Viking Mariner was built by Mario Tara at Ladner with fir planks on fir frames and launched in 1954 as Mar-Brothers. It was originally owned and operated by the Martinolich family, part of a family fleet that included Mar Lady, Marsons and Klemtu. Throughout her working life the Mar-Brothers worked as a drum seiner for Martinolich Bros. Fishing Ltd, and then the Canadian Fishing Company on the inside and outside coasts of Vancouver Island. Viking Mariner was refit and restored from 2001-2007 maintaining the lines of the original design by Marke Simmons & Carole Bird. From 2007 to 2011 John & Joyce Manning continued her meticulous upkeep. In 2011 Viking Mariner was purchased by her current owner, Charles Schell who completed her conversion to the current state. The boat regularly cruises the BC Coast when not at its usual moorage in Montague Harbour. Winner of the 2023 Victoria Classic Boat Festival ‘Best Overall Power’ and ‘Best Engine Room’ awards.
