PRE-LOVED - Mariner 43 Flybridge

Bill isn’t famous for making too many bad decisions in the industry he has come to dominate. In an interview (circa 2000), while still at the helm of Riviera, the boat visionary suggested he had considered resurrecting the moulds of the timeless Mariner 43 Flybridge. “For what it’s worth, this is my favourite Mariner,” he said. “It’s a semi-displacement boat that can go places at low cost; the 43 could well be Riviera’s answer to the rising cost of fuel.” (Read the full story at www.redbook.com.au/boat-reviews/2000/riviera-turns-20-9082

Did this ever happen? Probably not, Bill sold Riviera to a couple of private equity investors a year or so later and went on to establish Maritimo in 2002. Still, when the man speaks, the wise listen.

My own experience with the boat described as the preeminent Australasian gamefisher of the ’80s was as a sporadic crewman onboard a tricked-up version called The Khan, which saw “active” service as a long-range charterboat working the infamous Three Kings Banks between 1996 and 2000. When I say long-range, the Banks are a 150nm run from the port of Opua, north of Auckland, NZ. Our standard excursion was a five- or six-day round trip, often fishing all day and all night with no opportunity to refuel. You can see what Barry-Cotter was referring to when he talks about “going places at low cost”. To the best of my knowledge The Khan still occasionally mixes it with the big boys.




MAINTAINED TO A STANDARD
Today’s boat Zoya — more about the name later — is as well maintained as any vessel of its era I have seen. Built in 1990 she was actually the first of her kind to come out of the then new Riviera factory.

An enjoyable interview with the current owner revealed the following facts: Zoya has recently had both battery banks completely replaced and has received a brand-new upgraded battery charger to ensure the DC systems are in tip-top working condition. Within the last 18 months the clears were replaced and she has been slipped for an annual inspection and a complete hull and superstructure polish.

Apparently the previous owner also owned one of the local marinas, with access to shipwrights, mechanics and the very best of materials; the result of which is some serious over-engineering (if you get a chance check out the exhaust elbows). In fact the exhaust system is just one illustration of no expense being spared to keep Zoya in the best shape possible.

Being a bit of a diesel head myself it was a pleasure to see a pair of Detroit Diesels in such good condition and with very low hours. For those that aren’t aware Detroit engines are still considered among the most reliable workhorses ever built. Two-stroke diesels like these were the make of choice for service in American tanks and submarines during WWII, and have seen literally millions of hours of hard work in professional fishing boats in every ocean on the planet. As my engineer used to say, “If you can’t start them it’s because you have %$#@ed them.”

As for the name? Well apparently she was unnamed when purchased. After much consideration the owner settled on Zoya, which is Russian for “life”. Some months later her previous moniker was discovered among some paperwork. That name was Zoe, which is Greek for “life”. It just goes to show, a good boat can’t shake its name.

This Mariner 43 Flybridge is located in Sydney, NSW, and for more details phone the owner on 0412 024 853.

[CREW’S VIEWS]
Zoya is comprehensively equipped, electrics including Onan 6.5kVa genset (1127 hours), inverter and Mastervolt ChargeMaster 12/24V battery charger (under warranty). Hardware consists of a Muir electric windlass and Davco 350kg davit, the galley kitted with four-burner ceramic cooktop, microwave/convection oven and eutectic fridge (separate eutectic fridge/freezer in cockpit). Electronics range from VHF and 27MHz radios, Furuno radar and depthgauge/fishfinder, Navman GPS plotter to Robertson autopilot, with entertainment provided by AM/FM/CD stereo, Kenwood speakers, iPod/iPhone control and Digital TV antenna and set-top box.

(QuickSpecs)
MARINA 43 FLYBRIDGE
ZOYA

FOR SALE: $243,000
YEAR BUILT: 1990
MATERIAL: Fibreglass
TYPE: Semi-displacement monohull
LOA: 13.11m
FUEL: 2000lt
WATER: 1000lt
ENGINE: 2 x 485hp Detroit diesel (approx. 1070 hours)

From Trade-a-Boat Issue 432, Oct-Nov 2012. Story: Jeff Strang. Photos: Supplied.