Rinker Fiesta Vee 300
How large must a vessel be before it can be considered a true cruiser? Try the Rinker Fiesta Vee 300 on for size, and decide for yourself
January 1, 2006
To be considered a true cruiser, a vessel must be capable of keeping its occupants
comfortable on board for longer than just a few days. It should have twin engines, sleep six, and
be wide enough to warrant you a moving citation for trailering (that is, if you don't jump through
the "wide load" hoops). That's not too hard to accomplish if your name happens to be "Rockefeller,"
but a more exclusive club is one that meets the first set of criteria, but also costs $150,000 or
less. If you check around, you see a lot of boats that can meet that benchmark with a lowball base
price, but this cruiser is loaded with options - like the highest horsepower engine upgrade, a 5.0
kW generator with A/C and heat, color C-70 Raymarine radar/chartplotter/fishfinder, all-filler
cushions and canvas, and a dinghy with a hoist. But what really sets it apart is the standard
flip-up blender in the cockpit - now, you're surely looking at the Rinker Fiesta Vee 300. OK,
something's got to give - and you would think that the most likely culprit would be quality. But,
in the latest J.D. Power and Associates survey, Rinker ranked second in customer satisfaction in
the Express Cruiser category (24-33 feet), despite being the least expensive out of 11 boat brands.
Needless to say, it scored a maximum of five "Power Circles" in the "Value for Money" category.
Rinker even got five circles for styling, which is certainly the first thing you notice as you
sidle up to the slip.
Entering the boat from its generous swim platform, which has a concealed ultra-long boarding ladder, you swing through the transom gate and into the cockpit. The seating arrangement is simple, with an uncluttered stern bench that stretches the entire width (minus the walkthrough alcove). Underneath the bench is a large space for dry storage, which, like the other compartments, you can access by removing the entire seat bottom - one of the boat's few features that subtly alludes to how Rinker has managed to keep its price so low. Here, you find the stowed cocktail table and mounting pedestal, in addition to the two shore-power cables that can connect to either side. Behind the captain's double-wide seat is a beverage prep center, including what has now become a Rinker trademark: the flip-up blender. On the port side is a smaller station with a built-in trash container and a trio of cupholders (making a total of nine altogether, all set strategically around the cockpit). Farther forward is the L-shaped settee, which faces the captain's seat and allows the driver to be a part of the conversation. The helm seat features a flip-up bolster seat, designed to keep the skipper's head above the highly functional, curved, tinted windshield.
The helm station is well-designed; the array of gauges have been placed high to allow for good visibility. The MerCruiser throttles are set onto a pedestal, providing the captain with an easy reach, whether sitting or standing. In front of the throttles are the Lenco trim tab switches complete with their LED indicator lights. Just beneath the throttles is the VHF radio, a standard feature - like the 600-watt, six-speaker Sony stereo, which even has a second control pod at the stern. Another noteworthy feature is the chart holder, which is big enough to hold even oversized cruising guides. Shucking the lines, the Rinker Fiesta Vee 300 idles down the channel toward Miami's Hard Rock Café. As soon as the no-wake zone is cleared, the driver pins the throttles on the pair of 300-hp MerCruiser MAG 350 MPI Horizon engines, and the Rinker planes in just six seconds, all the while maintaining a view of the horizon. A happy cruising speed of 30 mph is reached in just more than 10 ticks, while running surprisingly level. One area in which you might expect a lower-cost boat to try to save a little money would be the hull. However, the Fiesta Vee 300 is actually beefier than most, weighing in at 11,100 pounds. This translates into a solid ride, as it handles the channel's numerous wakes in style, with its moderate 18-degree deadrise. Surprisingly, you can crank the Fiesta Vee 300 into a bowrider-like turn without complaint. When the throttles are shoved to the max, the Rinker reaches a respectable top speed of about 45 mph.
