Review: Pacific Mariner 85'

Pacific Mariner 85'​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy

Elegance and utility cruise hand in hand on this true pilothouse motoryacht;
Pacific Mariner has everything you’ll want in a complete package ​

Perhaps you have dreamt of a motoryacht that could be handled by yourself and the love of your life – just the two of you, voyaging wild and free on the world’s oceans to all those exotic, faraway ports. If so, you have most likely not considered any standard-built yacht over 65 feet. That size has long been accepted as the “most” yacht two regular, experienced yachtspersons could manage, without crew, under normal circumstances.

Now, Pacific Mariner has a sweet surprise for you. It’s a True Pilothouse yacht which stretches that “maximum” length by a cool 20 feet. To begin with, from the helm in the pilot house you can see the bow, and also the stern’s starboard side – visibility sorely missing in many yachts this size. Then, with wing control stations for the bow thruster and stern drive as a further advantage, maneuvering both extremes via electronic shift, you are in complete control. My oh my, it takes away the agony, tension (and, mm-hmm, screaming) from the docking performance.

It’s just the opening salvo, however, of the advantage and quality this new luxury yacht presents to prospective suitors. From the sturdy, stylish silhouette, the glittering interior design, to the functional, watertight safety doors, and the utilitarian engine room, P/M has designed this cruiser to meet all the demands of the experienced voyager. And that’s exactly how the company planned it.

Pacific Mariner is a relatively new builder, yet in less than 10 years has built an enviable reputation. Founded by the Edson family as recently as 1996, it is administered by Jack Edson and his partner John Seabeck. Until now, their 65 was the yacht of choice, designed and produced for quality and service. Special emphasis is placed on ease of operation – by the owners, no crew required – a challenge that is paramount at every design stage. Both the 65 and the new 85 meet that requirement.

The top executives take a personal role in seeing each yacht through building and sea trials; Jack Edson captains the sea trials himself, testing every system in detail to ensure all equipment functions flawlessly. These standards are based on their own lifetime yachting experience, as well as continuing contact with their buyers. Customer rapport and input guides the production, striving toward top quality, luxury, performance and reliability.

Producing a limited number of yachts each year, the company concentrates its production teams on the individual programs for each project, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Fit and finish, as well as impeccable operation of all components, guides the schedule.

Strong but lightweight composite construction materials, built into designs by renowned naval architect William Garden, are trademarks of Pacific Mariner, for yachts that cruise in the mid-20 knot range. Crafted in the Pacific Northwest, where the ocean often brings its strongest challenges, Pacific Mariner yachts have proven their competence, sea-keeping ability, and creature comforts. An example: Use of the finest sound-proofing materials throughout – even running at cruise – results in a quiet ride comparable to a luxury limousine. And that still holds true at all-out 27.3 knots at full throttle, driven by 3,000 horses prancing with more than 60 tons.

A true production boat, all components are standard, except for owner’s choices in décor. The yacht’s equipment list is as comprehensive as can be imagined, sporting top quality names such as Charles Industries, Northern Lights, Racor, Simrad, Furuno, Nobeltec, MTU; plus interior gear by Reed & Barton flatware, Mikasa, Henkels, and top brands in appliances, etc.

At its La Conner, Washington yard, Pacific Mariner employs 175 experienced workers with top skills – expert welding, metal fabrication, fiberglass expertise, as well as painting and engine systems mechanics; the most experienced workers earning $20 to $25 an hour.

Hull and deck lay-up begins with a Vinylester resin barrier coat, with added Airex. Bulkheads are composite structural elements, as are cored fiberglass stringers. A large, one-piece mold includes both deck and house in one assembly, also with the upper swim step. Brought together, hull and deck are joined chemically and mechanically to produce a strong, robust and durable vessel.

Particular attention is paid to sound deadening in the construction, with special tiles all through the hull, and 3M Thinsulate enveloping the engine room and cabins. One nice touch your neighbors at the marina will like very much, because they won’t hear it: Air conditioning water discharge is accomplished under the hull. (I’ve had numerous tiffs with a few neighbors over that constant gurgle, so I know what a nice innovation this is).

