Review: Pacific Mariner 85' RPH Motoryacht

Pacific Mariner 85' RPH Motoryacht​

A Genetic Infusion Updates A Popular Model​

Redux is a term used in literature and film-titles meaning “restored” or “brought back”.
It’s been known to signify a “new interpretation of an existing work”. Befitting for
yachting’s use also, it can be aptly applied to the new Pacific Mariner 85. ​

Let’s clarify: the “new” denotes an updated style. The Pacific Mariner 85 has been around for a while, about 15-hulls long with the subject of this review being number 16. Recently, Westport Yachts has folded the Pacific Mariner brand under their wing with a new interpretation of an already proven model. So why improve on a good thing? Because it was time to revamp the squared-off styling of the 1990’s. Rounding corners, softening edges and enhancing the “curb appeal” of this yacht has added years to her, not in an aging affect, but that her new lines will take her well into the future.

Taking a deeper look, the PacMan 85 incorporates the latest build processes while maximizing use of interior space planning. There’s a lot built into this 85-foot yacht, so let’s get started chipping away, from the bottom up. Constructed of fiberglass mat and roving with Core Cell core (foam), the hull has an outer layer of fiberglass laminated with an anti-blister resin. Engine stringers and hull stiffeners are laid up with fiberglass and foam construction for weight reduction. The superstructure is of fiberglass and foam construction as well. Deck and bulkheads are fiberglass sandwich construction. Surfaces are of UV resistant white gelcoat.

There’s much to be told by the hull of a yacht. How she’ll cut the seas, throw off water, run at speed, etc. From the forepeak, the PacMan 85 has a sharp and clean entry point. Her hard-chine starts well forward, ensuring any water that wants to ride up the hull when on plane gets knocked down early, attributing to a dry ride. Usually, when speaking about a yacht’s hull flare, it’s relating to the area on the hull sides from the water line or above to the rub rail. The PacMan 85 has a fair amount of flare below the waterline.

Getting back to the original points of the PacMan 85, her exterior styling is softer, more inviting. Side decks have broader overhangs to protect from weather while wide enough to walk around. Frameless windows are bonded with UV resistant urethane gray laminated glass. Port and starboard watertight pantagraph helm doors for easy access, through-bow ground tackle, sleek bridge profile, side hull windows. All railings are of 1 ½” polished stainless (swim step has 2” rails).

Up top is where the party is. Two Stidd seats are here (although the starboard one should be relocated to port for more room to get by). The wide open bridge/sundeck has a low-profile integrated hardtop with down lights, aft spreader lights and speakers. A venture windscreen across the forward section helps with airflow. If desired, the top can be enclosed with side curtains and an optional AC unit can be installed under the forward dash.

To port is a wet bar, containing a U-Line fridge, Raratan icemaker, electric BBQ grill and sink. Belly up to one of the two fixed stools, rest your dogs on the stainless foot rest and enjoy a cold one and the view. To starboard is an L-shaped cushioned seat flanking a gloss finished teak table. All this seating is undercover, but for the sun soakers there’s a sun pad lounge to port aft of the bar. Across is the Jacuzzi hot tub, with so many jets, if your muscles aren’t soothed then they’re not in the water. Views from any position up here are great. Thanks to the extended deck, there plenty of space for a few lounge chairs plus a tender or a few jet skis. Giving a lift is a Nautical Structures hydraulic crane, with 359-degree rotation and 1700 lb load capacity.

Typically a captain will pilot from the upper helm, and Pacific Mariner did not skimp here. A 24” Destroyer-style wheel and two Stidd helm seats keeps ol’cap in control and comfort. Instruments, electronics, engine controls, bow thruster and stabilizer controls are fully complemented from below. Port and starboard wing stations allow for side-standing control. Only issue is visibility is limited since the side deck overhang blocks the view of the side of the yacht. A remote station that allows you to move around the yacht may be better suited for this application.

Accessing the yacht is easy, with port and starboard boarding gates at the teak-planked aft deck or twin staircases from the swim platform to the same area. Care for al fresco dining? No problem here as the molded and cushioned aft settee and teak chairs flank the teak veneer table. The upper deck overhang extends all the way aft, completely covering the aft deck, keeping the elements out. On the port forward bulwark is a deck bar, complete with Isotherm drawer fridge, Raratan icemaker, sink, locker and counter area. To starboard is a molded spiral staircase (not a ladder), with teak treads and stainless handrails for access to the upper deck.

Stepping into the salon, you’ll see right away that Westport has chosen a classy layout and motif. Classy in that it can be timeless; not dated by a “classic” or “contemporary” theme. L-shaped settee to port with barrel chairs surrounds a teak coffee table. Forward is the salon bar, with granite counter top, stainless sink, U-Line ice maker and U-Line wine cooler. A little more storage for your favorite bottles would help in this area. Of course, if you’re not a wine drinker, remove the cooler for space.

