Yacht Spotlight: 36′ Rinker 360 Fiesta Vee
The designers and engineers of 36’ Rinker 360 Fiesta Vee Sport Cruiser were exceptionally insightful with the boat’s construction in relation to the BVI. Provided with perceptive, practical features for navigating these islands, this small motor yacht is obviously developed from real-life boating experience and is an example from the variety of vessels available at a value, used-boat purchase-rate in the BVI.
With very comfortable Caribbean-savvy layouts above and below deck, the boat offers the potential of 40-knot performance on a calm day.
The aft cockpit features a settee spanning the transom and a small outdoor bar with fridge and ice maker. The sole lifts up, hinged at the transom, revealing an extraordinarily deep engine compartment, housing twin MerCruiser gas engines, which are linked to duoprop outdrives. There’s also a five kilowatt generator with a soundproof shield and CO monitor, water tanks and holding tanks.
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The helm features a double-bench seat with a bolster that pops up for driving while standing or sitting high enough to view surroundings easily – this is especially useful for close manoeuvres. The dash area is large enough for all the standard instruments, plus a Raymarine C80 Chartplotter. There are also controls for the outdoor lighting, a remote for the stereo, windlass controls, and the ability to operate the bow searchlight from there too.
The L-shaped passenger seat to port has loads of storage underneath.
From the cockpit, moulded-in steps lead up to the side decks, providing easy access to the bow. You can also reach the bow through the centre pane of the windshield. Extra-wide moulded steps lead up the console for easy access.
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The three-cabin interior layout is unusual for an express cruiser this size. The V-berth is enclosed behind a cherry-panelled bulkhead and door. The aft cabin underneath the helm deck has a lounge that converts to one huge berth, making an ideal section for kids at bed or dinner time.
The main saloon is elegantly appointed, with bright cherry cabinetry to offset the light tan upholstery and headliner. The galley has plenty of workspace, with a six foot-long Corian countertop and all the basic necessities. An enclosed head has a separate shower stall and a vacuum-flush porcelain toilet.
Add such luxurious features as a central vacuum system, 18,000 BTU heating and air conditioning, a 15-inch flat screen TV/DVD, and you have some pleasurable amenities for a weekend of exploring the BVI.
During my tests, top speed of this model proved to be 32 knots in the flat waters in the lee of St John. The Fiesta Vee 360 lifted gracefully up onto plane with very little bow rise. I found that I never lost sight of the horizon, even while driving from a seated position, making for a comfortable and secure operating position.
Once at moorings for the night, we established that with all hatches and ports open, there was sufficient ventilation to be comfortable; however, for the benefit of a thorough examination, we ran the generator for power and air conditioning. We discovered that the generator sound was no bother, even for those sleeping in the aft cabin.
The stereo with subwoofer and a great many speakers provided excellent background to a comfortable evening of relaxing in paradise.
Overall, this is a very cosy cruiser for a couple and friends, or a small family who wish to explore the BVI in style. It could also easily accommodate shopping needs between islands, and guests travelling to and from the USVI – a very popular itinerary in this region.
Brian Duff, Broker - BVI Yacht Sales
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