2005 Rinker Fiesta Vee 360 “Small Fry”

A large integrated swim platform provides convenient boarding from the dock or water. A concealed stainless-steel boarding ladder, transom shower and substantial storage help make the platform functional for swimming, watersports and dinghy access.

The cockpit is arranged on two levels, separating the entertaining area aft from the helm and companion seating forward.

The lower cockpit includes a full-width transom seat and refreshment center with sink, storage and Tundra refrigerator. The arrangement creates a natural gathering area without interfering with movement between the helm, companionway and swim platform.

Forward, a curved portside lounge faces the helm and provides companion seating while underway. Storage beneath the cockpit seating accommodates tables, cruising supplies and safety equipment.

The double-wide helm seat adjusts fore and aft and includes a flip-up bolster for improved visibility while maneuvering. A tilt steering wheel and logically arranged engine instruments keep the principal controls within easy reach.

The folding aluminum radar arch provides mounting space for antennas, lighting and electronics while allowing the boat’s bridge clearance to be reduced when necessary.

Access to the foredeck is through the opening center windshield. Stainless-steel rails provide security when moving forward to the anchor-handling area. The bow is equipped with a Lewmar electric windlass and foredeck sunpad.

Power is supplied by twin Volvo Penta 8.1-liter V8 gasoline engines rated at approximately 375 horsepower each.

• Port engine hours: 602
• Starboard engine hours: 602
• Total rated power: 750 hp
• Volvo Penta DuoProp sterndrives
• Counter-rotating stainless-steel propellers
• Hydraulic power steering
• Electric engine-room hatch
• Automatic fire-suppression system
• Lenco electric trim tabs

The DuoProp drives use two counter-rotating propellers on each drive. This arrangement improves acceleration, propeller grip and low-speed control compared with a conventional single-prop sterndrive.

The helm is equipped with Volvo Penta engine instrumentation and controls for the twin 8.1-liter V8s and DuoProp drives.

Electronics and navigation equipment include:

• Raymarine C80 MFD
• Simrad Halo radar system
• Standard Horizon VHF radio
• Danforth compass
• Lenco electric trim tabs with position indicators
• Remote-controlled searchlight
• Windlass controls
• Stereo remote
• Depth Sounder

The companionway opens into a surprisingly spacious salon for an express cruiser. Rinker used the sterndrive machinery arrangement to preserve interior length and create more usable accommodations than the boat’s model designation might suggest.

A large settee with dining table provides seating for meals, conversation or evenings aboard. The settee converts into an additional sleeping berth when needed. Cabinetry and storage are positioned above and beneath the seating area.

Opening ports, overhead lighting and air-conditioning outlets help keep the salon comfortable and well ventilated. The boat is equipped with a Sony entertainment system, including a CD changer, amplifier, Polk speakers and subwoofer.

• Builder: Rinker Boat Company
• Model: 360 Fiesta Vee
• Model year: 2005
• Type: Express cruiser
• Hull material: Fiberglass
• Length overall: 39'4"
• Beam: Approximately 12'3"
• Draft, drives down: 3'0"
• Draft, drives raised: 2'0"
• Dry weight: 18,200–18,400 lb
• Fuel capacity: 235 gallons
• Freshwater capacity: 51 gallons
• Holding-tank capacity: 45 gallons
• Deadrise at transom: 18 degrees

The 360 Fiesta Vee earned its place in the market by delivering space and equipment. Its nearly 40-foot overall length, broad beam, large cockpit, convertible midcabin and separate shower make it a practical alternative to smaller or substantially more expensive express cruisers.

The twin Volvo Penta 8.1-liter engines are well suited to the boat’s size and displacement. Their reserve power allows the 360 to plane without depending on small engines operating near their limits, while the DuoProp drives provide responsive acceleration and useful maneuvering authority.

For a buyer who values cockpit space, comfortable accommodations and a comprehensive onboard equipment package, this Rinker deserves consideration—provided its sterndrives, transom assemblies, exhaust systems and machinery have received appropriate maintenance.