Looking for Suggestions on Sea-Trialing a FV 270

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  • davidbrooksdavidbrooks Member Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭✭
    I would keep looking also.  The problem I have with what you posted is that it sounds like it was all a surprise.  Not good.  These things should of been known upfront by the owner.  So unless he is going to fix all of these items and pay for a engine and outdrive survey I wouldn't do it.  Unless you like project boats. Oh and you will want to get a annual subscription to SeaTow.
    It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!
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  • MajorAppealMajorAppeal Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
    I got the hard code, it is: EST, electronic spark timing control circuit open.  Is there a good price point to be at on something like this or is it better to find a boat priced 10k higher that doesn't have these issues?
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  • MajorAppealMajorAppeal Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
    J3ff said:
    MajorAppeal said:
    So we got out for the sea trial on Monday. The boat is listing hard to starboard (4") sitting at the dock. The port side is literally sitting 4" higher out of the water than starboard side as the boat sits empty. The surveyor is going back tomorrow to try to figure this out. He believes that either the hulls is holding water from a blocked drain port or that the boat was built with a lead weight to offset the weight of a generator in the event one is installed and that the weight has come loose and fallen to starboard. The engine was hooked up to computer diagnostics. At WOT the throttle was calling for 99.6% but was only putting out a max of 4200 rpms. The engine had 3-4 codes. One being a hard code. I am still waiting on the report to get the exact codes. The hard code had something to do with firing or timing. With four adult men we got up on plane at WOT in about 20 seconds without using trim tabs. Max speed was 29 MPh as read by GPS on my phone. I didn't particularly trust the speedometer on the boat as all the gauges were reading 5-20% off what the computer was stating. The fuel gauge, horn, compass, and trim gauge are all broken or not functioning.  The GPS (lowrance) on the boat is not working. The unit is beeping and screen is flashing stuck on the startup screen displaying the opening disclaimer. The alternator is not charging the batteries.  I tried a few turns with the wheel turned all the way both to starboard and port, both were smooth with no shudder or vibration. After turning the engine off and letting it sit for a couple minutes I restarted the engine and it died after a second.  I may have let off the ignition too quickly the second time I held the key for about 3 second and it stayed on. The same thing happened for the surveyor at the dock and he did what I have read is the flooded engine protocol, i.e. taking the engine out of gear, giving it throttle, and starting the engine, quickly returning the idle and running the blower. It started fine that time. As far as I recall all other systems were operational.  Please let me know your thoughts....
    Run from this one - don't even send your mechanic back.   I started off with a 270 that ran strong, didn't appear to have any problems at all, first trip out was an hour or so drive, used it for 2 days and ended up with 24,000 $$ in repairs (new motor, new batteries) and 3 weeks of PRIME TIME SUMMER being lost.  

    The one you're looking at sounds like it's at a worse starting off point than mine was...  Find one that doesn't list and can be started at anytime.  29mph is slow for sure. I think mine cruises somewhere around 26/28, with 40 being tops.. 
    Is there anyway to diagnose what happened to your engine before buying one? It concerns me that I could go find a better boat, pay more, and the same happen to me...
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  • randy56randy56 Member Posts: 4,083 ✭✭✭✭✭
    On your first post you said the boat only had 212 hours, very low hours for a ten year old boat. Is the owner willing to have all repairs made at a good shop? He was not up on top of maintenance, Next question is records of maintenance, oil change, outdrive?,  water pump, ect. and the history, every thing you mentioned wrong is repairable. As far a the leaning to one side, mine leans to port about a 1/2 to 1 inch. 
    Boat Name : 

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  • MajorAppealMajorAppeal Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
    randy56 said:
    On your first post you said the boat only had 212 hours, very low hours for a ten year old boat. Is the owner willing to have all repairs made at a good shop? He was not up on top of maintenance, Next question is records of maintenance, oil change, outdrive?,  water pump, ect. and the history, every thing you mentioned wrong is repairable. As far a the leaning to one side, mine leans to port about a 1/2 to 1 inch. 
    The current owner only had the boat since last July. There are no maintenance records besides the 7 months he owned it. There is a broker involved who is also a technician at a local marina. It looks like he wants to do all the repairs himself and he is also representing the seller...
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  • trip_ntrip_n Member Posts: 747 ✭✭✭
    what out drive did they replace with/was it done right with the right parts ?
    could it be a storm boat ?
    seems that the previous owners have been dealers ?
    no mention of selling price ...is there meat on the bone to buy as is and repair ?
    get a cple professional opinions...even if it cost a few hundred ... theirs lots of good mechanics and boat people in your area .
    a tune up can do wonders but remember what j3ff has to say
    as mentioned how far is seller wanting/willing to go ... to repair,fix, what eva to see it go on down da river.
    IS THIS really the boat you want
    tread causally spend a little not alot 


