Oblivion, a Mariner 32, was built in 1970 by Far East Yachts as hull #6.

I purchased Oblivion in 1994. Her name was Integrity. It was love at first sight. There is something about the lines of this beautiful boat that catch the eye. All of you, who are fortunate enough to own one, know what I mean.

Very little had been done to her since she was new. However, she had been very well maintained. As a result of the survey, the seller made a major price adjustment due to serious deck delamination. This is a problem, which is very familiar to Mariner owners. The rest of the "needs to be done" list on the survey, I ignored. I had to have her.

Now, five years later, and many dollars later, she is as good as new. I completely rewired (both 12 volt and shore power). In 1995, I replaced the decks, installed a new head and holding tank, replaced the fuel tank and water heater, rebuilt the cockpit (saving the teak decking); L.P.’d the main and mizzen mast, and rerigged. In 1997, I installed radar, and GPS, and modified and moved my headsail furling back to staysail position, and installed a new Hood Roller Furler to fit my existing genoa.

In 1998, I hauled her again, and had her completely L.P.’d. At that time, I also had the rudder checked out and completely fiber glassed. Last month, out she came again for a new engine. Although the 4.107 still ran reliably, she was throwing some oil, and seemed quite tired. Since this is my boat for life, why not enjoy a new engine while I’m still able to hear it, and use it. I installed a Yanmar 3JH3 40hp, 3 cylinder diesel. I launched last week, and had no problems. She runs very quiet, and recorded 7kts at 2300 rpm on the sea trial. Of course, the installation was not without its curve balls. I needed a new prop, shaft, complete exhaust system, and had to add 500 lbs. of ballast due to the lighter weight of the new engine.

Besides varnishing, I do have lots of sailing trips under my belt. I go to Catalina 6 or 7 times a year, and have been down the coast from Redondo Beach to Newport, and to Santa Cruz Island and Oxnard.

Next year, I plan to go to San Diego or Santa Barbara in addition to the usual trips to the Isthmus at Catalina.

I must say, that now that I am retired. I can think of very few things that give me more pleasure than going down to the marina and working on or sailing Oblivion. I am fortunate enough to live a short 10-minute bike ride away, and can enjoy her year around.