Which Mariner to get?

[mjp83]

Hi, new to forum. Looking at two Mariners 2+2, one is a 1970 with the bumped cabin top and no mast support, but does have storage bins in rear cockpit area, the other is a 1973, with the rounded cabin top, but has no storage bins in the cockpit area.

They both need paint, but the newer boat also needs fiberglass work along the starboard stays.

Basically looking which fiberglass is stronger, and if delamination is a problem on one year versus another.

Thanks!

 

[SchwarckT]

I have a 1978 Mariner. In reading on the various forums about the Mariner, I've never heard anyone comment on problems with delamination or differences in the strength of the fiberglass layup from one year to another. All in all a great boat I think, but the factory rudder can be a headache. I made a replacement blade for mine that works much better than the original.

http://oday.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_brevs&model=136&Itemid=170
http://oday.sailboatowners.com/images/kb/pdf/797.pdf

 

[mjp83]

Thanks for the info. I have been looking over it.

I was told the 1972 has No fiberglass core, and thus can not delaminate.

I am concerned about the wood supports glassed into the 1970's model cabin roof as mast support, and have seen a write up on replacing it with a carbon fiber board. This worries me.

 

[SchwarckT]

Here's something to check out:

https://mariner.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=275&club_id=953644&item_id=1879

https://mariner.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=275&club_id=953644&item_id=2251

There is wood in the roof of my 1978 model below the mast step. It was badly rotted out, so I had to repair it.

 

[djmeaney]

I'll chime in as the owner of '70 2+2. First, I don't think you can go wrong with either style.

You have already noted lack of storage compartments in '73. Also, if you plan to do any weekending the forward hatch on the early and mid-style Mariners comes in handy. I have done a couple of overnights with later style Mariner owners and the lack of a forward hatch for ventilation made it warm and stuffy in the cabin. If you'll be just day sailing then it shouldn't matter.

I also like not having to have a mast support in the cabin. Although, installing one probably wouldn't be a bad idea (but hey the boat has last 42 years without one -- why mess with success.

Good luck and be sure to join the Mariner Association (www.usmariner.org) why you get one. It'll be the best $15 you'll spend on your Mariner.

 

[mjp83]

Thanks for the reply. I ended up getting the newer boat, which turned out to be a 1973 model. It has a new bottom paint job, and the centerboard has been redone, new bolts and seals, and all new through fittings.

The '70 model had massive wood decay in the cabin roof (mast supports) as described in the remodel of the Orion (great site, google it), and the centerboard was at the end of its life, and it also needed a new rudder. It was not feasible to spend the summer working on her, my kids are antsy, and ready for the water.

So my review on the '73: Cabin is much more open, even with mast support. No wood rot, as there is less laminated in the cabin roof, and the mast support pole eliminates the bulky wood supports in the cabin roof. HOWEVER, the fiberglass seems to be thinner in the cockpit seating area. The cabin top and mast area are solid.

Looking forward to rig her up and get on the water!

 

[Rum-Runner]

awsome. I just got a 1975 2+2.