Going away, the breadth of this fine yacht appears as stylish as its other views. On the wide swim deck, specially designed railings provide safety, but are also easily removed when necessary. Port and Starboard staircases ascend to the various decks.

Surmounted by the soaring radar/communication arch, the bridge boasts unimpeded 360 degree visibility. Three handsome Stidd helm chairs face the fully arrayed instrument panel, and just aft is an L-shaped, cushioned settee and table. There’s also an entertainment center plus refrigerator/icemaker, electric grill, and a generous hot tub. At the stern, a 16’ tender, powered by a four-stroke outboard engine, awaits launch beside its 2,000 lb. hydraulic davit.

Burnished teak strip flooring bathes the wide open aft deck with a soft traditional flavor. Covered bench seating plus stylish, wood-backed easy chairs provide a shaded country porch for daytime entertraining or moonlit evening ocean views. A stainless steel and teak ladder leads up to the bridge deck.

The 85’s engine room has stand-up space all around the two MTUs. It is insulated against sound and vibration with 4-inch layers of Soundown; and also has absorbent padding under the carpeting. All AC equipment and ducting is installed with 3M Thinsulate as well. The engine room is isolated also by watertight doors aft, plus a 10” firewall bulkhead separation from the adjacent master stateroom.

On the middle deck, twin leather Stidd helm chairs in rich mauve leather face the formal instrument panel and control station. Every ship’s system is monitored here, accompanied by a gallery of onlookers just behind. A banquet-size lacquered cherry wood table stretches across half-beam, raised slightly for better over-all view by the passengers.

Just aft of the pilothouse, the galley cluster glitters with stainless steel ovens , refrigerator, cook-top and storage, floor to overhead. Starlights above illuminate the work areas. A wide aisle simplifies traffic fore and aft. Convenient doorways, both aport and starboard, open to the side decks for quick access to the bow or stern.

Sumptuous is the word for the salon, brimful of well padded couches and chairs in richly patterned fabrics. The L-shaped couch circles a mahogany and glass cocktail table, two-tiered for books and casual items. Wide windows offer grand views of the ocean’s glories, framed by lustrous woods. Abeam from the couch conversation area, a full size curving bar, in fine wood finish, stores libations for full partying or a casual nightcap. Just forward of the living room area, the elegant dining table seats eight, with stored fine china as well as casual ware; plus silver settings and everyday cutlery.

PM 85’s master stateroom is a study in comfort and relaxed luxury, with a king-size island berth and plentiful storage underneath; there is also a copious walk-in closet, overhead lighting, and twin vanities. Opening ports on either side provide plentiful sea air when wanted. Rich wood cabinetry surrounds the master berth, and soft but sturdy carpeting pave the way for barefoot padding comfort.

An oversize master bath includes his/hers heads and sinks, all done in Kohler with Grohe faucets. A huge bathtub/Jacuzzi dominates one corner, while the roomy shower is glass-enclosed.

PM’s well laid out lower deck provides not only for the master stateroom, but three other guest rooms; two queens and a double, each with their own ensuite heads. In addition there is a Captain’s quarters stateroom at the stern, with head/shower, as well as an entertainment area.

Editors Note: VIP Shown in picture; master stateroom image not available.

Pacific Mariner 85 is a production yacht, yet it has handsome style and elegance, plus all the seagoing qualifications for customer-pleasing design, without alteration. For the couple who want a fine mini-megayacht they can handle themselves and cruise anywhere in the world, this is your ticket to ocean freedom. <end>

by Chuck Gnaegy.​

SPECIFICATIONS:

LOA: 85’0”
Beam: 21’3”
Draft: 4’6”
Displ.: 120,000 lbs.
Fuel: 2,315 gals.
Water: 395 gals.
Holding Tank: 200 gals.
Engines: 2x 1500 hp MTU Diesels
Generators: 33/25 kW Northern Lights
Top Speed@2300 rpm – 27.3 knots
Cruise Speed@1000 rpm – 12.7 knots
Range: 1,917 to 2,205 mi.

For more information, contact:

Pacific Mariner Yachts
780 Pearl Jensen Way
La Conner, WA 98257
www.pacificmariner.com

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