Riviera 3350

In Australian boat building, the Mariner name boasts a proud history. Once owned by Riviera founder and head honcho Bill Barry-Cotter, the marque paraded various models in front of the local boat-buying public with a fair measure of success. It hasn't been all plain sailing, however, under different ownership Mariner's rollercoaster ride came to a halt in the late 1980s - tough years for boat manufacturers - and ongoing financial woes eventually saw the Mariner name enter a period of hibernation.

Now following a 10-year hiatus, and returned to the Barry-Cotter fold, Mariner is back. And this time 'round, it means to be bigger and better than ever.

Indeed, it speaks volumes that a brand could return to a highly competitive market and walk away with a Boat of the Year award. However, that's exactly what Mariner did with its 3850 flybridge cruiser - judged by the BIAA as the 1999 Australian Boat of the Year and Cruiser of the Year.

Much of the reborn Mariner Cruisers' success can be attributed to the production expertise provided by sister company, Riviera Marine. Manufactured by Riviera on the Gold Coast, the Mariner craft have already impressed American buyers via a lucrative export deal with US giant Wellcraft. All indications are Mariner is now here to stay.

Little sister?

The latest addition to the Mariner Cruisers range is the 3350.

Being tagged as a 'little sister' to the 3850 is probably a little unfair, as this flybridge cruiser is an impressive craft in its own right, and is packed with big-boat features.

We tested the 3350 on a less than golden Gold Coast day, with showers and a howling southeasterly, thus ensuring a certain boat-tester didn't enjoy his work too much.

From its mooring at Hope Harbour, we idled towards the Southport Broadwater with the twin six-cylinder 210hp Cummins purring sweetly below.

Initially I thought the 3350 would be a little sluggish out of the hole, but I was pleasantly proven wrong as we cleared the 6kt zone and the throttles went down. This little sister sprung to life and was comfortably cruising in seconds.

Top speed according to the GPS was 26kt at which time the diesels were doing 2800rpm. The boat felt most comfortable cruising between 2000-2400rpm. At those revs we were averaging between 18-22kt, and I was amazed that the Mariner could remain on the plane even as slow as 12kt. This translates to extremely economical cruising, as the B220 Cummins would be using next to no fuel at that speed.

MARINER MAGIC
Next we took the Mariner out through the Southport Seaway - even though the mass of white caps offshore made it look less than inviting. The testboat was fitted with only a bimini and no clears on the flybridge, so prior to departing the seaway, I recommended to our passengers that they retire to the cabin as it was probably going to get wet upstairs.

We departed the seaway and as the first wave struck our starboard bow I instinctively ducked waiting for that refreshing early morning salt shower. As I looked up ready for the next I was surprised that I could still see through my sunnies. Mmm... no salt spray. One tick for Mariner.

While it's far from the sort of use most owners will put the 3350 to, I played around in the white stuff outside the seaway for a while and was very impressed by the way the 3350 handled the extremely average conditions. The sea-going capabilities that the 3350 displayed were admirable for a boat of this size and weight.

The twin shaftdrives make manoeuvring the 3350 a breeze, and once back inside the seaway I backed up hard, pretending I was running down a gamefish. I have driven a lot of boats this size and always manage to put some water in the cockpit when backing up, especially those with swim platforms. To the Mariner's credit, on this occasion, the cockpit stayed dry.

As you would expect from a boat of this calibre, the list of standard features is long. The forward master stateroom is fully-lined and carpeted and features a queen-size walkaround berth with storage below. There is a mirror on the forward bulkhead, appropriate lighting throughout, and a tinted deck hatch for ventilation.

Directly aft of the master stateroom on the starboard side is the head, with access via the companionway or the stateroom itself. A shower stall with hand-held shower, Vacuflush toilet, vanity cabinet, granicoat benchtop and sink are all features included.

Opposite the head at mezzanine level on the port side is a fully-appointed galley with four-burner gas range and oven, dual-voltage refrigerator, granicoat benchtop and sink, storage cabinets and drawers, 12V lighting and an AC powerpoint.

Two steps up from the galley and you find yourself in the saloon with the lower helm station on the starboard-side and a large dinette to port. The lower helm station features full instrumentation, hydraulic steering, twin lever gear and throttle controls, winch remote and compass.

There is a CD player in the bulkhead above as well as room to mount marine radios and other electronics.

The U-shaped dinette features leather upholstery and provides seating for at least five people. If unexpected guests drop buy and decide to stay, the cherrywood table drops down to provide a generous double berth.

Step outside from the saloon and you are greeted by a gleaming white cockpit. Storage compartments are provided below deck as well as in both port and starboard bulkheads. A walk-through transom door provides access to the swim platform while a hatch in the transom can be plumbed as a livebait tank.

At the forward end of the cockpit you'll find a large icebox to port with engineroom access directly to starboard. Incorporated in the engine room hatch is a moulded sink with hot and cold freshwater tap. All cockpit hatches are self-draining and feature heavy-duty stainless steel lock-downs.

Stainless steel hawse pipes in the transom corners lead to 225mm cleats while moulded steps and stainless handrails assist access to the side decks and bow.

FLYING HIGH
Access to the flybridge from the cockpit is via a ladder located on the port side.

Up top is a spacious bridge with a fully-moulded console incorporating the upper helm station and passenger seating. There is a single pedestal seat for the helmsman with room for another to starboard. The upstairs dash on the testboat was somewhat sparse awaiting the addition of electronics in the space provided.

Vision from the helm seat was good both fore and aft, however, with only a bimini for protection on the testboat I could see a bit of driving done from downstairs. Of course, a hardtop (as pictured) and clears are options which Mariner can easily provide.

With international orders already exceeding Mariner's expectations, it's not surprising Mariner can't build 3350s quick enough. And with a pricetag from around $230,000, I'd say it's not only going to be overseas buyers keeping the factory busy.