Rinker 212 Festiva Cuddy

The recent move by Rinker to full fibreglass liners has been a major plus for Kiwi buyers, especially those who tend to kick their fish all around the cockpit. Gone is the full carpet lining, to be replaced with easy-to-clean fibreglass and a clip-on carpet. This liner extends from the forward bulkhead right through to the transom and certainly makes for easier cleaning than in previous models.

Rinker call it a cuddy, but it’s probably closer to a full cabin that offers sitting headroom for a couple of adults and full-length berths. Two infills make the entire area one large bed, ideal for overnighting or a place to relax during the day.

Storage is in narrow side trays with soft double-rolled backrests and also under the squabs. Limited somewhat by space, the portable head is stowed out of the way under the aft bulkhead and pulled out only when needed. Double acrylic doors secure the cabin for privacy and security. Light and ventilation are by way of twin oval side ports and an overhead Bomar hatch with inbuilt bug screen.

The cockpit seating layout comes in two styles: either a single helm pedestal and passenger back-to-back, plus 51 litre Igloo cooler with seat cushion and twin rear jump seats, or the sport pack option with the back-to-back replaced by another single pedestal. The rear seats are removable or can be raised to an elevated position to form a full width rear sun lounger. The back-to-backs also fold out to make a second lounger. If you are going fishing you can leave the carpet and the rear seats at home.

An interesting feature of the 212 Festiva is the walkthough screen, complete with moulded steps from the cockpit and anti-skid on the fordeck. With no side decks this is the only way forward to do the anchoring, unless you fit a fully automatic system.

PSL Marine make a few modifications to the foredeck area, adding a good solid fairlead and repositioning the bow cleat to where the navigation light used to be. Factory fitted, the anchor hatch gets in the way when you’re bringing in the warp and chain and the lights are subject to being damaged by the anchor tackle.

Storage is available in four side shelves, under the back to back seat and in rear compartments. Underfloor space is taken up by the 158 litre aluminium fuel tank. The canopy and entire framework hide away snugly in their own space under the padded aft deck. It took under five minutes to erect the full canvas with side curtains and rear cover.

You can buy a Rinker only with MerCruiser power – no outboards – so the engine box becomes another seat, has a couple of drink holders built in and forms a great table for a light lunch. Although there is a removable snack table if you don’t want to mark your clean upholstery. Acoustical foam is used on the engine covers to reduce on-board engine noise.

Completing the layout is a wide moulded boarding area complete with three-step stainless fold-down ladder, ski hook and fuel filler. The 212 Festiva comes on a Shoreland’r multi roller tandem trailer, which is standard with brakes, flush kit and fibreglass guards. Shoreland’r are reportedly the biggest boat trailer manufacturer in the world and, whilst they cost over $2000 more than a regular ‘bunk’ trailer, PSL include them in the overall package price at no extra charge.