2003 Fiesta Vee Purchase

Akobla

Hi All, 

I'm brand new to the forum and looking to purchase a 2003 Fiesta Vee 312.  I was wondering if there are any specific things that I should look for when purchasing a Rinker in this age range? Are there known issues that usually need repair around this age? Thanks for any advice!!

Take Care,
Brian

Pat310

Welcome. I purchased my 2003 310 Fiesta Vee last August. A certified surveyor is a must. Would also recommend a mechanical survey as well. Service records are a plus. For the most part Rinker are well built solid boats, but anything 17 years old is going to have issues.  That’s why a good surveyor is important. Check for water in the mid bilge, (usually from cabin windows,windshield screws or hull joint),  soft spots on the bow deck, water stains in cabin carpets and out drive corrosion come to mind of places to look at. Expensive things to replace include generator, and air conditioner so make sure they work. Read through the posts on this forum for lots of info and fixes. Good luck

LaRea

Agree - there aren't any Rinker-specific issues, but many general issues.  

Two things to consider when you negotiate price.  Check the hour meter on the generator.  Ideally, it should show at least 5-10 hours per year, indicating that it has been exercised regularly.  And is the engine room clean and tidy?  A nasty, oily mess suggests neglect and future problems.  

Like @Pat310 said, water stains can show a history of leaks from rub rails or port windows.  

YYZRC

Are you able to get any service history? Have a tech hook up to the ECU to get the actual engine hours (don’t trust the helm gauges). I would also want a compression test and I would pull the drives (50/50 cost share with seller) to ensure everything is kosher. 

I took the above steps when buying my last boat (2000 Four Winns) and no regrets. I found it to be money better spent than the survey. 

Ian

I’ll disagree with @Pat310 on one point - 17 years old doesn’t have to have issues if it’s been maintained well. Will there be items that may need work soon - yes. Have they been done - maybe. I have like Pat a 2003 310 (early 2003 builds were 310, late 2003 were 312) and bought at 10 years old, now 17 and has given little trouble but of course needed a few things along the way. Most recently, end of last season - carrier bearing seal went on starboard lower unit. So did both, if one went the other is likely close so that was $2k.

Where it has been - fresh, salt, winter stored, hours on engines are key to know. If looked after it’s a great boat but a survey is also worth the investment. After you look over it first, a friend saw one on Craig’s and in photos looked good but in the flesh it was crap.

Akobla

Thank you all for the responses!  It is in the Hudson around Selkirk, but has not been far enough South to be in the brackish waters down state. It's been stored indoors and been at the same marina for the past 15 years.  Service records are forth coming and the seller has already replaced the AC, some canvas, and had both motors serviced recently.  I took a drive to view in person and everything seems kosher as of now.  Going to take it out this weekend and see how she performs.  Thanks again for the info!

Ian

Welcome Brian @Akobla to the Rinker family! He’s now the proud owner of this fine vessel, I met him today as he’s currently at the marina next to the club I’m at and the Admiral and I happened to zip around there on the RIB and saw him onboard - first face to face of another RBOC member.

LaRea

Congrats @Akobla !

Dream_Inn

Congrats @Akobla!  The 312 is a great boat.  @icoultha it's pretty cool when you start meeting members from the forum.