Lanier R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF User manual

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
1
Wingspan....62” Wing Loading…21-23 oz./sq. ft.
Fuselage Length…48” Wing Area…687 sq. in.
Engine Required ... 2-Stroke .40 to .50
Weight……..6 - 7 lbs.
WARRANTY ……………… Lanier R/C is proud of the care and attention that goes into the manufacture of parts for
its model kits. The company warrants that for a period of 90 days, it will replace, at the buyers request, any parts or
material shown to the company's satisfaction to have been defective in workmanship or material at the time of
purchase.
No other warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made with respect to the merchandise sold by the company.
The buyer acknowledges and understands that he is purchasing only a component kit from which the buyer will
himself construct a finished flying model airplane. The company is neither the manufacturer of such a flying model
airplane, nor a seller of it. The buyer hereby assumes the risk and all liability for personal or property damage or
injury arising out of the buyers use of the components or the finished flying model airplane, whenever any such
damage or injury shall occur.
Any action brought forth against the company, based on the breach of the contract of sale to the buyer, or on any
alleged warranty there under, must be brought within 1 year of the date of such sale, or there after be barred. This
one-year limitation is imposed by agreement of the parties as permitted by the laws of the state of Georgia.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
2
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing
the Lanier Mariner 40. We are sure you will be
happy with the quality of this kit and just as
eager to fly it, as we were the prototypes. We
have spent many hours perfecting the Mariner
40 so that you can be assured its performance
will be what you have come to expect from a
Lanier kit.
Clear off the workbench and gather up your
tools and get ready for a cosmic experience.
You are about to begin fun with a seaplane.
See last page for tools required.
……….Please keep on reading
Important Information
The bottom of the hull is covered with
fiberglass. The iron on covering does not
stick well to the fiberglass. It is your
responsibility to keep the edges of the
covering ironed down so the covering does
not come off. The bottom of the hull receives
a lot of abrasion and the covering coming
loose is not covered under warranty. Due to
temperature changes the plane may develop
some wrinkles in the covering that you will
need to remove with an iron. Be sure to seal
the edges down first so that you do not
cause the covering to shrink and leave
exposed areas of wood. Please inspect the
plane before beginning to assemble to make
sure you are happy with it. After assembly
has begun you cannot return the kit. If you
find a problem before beginning to assemble
the plane you must contact us, please do not
return it to the dealer.
WING ASSEMBLY
Start with one wing panel. So many of the
ARF’s you have assembled have you glue the
wing panels together as the first step in
assembly. We do it different. When all the parts
are assembled on both wing panels, then join
them. You will find this method much easier.
1. Begin with one wing panel.Remove the
aileron and hinges from wing and aileron. Fold
each hinge in half and stick a pin in the fold.
Trial fit each hinge in the slot to check for
depth. Some slots need to be cleaned out, use
a #11 X-Acto blade to clean them out.
2. Push each hinge in the slot in the trailing
edge. Now align the aileron with the hinges and
push in to the pins. Remove all the pins and
close the gap. Align end of aileron with wing
tip.
3. Fold the aileron down and apply 3 drops of
thin CA to each hinge placement. Turn the wing
over and repeat the process. Do not use any
type of accelerator to speed up the curing
process; this will make the hinge brittle.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
3
4. Locate the servo mounting plate and remove
the covering over the slot with a micro tip
soldering iron. Not only does this remove the
covering easily but it seals the edge. Do both
servo-mounting plates.
5. Position the servo on the mounting
plate with the output arm centered in the slot.
Apply a small square of double sticky sided tape
(not supplied) to the servo case to hold it in
position. Locate 4 pieces of 3/8”x3/4”balsa with
1/8” ply laminated to the top, 2 for each servo.
Epoxy one mount under each servo mounting
rail with the plywood next to the mounting lug,
at each end. Be careful not to glue the servo in
place. When cured install the servo mounting
screw. (not supplied) Now do the other servo
mount. Make sure you have a LH and a RH
mount.
6. Using the micro tip soldering iron again,
remove the covering over the hole
adjacent to the hole in the end root rib
on the bottom side of the wing. Do both
wing panels.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
4
7. You will need two 6” servo lead extension for
this next step. (not supplied), one for each wing.
The extensions must be compatible with your
radio system. Plug the extension into the servo
and secure the connection with tape to make
sure it doesn’t come apart.
8. Locate the string from the servos opening
hole to the end root rib. Tie or tape on the servo
connector and pull it through the wing panel.
Now push it up through the hole in the bottom
of the wing. Tape the end of the lead to the
wing to prevent it from falling back into the exit
hole. Now do the same to the other wing panel.
