Rinker Virgin

[jenalan]

Hi all
My name is Alan and I live with my wife, Jennifer and 4mth old son in Liverpool U.K
My wife and I are new to boating and are completely green to all matters relating to boats etc.
We are thinkling of buying a 2006 Rinker Fiesta Vee 270 from a boat yard.
Can you guys give me your opion on this model, what I should look out for when buying and any other usefull boating tips would be appreciated. Also does anyone know where I could find a PDF brochure as the website doesn't seem to show this model.
Many thanks
Alan

[Dream 'Inn]

First off, welcome to boating!  There are tons of 270 owners on this site, so I'm sure there will be some ideas for a manual.  As far as what to look for, I would say get a surveyor to help look things over, especially the engine.  If you are mechanically inclined, there are lots of things you can look over yourself and dig in while doing it.  Even a boat that is only two years old though will have some maintenance items.  One item for sure is the engine impeller should be changed out routinely.

Introducing a 4m old is a great thing!!  Both of my children started around that same age too.  They adapt to it very quickly.  Good luck!

[sanjiv]

I have a 2000 Rinker Fiesta Vee 270. Don't bother for manual it just gives you general information about boat, not specific to your year or model. I found pdf file on the internet. If you wish I could forward that to you. If you are interested please reply.

[Barberp]

Hi Alan,
We were in the same position as you and purchased a 270 a few months ago. we keep it in Cardiff and we're starting to enjoy it now the suns coing out. We bought from a dealer as we exchanged a 232 and I would agree with getting a survey but be wary about any gaurantee or liability from the surveyor in this country as theyre generally not what you would expect !!
I asked the same question about the 270 and from what I gathered from this board and subsequently from other people (both owners and non) the boat is well respected and doesnt suffer any particular problems.
If youre new to boating in general (as we were before xmas) its well worth doing a Powerboat 2 RYA course and having a couple of trips out on the boat to get used to it.
Happy to (try) answer any questions (particularly ones for new owners as we were in that position).
good luck.
Phil

[Capt Ron]

Hi Alan & Jennifer,
Weclome to the site . The boat you are looking at is very popular over here. In my opinion this is a great boat for the number of people who will be aboard. The most important point I could share with you at this time is to get a complete survey before buying or even giving a deposit. Some boat yards will insist on a deposit up front and then charge you for expenses if you try to back out later. Once you have the survey completed it will give you a detailed report about the boat and the decision to go ahead or not will be quite apparent to you. As previously mentioned, there are a great number of 270 owners on this site that can answer any questions you many have, so fire at will.
Cheers,
Ron

[Buster]

I also have just bought my first 270... I have had a 232 Captiva for the past few years and Upgraded when we had our Baby.

Regarding the boat, I also recommend the survey. It gives great piece of mind and also make sure that the boat is water tested. Running the boat in the yard does not put the engine under any pressure and therefore you will not get a proper report. Also get the shore power connected while vessel is in the water to make sure all the systems work.

Also I recommend you buy a boat with a fully galvanised trailer. You can launch your own boat yourself and any time or place and also bring your boat to many places extending your cruising choice. Painted trailers are hard work especially if your trailer had been used in the salt water.

Also if possible, get the camper covers with the boat. We spent the past few days on the boat with rain and it was still quite comfortable. We did 30 miles in the rain while wearing tee shirts...!!


Good luck and I hope this has been of some use.

[jenalan]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and advice.  We have been to Swansea today to view the 270 and we have put a deposit on it and it will be delivered to Liverpool Marina in the next couple of weeks!  :idea:

Here are some pics of our new boat:

[DJ]

Alan & Jennifer,

Congratulation on your new boat - she's a beauty

[Looperman]

Congrats on the new boat. I have owned two of them. The first we took on a 15 week trip, you can see it at http://www.cruisingthegreatloop.com (please disregard the nasty spam comments). We sold that one and bought a new one last year, you will love it.
Looperman

[Dan&Darci]

Congratulations on the new boat.  She looks like new!

[Don & Patt]

Congratulations!  We have owned 3 Rinkers ( 310, 342 and currently a 390 )  You will enjoy your boat and the freedom it offers beyond anything you can imagine.  She is gorgeous!

[Talon]

Congrats! you'll lvoe the 270.

[PartsMan]

Congratulations on the new boat! Looks GREAT!

[Greg]

Congratulations.

We had a 270 for just under 2 years, and loved it.  A really great boat.

Best of luck.

Greg