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  • MajorAppealMajorAppeal Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
    trip_n said:
    what out drive did they replace with/was it done right with the right parts ?
    could it be a storm boat ?
    seems that the previous owners have been dealers ?
    no mention of selling price ...is there meat on the bone to buy as is and repair ?
    get a cple professional opinions...even if it cost a few hundred ... theirs lots of good mechanics and boat people in your area .
    a tune up can do wonders but remember what j3ff has to say
    as mentioned how far is seller wanting/willing to go ... to repair,fix, what eva to see it go on down da river.
    IS THIS really the boat you want
    tread causally spend a little not alot 


    Price is 22k, which seems pretty good from what I've been looking at. Given the needed repairs, I would ask for them to be repaired or come off the price. The only ownership history of know of is that a dealer bought it as a deal with a few other boats and sold it to the current owner. Not sure about outdrive replacement, my guess is its the DPS, that's what it looks like.  This model has everything I'd like to have, including newer camper top and extra cushions for rear seat to convert to bed. I also like the layout and the cabin is very clean.
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  • rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,391 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That's a tuf one....at 22 grand, sounds like a pretty good price if you want to take the time to fix what is wrong- My boat had 100 hours on it 3 years ago and an 05. I figured even if it was not maintained (and it obviously was not) worst case it was 1 oil change behind. Had to also fix a few things, major clean up and did have to get a new camper package which was recently completed. Have not had any major issues with the boat sitting- I have everything working but also did it all myself. The only surprise I really had was a carrier bearing in the foot that starting leaking and I was right on top of getting that fixed. The TV was analog  so had to upgrade to digital (or is it the other way around?). I replaced the coupler but I think I had struck something underwater a few months earlier so I think that was on me but not a mechanical failure in my book. At any rate, point is depending on what you have to spend and how much time you want to invest in it, could be a pretty good deal on a boat with a little tlc would be ok. I have the 350 MPI, it runs nicely at around 25 but I don't think it would do 40 at WOT. I usually use the trim tabs to plain it out and 20 seconds sounds about the same in my boat- you can play around with the pitch and get better results I'm sure. Mine also has that lean- I really like mine and with the tinkering I have done on it since purchased, I pretty much know it one end to the back. If you can work on it yourself that would save you a ton- if you are going to haul it to a marina every time you have a hick up, better have a pretty fat wallet for sure but that is any boat without a warranty. 

    Good luck! If this one does not happen, keep looking as I'm sure there is one out there and maybe a higher price for something in better shape will be a better deal for you. I paid way more than that for mine 3 years ago and thought I had a decent deal from what was available at the time. Mine has the genny and is a closed cooling which both were a must on my list.  It also has the bow rail, windlass, upgraded stereo, probably about everything he could order except for the larger motor...I'm a happy camper! 
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  • 212rowboat212rowboat Member Posts: 2,593 ✭✭✭✭✭
    so.... my two cents.... a little off subject, but i'll circle back around. 

    two something's i've learned over and over, and is now a condition of purchase no matter what I'm buying:

    1- I'll never buy something for what I see in it; I'll only buy it for what it IS.  It's far too easy to see yourself and family perched on that swim platform, feet dangling in warm tropic waters, refreshments beading with sweat in the cockpit as gulls circle nearby and the sound system softly serenades you........ the reality is that is earned by captains, not an entitlement of ownership.  A boat like that is a lot like men north of 50yo who say "I'm healthy as a horse", which is the same as saying "I haven't seen a doctor in years!".... every. boat. owner. worth. his. salt. has. a. list.  -of things that are wrong, things that need investigation, and things that they haven't gotten around to yet.   I fear, after reading this thread that you're in love with the idea of this boat, and not the boat.  DRAW THAT LINE OF SEPARATION.  like girlfriends, there is another in the next port.  Like wives, well.... you'll have a list if you're a husband worth your salt.