Align servo as shown.
9. Place the servo board in the wing opening.
Drill four 1/16” holes in each corner through
holes provided. Use the #2 x 3/8” screws
provided. Note: hardware may vary in looks
from that shown.
10. Using a straightedge, place a mark on the
aileron to locate the control horn. The holes in
the horn must be in line with the hinge line.
11. Place the control horn on the mark and CA
it in place using thin CA. Block sanding the base
will help it adhere better. When cured, match
drill the holes with a 3/32” drill. This will give
better screw alignment to the nut plate on the

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
5
far side. Now fasten in place with the hardware
supplied.
11. Temporarily plug the servo into the receiver.
Turn on the radio and allow the servo to center.
With the servo centered, make sure the servo is
installed as shown in the photo.
12. Locate a 2mm x 4” wire pushrod threaded
on both ends. Install the metal clevis, with a
lock nut on both ends of the pushrod. Install
the clevis on the control horn and the servo
arm.
13. Before pushing the wire through the hole in
the float, relieve the edge of the hole with a
burring tool, or #11 X-Acto blade, so that wire
will lay flat against float strut.
14. Install the wire strut in the float and fasten
in place with the hardware shown in the photo.
The long leg of the wire strut will protrude
through the float slightly.
15. In order for the wire strut to fit snuggly in
the slot relieve the edge of the hole with a
burring tool or # 11 Exacto blade.
16. Install the float assembly in the slot
provided.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
6
17. Secure the float assembly in place with the
hardware shown. Be sure to place the metal
straps at an angle for secure mounting of screw.
18. Now mount the float assembly on the other
wing panel as stated in the above steps.
19. Mix 2 oz. of 30-minute epoxy in a mixing
cup. Apply a liberal amount of epoxy into the
wing joiner box in the wing. Apply epoxy to the
root rib. Finally, apply epoxy to both sides, the
top and the bottom, of the wing joiner. Insert
the joiner into the wing. Slide the wing panel
onto the joiner. Wipe any excess epoxy from the
wing joint and clean any glue residue with
rubbing alcohol. Hold the wing together with
masking tape. The masking tape will retain the
epoxy in the joint. Set the assembly aside until
the epoxy has cured.
20. Locate the wing bolt plate and prepare it as
described in the photo below.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
7
21. Lay it on the wing. Trace around it and
remove the covering inside the line. Remove ink
line with paper towel and alcohol. Glue in place
with 5 min. epoxy.
TAIL ASSEMBLY
First it will be necessary to remove covering
over the wood gluing surfaces. This can be
done as stated before, that is, with a micro tip
soldering iron or by carefully cutting it with a
sharp razor. Be sure to cut inside the lines so
that the bare space will not show when the
parts are assembled
1. Draw two parallel lines with a felt tip pen
using the slot as a guide.
2. Place the stab on the fuselage and center it.
Hold it in place with masking tape. Hold the
vertical fin in position and mark the end of the
dorsal fin on the fuselage.
3. Extend the parallel lines from the stab to the
mark on the fuselage. Now remove the
covering in between the lines. Careful, do not
remove beyond the end of the dorsal fin mark.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
8
4. Turn the fuselage over and mark the outline
on the bottom of the stab with felt tip pen
5. Remove the covering between the lines.
6. Lay the fin support in position and draw a
line around the top edge. Turn the fin over and
do the same thing.
7. Remove the covering inside the lines you
have drawn. The fin support also rests against
the stab. Remove the covering there for wood
to wood glue joint. The tail components are
ready to mount on the fuselage.
8. Glue on the stab first using 5 min epoxy.
Tape a long straightedge on the wing saddle.
After gluing site from back of fuselage to make
sure stab is parallel with the wing.
9. Glue on the fin using 5 min. epoxy. Make
sure it is perpendicular with the stab. Use a
square and tape the fin in place. Now glue on
the fin supports on either side of the fin. Wipe
off the excess epoxy with alcohol and a paper
towel and allow to cure. Note: Do not glue on
bottom dorsal fin yet.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
9
HINGING THE ELEVATOR AND RUDDER
1. Before hinging the elevator and rudder to
the stab and vertical fin, locate the control horns
and CA them in place with thin CA. Match drill
the holes and complete mounting with hardware
supplied.
2. Locate the control horn as shown in photo.
Locate rudder control horn 4-1/4” from bottom
edge of rudder. Make sure rudder and
elevator control horns are on opposite
sides.
