Mariner 17 (Milne) Information, Review, Specs

The Mariner 17's lineage traces back to the earlier Skipper 17, with the Mariner version distinguishing itself by incorporating a cuddy cabin. Designed by the prolific British naval architect and journalist Peter Milne, the Mariner 17 reflects Milne's design philosophy, which prioritized performance and lively sailing characteristics, evident in his other renowned designs like the Fireball dinghy. A defining feature of the Mariner 17 is its twin centerboard configuration, a departure from the single lifting keel often found in earlier Skipper 17 models. This twin centerboard design offered versatility, particularly for shallow water access, with a minimum draft of just 0.75 feet, significantly expanding its cruising grounds.

Richmond Marine Ltd., founded in 1965 by David Thorpe, was instrumental in bringing the Mariner 17 to market. Thorpe, a distinguished yachting correspondent and successful racer, established the company with an ethos centered on producing accessible sailing craft, often embracing modern construction techniques like fiberglass, which was used for the Mariner 17's hull and deck,. The company's involvement with well-regarded designs, such as Ian Proctor's Minisail, set a precedent for the Mariner 17, ensuring it was a product of thoughtful design and contemporary manufacturing for its era. Production numbers for the Mariner 17 reached approximately 1600 units. A later iteration of the design was known as the Eagle 525.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 17.0 feet and a waterline length of 15.75 feet, the Mariner 17 is an ultralight sailboat designed for agile and responsive handling. Its displacement of 700 pounds combined with a reported sail area of 155 square feet yields a high Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 31.57. While traditional ratios are often applied to larger cruising vessels, this exceptionally high figure for the Mariner 17 indicates a boat that is very powerful for its weight, suggesting excellent performance in light winds and a quick acceleration, characteristic of a performance dinghy or daysailer.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio, at a low 0.14 (100 lbs ballast out of 700 lbs displacement), suggests that the Mariner 17 is a tender boat, relying significantly on crew weight for stability, a common trait among smaller, performance-oriented designs. This contributes to its lively handling characteristics. The Displacement to Length ratio, approximately 80.2, further classifies it as a very light and performance-focused vessel, well below the 200 threshold typically associated with lighter boats. Owners have described it as a "fast little boat," though its spirited nature, particularly with its twin centerboards, has been noted to require an attentive hand. The twin centerboard system offers both performance and the practical advantage of a shallow draft, making it ideal for exploring sheltered waters and beaching.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest 17-foot length, the Mariner 17, particularly in its cuddy cabin version, aimed to provide functional, if compact, accommodations. The design was a progression from the open dayboat Skipper 17, adding a cuddy cabin to enhance its utility. Reports suggest the cabin could offer sleeping arrangements for up to four individuals, though this would likely be a snug fit, more suitable for weekend excursions or overnight stays for a smaller crew. The boat is also noted for having a good-sized cockpit, which is crucial for comfort and usability on a boat of this size, providing ample space for sailing and socializing. Details on specific interior finishes and materials for the Mariner 17 are not widely documented, but as a product of Richmond Marine Ltd., it would have been built with fiberglass, reflecting the prevalent construction techniques of the era for small, accessible sailing craft,.

Owner's Perspectives

The Mariner 17 has earned its reputation as a "deservedly popular trailer sailer," a testament to its practical design and accessible sailing experience. Owners frequently praise its combination of good performance and accommodation, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a manageable boat for day sailing and short trips. The boat's design, including its twin centerboards, contributes to its ease of launching and retrieval, enhancing its appeal as a trailerable vessel. While specific common problems or widespread weaknesses are not extensively documented in public owner reviews, the lively performance suggested by its design ratios implies that sailors transitioning from more stable vessels might find its handling initially exhilarating or even challenging, as one owner humorously noted. Overall, the Mariner 17 is cherished by its owners for its spirited sailing characteristics and its utility as a compact, trailer-friendly sailboat.