1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
- bobeast
- Scurvy Dog

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Re: 1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
If I may ask, did you get rid of the 325 because of some deficiency? I ask because I'm considering that model.
- Brewbeck
- Scurvy Dog

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- Vessel Info: '86 Mariner
MV Endeavor - Location: Upper Mississippi
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Re: 1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
We loved the 325! Ours had the molded in steps in the stern. I hate ladders. The only drawbacks for us was engine access. Oil changes and filters were difficult on our 350 Mercs. And, the double bed in the aft cabin had one of us climbing over the other if nature called during the night.
Other than these relatively minor issues we enjoyed the Our Passion II for ten years, and we were sad to see her go, but a move to the mid-west meant she had to stay in Oregon.
Ours had two helm stations, but after two days I never used the lower helm again.
Good luck and calm seas.
Other than these relatively minor issues we enjoyed the Our Passion II for ten years, and we were sad to see her go, but a move to the mid-west meant she had to stay in Oregon.
Ours had two helm stations, but after two days I never used the lower helm again.
Good luck and calm seas.
John Beckfield
Wabasha Marina
1986 Mariner 3297
Wabasha Marina
1986 Mariner 3297
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Re: 1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
Brewbeck wrote:Qr Bbpost We loved the 325! Ours had the molded in steps in the stern. I hate ladders. The only drawbacks for us was engine access. Oil changes and filters were difficult on our 350 Mercs. And, the double bed in the aft cabin had one of us climbing over the other if nature called during the night.
Other than these relatively minor issues we enjoyed the Our Passion II for ten years, and we were sad to see her go, but a move to the mid-west meant she had to stay in Oregon.
Ours had two helm stations, but after two days I never used the lower helm again.
Good luck and calm seas.
Awesome. Thanks for the response, and welcome!
- Brewbeck
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MV Endeavor - Location: Upper Mississippi
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Re: 1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
And, unless you really need it, consider getting rid of the couch. It sits on top of the port engine access and it can be a pain if you want to get into that space for any reason. It also blocks access to a really nice space in the port side cabin wall which is where we put out large house battery bank. That couch is heavy as all get out, and we soon tired of dealing with it.
Good luck and calm seas.
John Beckfield
Wabasha Marina
1986 Mariner 3297
Wabasha Marina
1986 Mariner 3297
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Re: 1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
Good to know thanks. I wondered about that. Not sure I want to give up having a couch there, but may look into some kind of lighter replacement.
- RGrew176
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Re: 1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
Welcome Aboard. As to the Vacuflush head make sure that the battery that powers the head unit is up to snuff. When I first bought my 3007 sometimes the head flushed sometimes not. I decided to check out the batteries and one was way low and the other was down a bit. Not knowing for sure how old they both were I put in 2 new batteries. The Vacuflush head worked without skipping a beat. It probably, at least in my case needs the full 12 volts to operate.
Rick Grew
2025 Godfrey Xperience 2286 SFLX
2004 Past Commodore
West River Yacht & Cruising Club
2025 Godfrey Xperience 2286 SFLX
2004 Past Commodore
West River Yacht & Cruising Club
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Viper
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Re: 1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
You may find that removing the couch will result in a list to the opposite side that'll require you to compensate for. Weight distribution needs to be considered whenever you relocate or remove a heavy item on board.
- Brewbeck
- Scurvy Dog

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MV Endeavor - Location: Upper Mississippi
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Re: 1986 Mariner 3297 New Owner
Thanks all for the vacu flush tips.
And, yes, I agree about the potential for adjusting trim. When we recycled the couch I added a 4 battery house bank in the space outboard of the couch - no more trim issue.
The Endeavor gets lifted for hull and running gear inspections on Friday. I spoke to the marina mechanics yesterday and they confirmed my suspicion that there are, forgive my bad language, osmotic blisters.
Don't know the extent but i'm prepared to deal with the issue. Seller had been previously advised but didn't want to put the $ into repair. I have been luck so far, but with a boat from this era I am not alarmed, yet.
I'm going to post this in one of the other forums as well re: the blisters.
And, yes, I agree about the potential for adjusting trim. When we recycled the couch I added a 4 battery house bank in the space outboard of the couch - no more trim issue.
The Endeavor gets lifted for hull and running gear inspections on Friday. I spoke to the marina mechanics yesterday and they confirmed my suspicion that there are, forgive my bad language, osmotic blisters.
Don't know the extent but i'm prepared to deal with the issue. Seller had been previously advised but didn't want to put the $ into repair. I have been luck so far, but with a boat from this era I am not alarmed, yet. I'm going to post this in one of the other forums as well re: the blisters.
John Beckfield
Wabasha Marina
1986 Mariner 3297
Wabasha Marina
1986 Mariner 3297