    2- all these things you're presenting now seem like small obstacles- offering toothpicks for hurdles in the 200m.  that's because you can't see past the dream and haven't drawn that line of separation between what 'is' and what you 'want' it to be..... once you do that, it'll be easy.... this is different from the #1 for this one comment: All of those little things you're finding now will haunt you and you'll be $xxx less loaded and looking down the barrel of $xxx more to 'make it right'.....

    a boat unlike a car or even a house is a labor of love- if you don't love it, it'll become you're own little floating inferno of hades.- if you do, you're happy with your list growing as it keeps you engaged.  as far as this boat is concerned: Walk away, sir.  There is another in the next port that may fairly elicit dedication.  separate the dream from the reality.   
    click here for faults (BEEP) list
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  • trip_ntrip_n Member Posts: 747 ✭✭✭
    a must do
    find out what out drive
    what props..size/condition
    have someone go and look with you that is not affiliated in any way with seller..boat yard...etc
    get a second opinion from a qualified boat person/surveyor.
    i find it odd surveyor hasn't mentioned  out drive  
    if you like it and you are handy/dandy .... try hard to really see what your getting into 
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  • LaReaLaRea Member, Moderator Posts: 7,747 mod
    Whenever an owner declines to fix basic, essential equipment such as the alternator, fuel gauge and trim gauge, it's a sure sign that the boat has suffered because of the owner's neglect and/or ignorance.  If you really like the boat, explain your concerns and make a non-negotiable offer at 50-60% of the asking price.  If they don't accept, walk away.

    You'll lose the cost of the survey, but that's a small price to pay.
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Dana Point, California, USAPosts: 0 ✭✭✭
    New drives come from Volvo Penta with a new updated sticker for the engine cover. If the cover still says XDP and you don't have that drive it suggests the mechanic didn't bother putting on the new sticker or maybe the replacement drive was used.

    Andy
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  • MajorAppealMajorAppeal Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
    212rowboat said:
    so.... my two cents.... a little off subject, but i'll circle back around. 

    two something's i've learned over and over, and is now a condition of purchase no matter what I'm buying:

    1- I'll never buy something for what I see in it; I'll only buy it for what it IS.  It's far too easy to see yourself and family perched on that swim platform, feet dangling in warm tropic waters, refreshments beading with sweat in the cockpit as gulls circle nearby and the sound system softly serenades you........ the reality is that is earned by captains, not an entitlement of ownership.  A boat like that is a lot like men north of 50yo who say "I'm healthy as a horse", which is the same as saying "I haven't seen a doctor in years!".... every. boat. owner. worth. his. salt. has. a. list.  -of things that are wrong, things that need investigation, and things that they haven't gotten around to yet.   I fear, after reading this thread that you're in love with the idea of this boat, and not the boat.  DRAW THAT LINE OF SEPARATION.  like girlfriends, there is another in the next port.  Like wives, well.... you'll have a list if you're a husband worth your salt.

    2- all these things you're presenting now seem like small obstacles- offering toothpicks for hurdles in the 200m.  that's because you can't see past the dream and haven't drawn that line of separation between what 'is' and what you 'want' it to be..... once you do that, it'll be easy.... this is different from the #1 for this one comment: All of those little things you're finding now will haunt you and you'll be $xxx less loaded and looking down the barrel of $xxx more to 'make it right'.....

    a boat unlike a car or even a house is a labor of love- if you don't love it, it'll become you're own little floating inferno of hades.- if you do, you're happy with your list growing as it keeps you engaged.  as far as this boat is concerned: Walk away, sir.  There is another in the next port that may fairly elicit dedication.  separate the dream from the reality.   

    While I will admit it if difficult for me to let go of the dreams and plans I've made for this boat, I have been trying to emotionally separate.  I am afraid that I will not be able to find a boat in this size and age for under $25k.  Everything similar I am seeing close to 30-45k.  I've become quite handy over the years with working on my 1979 17' center console since I started on a low budget and re-did everything myself (GPS, steering cable, shift and throttle cables, trailer lighting, impeller replacement, replacing seals in lower unit, replacing trailer bearings, etc).  Like you said, it is a labor of love as I enjoy spending time working on the boat as I cherish the times I have on it.  
       I take your advice as well as the other Rinker owners seriously as it will likely be key in what I decide.  I feel this boat hasn't had an owner worth their salt for most of it's life if ever.  Just to be certain, even if the seller is willing to fix the problems I mentioned or give a reasonable financial credit that I could fix them myself, do you still suggest I walk away?  Do you feel what the past/current owner has done or left undone is irreversible?
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,661 mod
    edited March 2017
    To me, the performance of the boat is the most important (and hull integrity - ie no water seepage).  If those engines can make her purr like she should, and you know there are no water issues, then yes, I would probably go for it if it were me.  I'm saying if they fix those items. I've also learned that cheaper price isn't necessarily better (I know I'm preaching to the choir).