3. Locate the sub-dorsal fin. Draw a centerline
on the bottom of the hull; remove the covering
the width and length of the fin. Install the hinge
in the rudder and epoxy the fin in place. The
rudder and hinge will keep it vertical. Tape the
forward end to maintain alignment. Note: it
may be necessary to slot the sub-dorsal fin for
the hinge placement.
4. Install rudder and elevator with thin CA, as
described when installing ailerons.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
10
INSTALLING SERVOS AND PUSHRODS
1. The servo rails are pre-installed in the fuse.
2. Install the rudder and elevator servo using
the hardware supplied with the radio. The
servos should be centered with 1-3/4” between
servos.
3. Locate the pushrod material. Cut the outer
sleeving into two equal pieces approximately 22”
long. Cut the inner pushrod into 2 equal pieces
approximately 23” pieces. Screw the short
threaded rods into one end of the pushrod 1/2”.
Install the hex nut and screw on a clevis. Do
two pushrods.
4. Prepare the other end of the pushrods that
will hook up to the servo arms. Locate two
2mm x 6” rods threaded on one ends. Screw
them in 1/2” on both pushrods.
5. Uncover the pushrod exit holes in the aft end
of the fuselage. Enlarge them so the pushrod
sleeving will fit using a motor burring tool or X-
Acto blade. Push the sleeving in leaving approx.
1” extending. Using Silicone Sealer, glue them
in place both sides.
6. Mount both pushrods in the sleeves and hook
up to control horns on rudder and elevator.
Place a hex nut and clevis on each.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
11
7. Install the pushrod support on the sleeves
temporarily for alignment with the servos. Do
not glue in place yet.
8. Plug the servos into the receiver and
electrically center them. Mark the position where
the rod crosses the control arm and make a 90-
degree bend. Cut the leg at 3/8” and attach to
the servo output arm using the nylon swing in
keeper. Mechanically adjust the linkage so the
rudder and elevator are at neutral with the
servo centered. Some final adjustment will be
required later on.
The pushrod brace can now be glued to the
bulkhead and the outer sleeves glued to the
brace.
ENGINE MOUNTING
Engine mount and hardware.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
12
1. Locate the engine pod with mast. Find the
center of the firewall by drawing lines from each
corner. Now strike a horizontal and vertical line.
The engine mount will be centered on the
firewall.
2. The cowl length is 5”. Clamp your engine to
the mount with both mounts sitting flat on the
workbench. Measure from the bench to the front
of the prop thrust washer and leave 1/8”
clearance for the spinner. If you are using a
Goldberg spinner you will need to leave ¼”
clearance. Make sure the engine is square on
the mounts and mark the location of the mount
holes. Drill a #36 hole (.106”) and tap with a 6-
32 tap. Bolt the engine to mounts.
3. Center the engine on the firewall, mark the
holes for the mount, drill, and install the blind
nuts. Now install the engine mount with the
hardware supplied. Remove the engine from
the mounts.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
13
COWL INSTALLATION
1. Unpack the cowl and cutout the opening for
the engine as shown in the photo. Make it large
enough so you can access the engine mounting
bolts. Use a Dremel drum sander to remove the
fiberglass for the engine access hole.
2. Notch out for mast to allow for cowl
adjustment fore and aft if necessary.
3. Using a piece of cardboard, the height of the
pod, mark two hole, 1/8” in from the front edge
and 5/8” from top and 5/8” from bottom. Tape it
to the pod with the front edge flush with the
firewall. You will also need one for the other
side.
4. Slide the cowl on to the pod under the
templates. Temporarily set the engine in the
mount. Mount the spinner back plate on the
engine crankshaft with prop to hold it in place.
Adjust the cowl so that you have 3/32”
clearance between it and the back plate. Now
tape the cowl to the pod.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
14
5. Drill four 1/16” dia. holes, two on each side.
Use a hand drill however a drill press will ensure
straighter holes. Do both sides.
6. Install four #2 x 3/8” sheet metal screws to
retain the cowl in place.
Fuel Tank Assembly
Drill three ¼” holes, as shown in the photo.
1. Locate the fuel tank and assemble the parts
on the stopper. Bend the vent line carefully to
avoid kinking. File all sharp corners on tubing

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
15
end so fuel line will not be cut. Make sure inside
of tank is clean before installing stopper on tank.
2. Wrap fuel tank with bubble wrap (not
supplied) to cushion it. Hold it in place with cello
tape. Do not use foam, it will absorb water.
3. Cut two lengths of medium fuel line 7” long.
Install them on the vent and supply tubes
coming from the tank. Slide the tank in place as
shown. Feed the lines through the two holes in
the firewall.
