American Mariner - first boat

[ClassicalBGP]

I was launching using a tow / cable system. Then one day thought I would just see how far I had to put the truck into the water, she floated off about the time my rear tires had about 8" of water on them. So, no more rigging and de-rigging from the truck etc...

I have a portable a/c unit (type on wheels that you run the hose out a window) that I am thinking of setting in the hanging closest and running the hose out the forward hatch. But, that puts the hose at the opening of the V-berth. Thus, super heating the berth.

It does not appear that anyone makes those carry on a/c that west marine use to sale anymore. I have seen people rig up normal window units with homemade ductwork, but do not like the looks of those setting on the deck.

[poitski]

enjoyed reading through the thread. I've had an american mariner 27 for a few years and have recently lost my rudder. wonder if anybody can pass on dimensions, pictures and any ideas as to building a new one.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, poitski.

[ClassicalBGP]

Originally Posted by poitski

enjoyed reading through the thread. I've had an american mariner 27 for a few years and have recently lost my rudder. wonder if anybody can pass on dimensions, pictures and any ideas as to building a new one.

Mine is a 24', but I think I can find some pictures of the rudder if you want them. However, she is in a wet slip right now. Next time I get down there I can attempt to pull some dimensions.

[poitski]

That would be much appreciated! i also lost the rudder head assembly where it attaches to the tiller, so any photos of that connection would help. thanks.

[PDX Melanie]

Hi! I know I’m about 7 years too late with this reply but just in case ….

The American’s are great starter boats. Not racers but nice and forgiving. And the stand-in keel creates great headroom. In the 70s my dad sold a bunch of Americans to newbie Iowa sailors. Once a year he would lead a group of them down to the Gulf of Mexico and teach them big water sailing skills. They all did just fine. 3 times we took our own American 26 from Florida across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas and cruised the islands. The 4 of us (Dad,Mom and 2 kids) did just fine living aboard and island hopping for 6 weeks at a time until it was time to go back to snowy Iowa.

I currently sail one of my Dad’s 26s in the South Puget Sound. He had sold it to a family in 1976. They sailed it for years and a few years ago it boomeranged back to me. Since I have about a bazillion of my Mom’s slides showing all makes of Americans sailing in the 70s (our customer’s boats) it has been relatively easy to restore her because I know what I’m aiming for. Hope you went ahead and got that American. Enjoy!

[ClassicalBGP]

PDX that is great story. It is hard to believe that I bought mine seven years ago. It is setting in a wet slip in the local lake right now, though I have not been able to use her in months. Normal excuses, Covid, work, kids etc...

But, in 2017 I did take her to the Gulf of Mexico (Gulfport, MS) for a week. I wrote another thread (pre trip for information and then posted a post trip report). If you are interested in reading.

I always wondered about a trip down the Mississippi River.

[AMSailor]

First time sailor, and poster to this forum. I purchased an American mariner 24 last fall and have been working to get her ready to sail here in Southern New Mexico. This thread has been one of the best sources of information I have found so far. Was a group created for owners of AMs?