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • randy56randy56 Member Posts: 4,083 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would be real surprised if you could find one under 30k in good shape.
    Boat Name : 

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  • MajorAppealMajorAppeal Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
    randy56 said:
    I would be real surprised if you could find one under 30k in good shape.
    That being said, is it better to pay 30k for the boat in good condition or 22k and have the 8k to make sure it gets fixed right? Or is that 8k not enough?
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,661 mod
    It doesn't take long to spend 8k, believe me.  it's a tough choice you are looking at. I'd say it's worth going and looking at a couple more 270s.  There has to be plenty around in our area worth looking at.  Then see if those are worth more or the difference.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • MajorAppealMajorAppeal Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
    Dream_Inn said:
    It doesn't take long to spend 8k, believe me.  it's a tough choice you are looking at. I'd say it's worth going and looking at a couple more 270s.  There has to be plenty around in our area worth looking at.  Then see if those are worth more or the difference.

    Where's a good place to look?  I've only found two and one is significantly older.
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  • rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,391 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Check boat trader and all those sites- you may have to travel. I'm in fl, looked at one in Houston, bought one ip in the panhandle...they AR out there.
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  • trip_ntrip_n Member Posts: 747 ✭✭✭
    https://rinkerboats.vanillaforums.com/discussion/6247/2003-rinker-fiesta-vee-for-sale#latest
    compare

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  • trip_ntrip_n Member Posts: 747 ✭✭✭
    wait ................ dude .... don't move
                                                          there's a monkey on your head 
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  • randy56randy56 Member Posts: 4,083 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I stand corrected, bag piper has one for sale under 30k, now where in this world are you compared to, Major, and where is Major located?
    Boat Name : 

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  • rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,391 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That was over a year ago, still has it? Great price if so.
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  • trip_ntrip_n Member Posts: 747 ✭✭✭
    sorry i didnt look at the date....not sure
    this is on boattrader
    http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2003-rinker-270-fiesta-vee-102930413
    looks and sounds like a good 1
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  • Liberty44140Liberty44140 Member Posts: 4,379 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That is a great looking package. Generator runs, you can see it spitting in one of the pics! 
    07' Cruisers 390 (Previous Rinker's: 06' 342EC & 01' 310FV)

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  • davidbrooksdavidbrooks Member Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭✭
    One other idea for you is to check out boattest.com. I google the words boattest.com and the Model and number  and get https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLE2DsMBjrY.  I did this when switching from my last boat and learned a ton.  What I like is that they show you the boat and specs and give you an idea of what you should expect as normal.  It also goes into some things that aren't on specs but can be annoying in some makes such as bow rise.  Just an idea.  Good luck.
    It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!
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  • summerxsummerx Member Posts: 211 ✭✭✭
    I would run, not walk, if it were me.  my guess is the previous broker bought this as a repo deal/package at a song.  Sold it to the current owner who is just quickly tired of having problems and headaches and just wants out.  Otherwise, many of those easily identified problems would have been fixed or at least noted.  I would personally be leary of what else you haven't discovered yet.
    If you are willing to take on the risk and potential project, it may certainly work out just fine.  You will likely need to spend significant time and $$$ to get there.  If you can pick it up for $16K-$18k, which would leave you plenty of wiggle room to make it right, then maybe you go for it.  Just ask yourself how bitter you will be if after each outing you fine another small issue that needs to be fixed?  worse yet, a big one that will cost you the next few weeks of the boating season.

    I understand that even buying a newer, cleaner, seemingly better maintained boat could still cost you time and money with an unforeseen issue. However the part of all of the openly obvious fixes which haven't been addressed would concern me of what is hiding.
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  • summerxsummerx Member Posts: 211 ✭✭✭
    And as a side note, I speak from experience.  When I purchased my 310 3 years ago, The first summer, I had a number of  issues which plagued it, finding a new one each weekend it seemed.  That first winter, I sent the boat to the mechanic and spent $8k having both engines pulled and EVERYTHING that was rubber, plastic or electrically connections replaced.  this included shift cables, throttle cables, boots, belts hoses, etc.  That was after putting a few $K in it over the summer with miscellaneous fixes.  However, it has worked out great and the last 2 summers I didn't have a single issue which caused me any missed time and the boat has been wonderful.
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  • MajorAppealMajorAppeal Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
    randy56 said:
    I stand corrected, bag piper has one for sale under 30k, now where in this world are you compared to, Major, and where is Major located?

    I'm in Maryland
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  • davidbrooksdavidbrooks Member Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭✭
    @MajorAppeal  did you look at this one? https://annapolis.craigslist.org/boa/6023979317.html 
    It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!
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