4. Install the throttle servo on the mounts in
the pod. It may be necessary to shim the servo
up so the pushrod will align better with the
throttle arm. Remove the servo output wheel
and assemble an EZ Connector on it. Cut a
small hole in the bottom of the pod, next to the
mast, to exit the throttle servo connector. Tape
the connector lead in the slot to the mast.
5. Locate the 6” wire and mount a clevis on
one end. Push the plain end through the hole in
the firewall and attach to the EZ Connector on
the servo arm. Fasten the clevis on the throttle
arm. Adjust servo for proper direction and
open/close position.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
16
6. Remove the engine from the mount.
Install the cowl and align the spinner back plate
with the cowl leaving 1/16” to 3/32” clearance
between them. Center the fuel tank cover over
the cut out and tape in place. Slide the throttle
servo cover under the cowl and install using
clear tape to retain it. Now reinstall the engine,
hook up the throttle linkage and fuel line. The
engine pod is now complete.
INSTALLING THE ENGINE POD
1. Locate the mast support. Notch off the
forward lower edge of the mast to miss possible
glue gob at the bulkhead/keel joint.
2. Trial fit the engine pod assembly to be sure
of the fit. The mast should be against the
bulkhead top and bottom. The slot in the
bottom should be firmly placed in the keel and
against the bulkhead. When satisfied, apply 30
min. epoxy to all joints and allow to cure over
night. Apply more epoxy if necessary to edges
of mast support, at sides, and around the mast.

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
17
3. Trial fit the wing on the fuselage. The
leading edge should fit snug against the front
former. It may be necessary to increase the
notch depth in the wing to accommodate the
servo lead. Do this with a Motor Tool with a
burring bit. If any, very little will have to be
removed to allow it to fit.
INSTALLING THE HULL LIFTERS
1. Locate the hull lifters and note that you have
a LH and a RH.
2. Place them on the hull with the back edge
flush with the step. Center them on each side.
While holding in place draw a line around each
of them. The curved end to the inside.
3. Using a sharp Exacto knife, cut inside the line
remove the covering as shown. Use a paper
towel and alcohol to remove the ink lines.
4. Mix up some 30 min. epoxy and glue each
lifter in place. Make sure you have a good fillet
of epoxy all around the edges to seal them. The
lifters are necessary to help break the vacuum
sometimes occurring at the step.
5. Please do not omit the lifters from the
hull!
INSTALLING THE WINDSHIELD
1. Trim the windshield on the mold lines. They
are quite faint but if you look closely, you will
see them. Once trimmed sand the edges

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
18
smooth. Be sure to cut out the notch for the
mast, located in the center.
2. Trial fit the windshield on the fuselage. It
may necessary to do some extra trimming on
the sides to match the side windows. Once
satisfied, tape the windshield in place.
3. When positioned and taped, use thin CA glue
(carefully) several places to tack it in place.
Now apply a bead of Pacer Formula 560 Canopy
Glue all around the edges and let cure over
night. It may be necessary to do this again for
a good seal to keep the water out.
INSTALLING THE RADIO
1. We recommend putting the radio receiver in
a plastic bag and then wrapping it with bubble
wrap. If you use foam to wrap it, it will soak up
the water and will more likely let it migrate into
the receiver. Mount the receiver just ahead of
the servos and route the antenna out the side,
close to the wing saddle, and up to the vertical
fin. Thus keeping it out of the water
Mount the receiver switch inside, up close to the
wing saddle, using the DuBro Kwik-Switch and
Charging Jack No. 207. Coat the pushrod and
connector door on the outside of the switch with
Vaseline to keep the water out.
2. Standard servos may be used. They are
somewhat water resistant but not water
proof. Futaba does have a servo that is more
water resistant and is called Water
Resistant however, expect to pay more money.
Of course, if they are submerged, forget it. If
the receiver gets wet and fails to operate, dry it
out before trying to operate it again.
GETTING YOUR MODEL READY TO FLY
NOTE: This section is VERY important and
must NOT be omitted! A model that is not
properly balanced will be unstable and possibly
crash. You want a first successful flight!
1. Accurately mark the balance point on the
bottom of the wing, on both sides, next to the
fuselage. The balance point is 3-7/8” (28% of
the wing chord) back from the leading edge of
the wing. This is the balance point at which your
model should be balanced for your first flights.
Later, you may experiment by shifting the
balance up to 1/4" forward or back to change
the flying characteristics. If you move the

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
19
balance point forward it may improve the
smoothness and tracking, but your Mariner
may require more speed for takeoff and become
more difficult to slow and flare when landing on
the water. If you move the balance aft it will
make it more agile with a lighter feel and allow
you to perform more aerobatic maneuvers.
