). My comments regarding the Mariner in general "I love her". I have been very impressed with how she handles and my 9 year old loves her too. The boat has been incredibly stable and takes alot of wind. I certainly have enjoyed her this summer. Good luck if your still pondering.Geezer.