Pacific Mariner may be considered a production yacht, but there are a few areas that can be customized, such as wallcoverings, which can be of wallpaper, Cherry veneer or fabric. Salon carpeting incorporates a composite foam/vinyl sound pad to reduce engine sounds. You’ll find Cherry veneer throughout as the wood of choice, along with stone countertops. Hunter Douglas blinds are used on most window treatments. At starboard, a po-up 50” plasma TV is hidden within a Cherry veneer cabinet. A Kaleidesape entertainment system with XM radio, Blue Ray DVD player and surround sound all contribute to relaxation and comfort.

The salon and forward dining area have a great open feeling thanks to the large side windows as well as the lack of forward bulwark separating the two areas. Sight lines work better too, as you can see the pilot house from the aft deck. The formal dining area is cozy for 6-8 guests, and works well as its right across from the bar. A custom satin-finished Cherry veneer table blends with the décor, with an overhead recessed cherry soffit, trimmed with rope lighting. The forward bulkhead dining cabinet holds china and crystal (wine, lowball, highball and champagne glasses) service for 12 settings.

Up three steps and to starboard is the spiral staircase to the bridge, with the galley to port. Having the galley aft but open to the wheelhouse allows owner-operators to join in the activities as opposed to being out of sight elsewhere.

To starboard is a day head with Headhunter toilet, a vanity, Kohler sink, and stone tile floor. Like most of the PacMan's decor, it is comfortably appointed without going overboard.

The U-shaped setup offers a chef ample room to make culinary delights. Full counter space forward wraps around port to a stainless Franke extra-deep sink with Grohe pullout sprayer faucet and macerator section. Aft is the stove/convection range with above GE microwave (includes vent), and full size GE Profile refrigerator and freezer unit. Having the oven and fridge on the back wall also means that items within tend to settle towards the back of the units, not against the door which can cause spillage when opened. Topping off the appliances are a KitchenAid trash compactor and dishwasher and garbage disposal. Topping off the counters is stone (granite) finish, with raised backsplash. In case of spills, flooring is of Amtico commercial vinyl in a hardwood pattern. And finally, a 22” flat screen is nestled into the galley corner to catch Emeril's latest concoctions.

Cabinets are veneered satin finish, but there just doesn’t seem to be enough of them for long term use. Not to worry, there’s ample storage in other areas, including utilizing the space all the way back in the corner. A dinette settee doubles as an observation station as it’s right behind the lower helm station. Visibility is good from these seats, and in close proximity to the captain.

The captain has everything he needs at the large console of the lower helm. Teleflex SeaStar hydraulic power steering assists the 36” Destroyer-style wheel. Nobeltec VNS Max Pro with C Map charts, XM Weather overlay, Furuno Navnet 3D chartplotter, radar and color sounder can fill the three 19” NEC LCD displays. Feeds from on-board video cameras can be hooked into the displays also. To know where you are, there’s a Furuno GP37 GPS, and to know what’s around, there’s a Furuno digital HD 72-mile radar. Helping in communications are ICOM VHF radios at both helms (with a Command Mic in the crew quarters) and integrated hailer. A Simrad AP28 autopilot system in the lower helm and AP24 at the upper station give you a hands-off operation.

Heading to the lower deck for sleeping accommodations, there’s a private access master stateroom midship, tastefully appointed with a centerline king size berth with Cherry wood headboard and four built-in drawers, port vanity with drawers, starboard desk and dresser, and two, cedar-lined walk-in wardrobe closets. Striking are the lighting accents, but not just the recessed Xenon ceiling fixtures but indirect rope accent lights under berth and curved Cherry soffit that lines the room with backlighting. Add in a 32” LCD TV, DVD and satellite radio for more relaxation.

In the master foyer is a closet with a stacked Whirlpool washer/dryer. You’re going to need a step stool if you want to reach the locker above these units, typically where you’ll keep the detergent.

The master head has a Headhunter Royal Flush commode, whirlpool tub, stone-walled and glass shower stall with Grohe fixtures, twin Koehler sinks and stone flooring. Doors can be installed several ways, but Pacific Mariner chose to have the head door swing in, with a magnetic catch to hold it.

In the peak is the VIP stateroom. A 24” over berth hatch allow light in and doubles as an escape route, if necessary. The sunpad on the forward deck has a cutout for the hatch, so it’s never blocked. Cedar-lined closet, side shelves, book case, two portlights and over and under lighting makes this an inviting setting. The head has a Headhunter Royal Flush commode, single Kohler sink with stone counter and backsplash, molded fiberglass shower stall with seat, medicine cabinet and vanity.