Considering buying a 2006 Rinker 270 Fiesta Vee with 250 hours on it

[ericd1]

Does anyone know much about Rinker's? Good boat? Average boat? Terrible boat? It comes with a ton of options including a fresh water cooled Volvo Penta 5.7 motor. Any opinions welcome.

 

[muskyfins]

Welcome to iBoats.:welcome:

I own 2 Rinkers currently. (just bought number 2 last week) I have a 1995 FV265 and a 2000 FV270 (new one)

Originally, I wasn't sure on Rinkers either, but the 95 has been a great boat. Very stable, no structural issues, build quality and fit/finish are all good. With a Mercruiser 5.7 carb and bravo2, I can cruise at 30 and WOT 38with a lightish load. (2-3 people and half tank of fuel)

I haven't spent tons of time yet with the 2000, but it doesn't seem as well built as the 95. Fit and finish are about the same, but I also see some stress cracks in the gel coat that I don't have on the 95. The layout also seems less spacious even though the beam is 6" wider.

I have had very good success dealing with Rinker. I have gotten excellent technical information from them on a 20 year old boat. They have a fairly active owner's site/forum as well.

I don't see a reason to rule it out based on brand. There are some better and some worse. That's a good place to be as far as I'm concerned.

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard ericd1:

Mid-level maybe as far as brand is concerned. Nothing wrong with 'em, but not a premium plate either - if that makes sense. The bigger issue is the condition of the boat in question. If well cared for and in good shape, there's no reason it can't be a good boat for a long time based on being a Rinker.

 

[muskyfins]

Welcome aboard ericd1:

Mid-level maybe as far as brand is concerned. Nothing wrong with 'em, but not a premium plate either - if that makes sense. The bigger issue is the condition of the boat in question. If well cared for and in good shape, there's no reason it can't be a good boat for a long time based on being a Rinker.

+1. Most on this forum will agree that condition is the key to finding the right boat. Or maybe avoiding the wrong boat.:laugh:

 

[ericd1]

Thanks! Very Helpful. The boat is in great condition and is an original owner boat. They must have liked the boat if they kept it for 9 years.

 

[airdvr1227]

Not trying to pee in your corn flakes but that's not a good filter for figuring out whether it's a good boat. There is a sticky at the top of this forum for things to look at in a used boat. Have you owned a boat before? Why are they selling?

You should seriously consider having it surveyed. Boats rot from the bottom up. I'm sure a 9 year old 27 footer isn't going to be cheap. Just a word to the wise.

 

[southkogs]

I'll agree with airdvr on having it surveyed. There's a lot to look for on a boat like that. 250 hours in 9 years is only running her 28 hours per year ... she's spent a lotta' time just floatin'.

 

[ericd1]

This will be my second boat. Looking for a bigger boat that I can spend the weekends on. I would never buy a boat without getting a survey done. I'm just wondering about the reputation of Rinker. They are selling because they just want a day boat...they don't need the cabin.

 

[Slip Away]

Rinker reputation is all over the place. Poor engine mount design, sub par materials, great ride, good value for the money, poor re-sale value, company owners left, then returned, then left, and now is owned by Bennington (pontoon builder) and former CEO is once again back with the company, recruiting former employees that quit or got fired through the years of turmoil..

Condition is most important, and if it fits your needs and budget.

 

[Volphin]

I've been fairly impressed with Rinker boats overall. I'd just go over it for rot.

 

[BellevilleMXZ]

Rinker reputation is all over the place. Poor engine mount design, sub par materials, great ride, good value for the money, poor re-sale value, company owners left, then returned, then left, and now is owned by Bennington (pontoon builder) and former CEO is once again back with the company, recruiting former employees that quit or got fired through the years of turmoil..

Condition is most important, and if it fits your needs and budget.

Whats up with the engine mounts? Never heard that before?

 

[Slip Away]

Whats up with the engine mounts? Never heard that before?

Rinker lag bolts their engine mounts to the stringers rather than thru bolting the mounts to the stringers. They also use
3/8" Lag's when holes are actually 1/2" Causes bolts to loosen over time, water intrusion then rot.