Overhead is a full-sized, color-coordinated Sunbrella Bimini top. A nice feature is that the attached isinglass and canvas enclosure is color-coded to make set-up easy. Welded seams replace sewn joinery - which can fail when given prolonged exposure to the elements. Heading up front to handle anchoring duties or to sun on the optional front pad is made simple, thanks to the wide steps leading to the walkthrough windshield. The 316 stainless-steel bow rail is tall, and an effective non-skid surface keeps you from accidentally skating on a wet deck. Rinker has assumed that most buyers will need an anchor, chain, and line, as well as an electric windlass (which can be operated at the helm), so these items all come standard. After a leisurely cruise, the no-wake zone is again reached and the driving duties are turned over so the cabin inspection can begin. In reality, it's the lure of the 12,000-BTU air conditioning cranked down to a setting suitable for penguin maintenance that drives the writer below. Upon sliding open the acrylic cabin door, a cool blast rushes out to welcome descending newcomers. It might be a coincidence that the 6-foot-4-inch cabin clearance matches the height of Rinker President Kim Slocum - but probably not, because he's a hands-on guy who spends a lot of time on prototypes, making sure all of the details are taken care of. The cabin's styling is classic beige and white fabrics, robust Omnova vinyl, and cherry veneer cabinetry.
On the starboard side is the fully equipped galley, which comes standard with a stove, microwave, refrigerator (with icemaker), sink (hot and cold water), and a generous food-prep surface, along with loads of storage space. The Fiesta Vee 300 sleeps six. In the bow, the triangular dining table can drop down to support a pair of cushions, forming a master berth. With raised thigh support on the seats and filler cushions, there's an abundance of sections to sleep on, but fussy sleepers may opt for the amidships berth, which features a one-piece mattress. Both the fore and aft cabins have curtains for privacy. The cabin's couch also converts to a berth, and from here guests can take advantage of the standard 13-inch TV/DVD entertainment system. The head compartment features a standard china bowl toilet with pumpout, a hot-water shower fed by a 33-gallon water tank, and a 6-gallon water heater, all supported by a 45-gallon holding tank - one of the biggest in its class. A nice touch is the vanity rail, designed to keep toiletries from sliding over the edge. The base price for the Fiesta Vee 300 is $122,340 - including its pair of 270-hp Volvo engines. For this price, its list of standard features is mind-boggling. Even loading the boat with every option (except the Volvo D4 diesel package) barely cracks the $150,000 mark. Value, quality and style have always been Rinker's forte and clearly the Fiesta Vee 300 is no exception.
The Verdict
Well-built, good-looking, twin-engine cruiser that represents an outstanding value. Standard features abound, including a nicely equipped galley. Moderate 18-degree deadrise trades some rough-water slicing performance for better fuel economy and improved top speed.
LOA 31'6"
Beam 10'6"
Weight 11,100 lbs.
Fuel 150 gal.
Top Speed 44.9 mph
(w/twin 300-hp MerCruiser MAG 350 MPI BIIIs)
0-30 mph 10.2 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 60 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 87 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 94 dB-A
Base Price $122,340
(w/twin 270-hp Volvo Pentas)
Price As Tested $136,622
(w/twin 300-hp MerCruiser MAG 350 MPI BIIIs)
Hull Warranty 5-year transferable
NMMA Certified? Yes
Rinker Boat Co.
300 W. Chicago St.
Syracuse, IN 46567
(574) 457-5731
www.rinkerboats.com
Entering the boat from its generous swim platform, which has a concealed ultra-long boarding ladder, you swing through the transom gate and into the cockpit. The seating arrangement is simple, with an uncluttered stern bench that stretches the entire width (minus the walkthrough alcove). Underneath the bench is a large space for dry storage, which, like the other compartments, you can access by removing the entire seat bottom - one of the boat's few features that subtly alludes to how Rinker has managed to keep its price so low. Here, you find the stowed cocktail table and mounting pedestal, in addition to the two shore-power cables that can connect to either side. Behind the captain's double-wide seat is a beverage prep center, including what has now become a Rinker trademark: the flip-up blender. On the port side is a smaller station with a built-in trash container and a trio of cupholders (making a total of nine altogether, all set strategically around the cockpit). Farther forward is the L-shaped settee, which faces the captain's seat and allows the driver to be a part of the conversation. The helm seat features a flip-up bolster seat, designed to keep the skipper's head above the highly functional, curved, tinted windshield.
