|
History:
The Mariner 100 was the most basic version of Cruisers Inc. entry level
boat. They produced four hulls between 13' and 19'. Taking
a cue from the automobile industry, the company offered three different
models for each length designated as the Runabout, Sportster, and Holiday.
Cruisers' offered their boats in several colors and trim packages,
though the vast majority were shipped with white hulls and stained
mahogany varnished decks.
Though technically the fourth owner, I am only the second to have the boat
in the water. In 1959 a gentleman bought the boat at a Northern
Wisconsin Cruisers Inc. dealer on the lake where he used it to fish with.
It was bought on the condition that when not in the water, it was to be
kept in covered storage at no charge. The salesman agreed, probably
thinking the customer would trade it in for a larger boat at the end of
the summer where he could end the free storage deal. No such luck.
The boat was used one week every summer from 1959 through 1995 with the
agreed storage arrangement, even when the dealership was sold to new
owners.
In the fall of 1995 the boat made its way to California. (A story onto
itself) After two owners and and one honest attempt at restoring it, I
took possession of it in the summer of 2000. I had her stripped,
restained, along with several coats of varnish and paint. The
hardware has been rechromed as well.
The boat came with the original 1959, 35 horse Evinrude which only needed
some minor work mechanically as well as the most popular factory installed
options. This year I fitted her with my restored 1955, 25 horse
Johnson which also happens to be the first year the Mariner was built.
Both engines are electric starting, and given the difference in
horsepower, there is only
a three mile per hour difference in top end speed. But then I
don't know anyone who actually owns these boats for speed anyway!
"Scattered Pictures"
Miles Kapper
The Thompson Dockside
10061 Riverside Dr
PMB 143
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
1959 Cruisers Inc. Mariner model 100 Runabout
|