Please start at the location recommended.
2. All components should be in the model and it
should be ready to fly when balancing, the fuel
tank should be empty.
3. With the wing installed on the fuselage and
the fuel tank empty, lift the model at the
balance point mark on the bottom of the wing.
The model should hang with the nose down at a
10-degree angle. You will find the Mariner
needs the battery mounted all the way forward,
in the front hatch. The plane should not need
additional weight but will depend on the engine
size, and how heavily or lightly the tail was built.
You will have to experiment.
FINAL HOOKUPS AND ADJUSTMENT
1. Remove the servo arms from the servos,
turn on the transmitter and center all the trims.
Now reinstall all the servo arms and secure
them safely.
2. Double- check all servos and make sure
the servo arms are secure and that all clevis are
secured with a retainer.
3. Make sure the control surfaces move in the
proper direction and the throttle is not reversed.
4 –CHANNEL RADIO SETUP
Aileron 3/8” up 3/8” down
Elevator 3/4" up 3/4" down
Measured at widest part
Rudder 1-1/2” left 1-1/2” right
Measured at widest part
4. Adjust the pushrod hookups and set up the
radio to provide the above control travels.
Please use the CG location and control surface
travels listed in this manual for your initial test
flights.
GETTING READY TO FLY
1. Before flying the Mariner, it is necessary to
consider water proofing the wing saddle,
forward hatch and hatches on the engine pod.
It is impossible to completely waterproof it but
at least cut it down to a minimal, keeping out as
much as possible.
2. Spread a bead of GE Silicone Sealer on the
edges of the wing saddle. Lay a piece of wax
paper on it and install the wing, bolting it down.
When cured, remove the wing and wax paper
and trim the wing saddle edges with a sharp
razor.
3. All of the hatches can be waterproofed by
placing transparent cello tape over all the joints,
sealing them. This will keep them in place and
you may not choose to use screws to hold them.
Just use the tape.
BALANCE THE PROPELLOR
1. Carefully balance the propeller before you fly.
An unbalanced prop is the single most
significant cause of vibration and can cause
damage to your model. Not only will engine
bolts loosen with disastrous effect, but vibration
may also damage your radio receiver and
battery. Vibration can also cause fuel to foam,

Assembly Instructions
LANIER R/C MARINER 40 MK II ARF
LANIER R/C, INC.- P O Box 458 - Oakwood, GA 30566 - Ph 770-532-6401
© Copyright 2006 Lanier R/C, Inc.
20
which in turn will cause your engine to get hot
or quit.
CHARGE THE BATTERIES
1. Follow the battery charging procedure
recommended in the radio instruction manual.
It is best to charge all the batteries the night
before you intend to fly.
RANGE CHECK THE RADIO
1. Ground check the range of your radio before
the first flight of the day. Make this a practice.
With the transmitter antenna collapsed you
should be able to walk 100 feet away from the
model and have solid control. Repeat this test
with the engine running.
FLYING
Get ready for some fun! Flying off water will be
a new experience for some of you and others it
will be “old hat”. We have spent considerable
time with the Mariner, tuning it up for great
water handling, and ease of lift off.
Our prototypes were powered with a GMS .47’s
and they proved to be plenty of power to fly the
Mariner. You will find the water handling
characteristics superb with the rudder hanging
down in the water becoming the water rudder
making steering very easy.
With engine properly tuned, slide the Mariner in
the water. Advance the throttle and it will come
up on the step with no use of the elevator. This
is due to the generous spray rails and the
special hull lifters mounted on the step. The 3-
1/2 degrees up-thrust in the engine also
promotes positive help to accommodate getting
up on the step.
The flight characteristics of the Mariner are very
good at all ranges of the flight envelope. The
full symmetrical wing promotes some aerobatic
maneuvers such as loops, rolls and spins.
Maybe a few others we have not tried. The
Mariner displays no bad habits in the air.
Landing on water is pure joy! Maybe because it
is one of the flattest landing surfaces you could
ever hope to have. That is, without waves.
When it comes time to land, reduce the throttle
to half and let it sink down toward the water.
Just above the water start to flair and hold it off
in the ground effect, or is that water effect?
Keep the air speed up, no stall landing here, and
let it settle on the step. Then slowly retard the
throttle and taxi back to shore. Oh, the engine
quit? You had better have a boat, which is a
good idea. Have a ball! However, always stay
in control.
No matter how hard you try, it is always a
problem to keep water out of the hull. This is all
part of flying off the water. Keep the Silicone
Sealer handy and apply a thin coat to all joints
where water might enter. We say this lastly
because it will always remain a problem when
ever you fly.