The helm station is well-designed; the array of gauges have been placed high to allow for good visibility. The MerCruiser throttles are set onto a pedestal, providing the captain with an easy reach, whether sitting or standing. In front of the throttles are the Lenco trim tab switches complete with their LED indicator lights. Just beneath the throttles is the VHF radio, a standard feature - like the 600-watt, six-speaker Sony stereo, which even has a second control pod at the stern. Another noteworthy feature is the chart holder, which is big enough to hold even oversized cruising guides. Shucking the lines, the Rinker Fiesta Vee 300 idles down the channel toward Miami's Hard Rock Café. As soon as the no-wake zone is cleared, the driver pins the throttles on the pair of 300-hp MerCruiser MAG 350 MPI Horizon engines, and the Rinker planes in just six seconds, all the while maintaining a view of the horizon. A happy cruising speed of 30 mph is reached in just more than 10 ticks, while running surprisingly level. One area in which you might expect a lower-cost boat to try to save a little money would be the hull. However, the Fiesta Vee 300 is actually beefier than most, weighing in at 11,100 pounds. This translates into a solid ride, as it handles the channel's numerous wakes in style, with its moderate 18-degree deadrise. Surprisingly, you can crank the Fiesta Vee 300 into a bowrider-like turn without complaint. When the throttles are shoved to the max, the Rinker reaches a respectable top speed of about 45 mph.
Overhead is a full-sized, color-coordinated Sunbrella Bimini top. A nice feature is that the attached isinglass and canvas enclosure is color-coded to make set-up easy. Welded seams replace sewn joinery - which can fail when given prolonged exposure to the elements. Heading up front to handle anchoring duties or to sun on the optional front pad is made simple, thanks to the wide steps leading to the walkthrough windshield. The 316 stainless-steel bow rail is tall, and an effective non-skid surface keeps you from accidentally skating on a wet deck. Rinker has assumed that most buyers will need an anchor, chain, and line, as well as an electric windlass (which can be operated at the helm), so these items all come standard. After a leisurely cruise, the no-wake zone is again reached and the driving duties are turned over so the cabin inspection can begin. In reality, it's the lure of the 12,000-BTU air conditioning cranked down to a setting suitable for penguin maintenance that drives the writer below. Upon sliding open the acrylic cabin door, a cool blast rushes out to welcome descending newcomers. It might be a coincidence that the 6-foot-4-inch cabin clearance matches the height of Rinker President Kim Slocum - but probably not, because he's a hands-on guy who spends a lot of time on prototypes, making sure all of the details are taken care of. The cabin's styling is classic beige and white fabrics, robust Omnova vinyl, and cherry veneer cabinetry.
On the starboard side is the fully equipped galley, which comes standard with a stove, microwave, refrigerator (with icemaker), sink (hot and cold water), and a generous food-prep surface, along with loads of storage space. The Fiesta Vee 300 sleeps six. In the bow, the triangular dining table can drop down to support a pair of cushions, forming a master berth. With raised thigh support on the seats and filler cushions, there's an abundance of sections to sleep on, but fussy sleepers may opt for the amidships berth, which features a one-piece mattress. Both the fore and aft cabins have curtains for privacy. The cabin's couch also converts to a berth, and from here guests can take advantage of the standard 13-inch TV/DVD entertainment system. The head compartment features a standard china bowl toilet with pumpout, a hot-water shower fed by a 33-gallon water tank, and a 6-gallon water heater, all supported by a 45-gallon holding tank - one of the biggest in its class. A nice touch is the vanity rail, designed to keep toiletries from sliding over the edge. The base price for the Fiesta Vee 300 is $122,340 - including its pair of 270-hp Volvo engines. For this price, its list of standard features is mind-boggling. Even loading the boat with every option (except the Volvo D4 diesel package) barely cracks the $150,000 mark. Value, quality and style have always been Rinker's forte and clearly the Fiesta Vee 300 is no exception.
The Verdict
Well-built, good-looking, twin-engine cruiser that represents an outstanding value. Standard features abound, including a nicely equipped galley. Moderate 18-degree deadrise trades some rough-water slicing performance for better fuel economy and improved top speed.
LOA 31'6"
Beam 10'6"
Weight 11,100 lbs.
Fuel 150 gal.
Top Speed 44.9 mph
(w/twin 300-hp MerCruiser MAG 350 MPI BIIIs)
0-30 mph 10.2 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 60 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 87 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 94 dB-A
Base Price $122,340
(w/twin 270-hp Volvo Pentas)
Price As Tested $136,622
(w/twin 300-hp MerCruiser MAG 350 MPI BIIIs)
Hull Warranty 5-year transferable
NMMA Certified? Yes
Rinker Boat Co.
300 W. Chicago St.
Syracuse, IN 46567
(574) 457-5731
www.rinkerboats.com
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