Anyone got any thoughts on a Rinker 250?

[lovezoo]

I'm thinking of going up a boat size or two from my existing 19 footer (Fletcher 19GTS), to a Rinker 250 Fiesta Vee. Anyone have any experience with this boat or Rinkers in general? The boat will just be used as a day boat for the 2.5 of us, so a bit of zooming and lounging in nice weather is all that it will be required to do.

Any thoughts welcome.

 

[rubberduck]

Our first boat, very good quality & no probs, till the twat EBY sold it to tried to sink it. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[lovezoo]

If I buy one I will try and remember not to sink it.

What engine option did you have and what performance did you get?

 

[Alistairr]

I bought a Rinker 232 brand new in 2003, it was a great boat, best I've ever had, hull was solid, quality of fixture and fitting was excellent, I believe it is one of the best American brands.

We loved it and ordered a 250 in 2005, built to our spec, but unfortunately had to cancel the order before we took delivery.(bought an older sealine instead, (not as nice)).

The 250 is an excellent boat, power wise we went for the Volvo 5.7l. I would suggest you need that, or the Mercruiser 350 magnum, its a very good engine and not too thirsty. Which ever engine you go for, try and get a duo prop, makes for better handling. Try and get at least 300hp if its petrol.
, We had 260hp on the Rinker 232.

Any other questions just ask.

And yes, If I had the money, I'd buy another Rinker tomorrow.

What sort of age are you looking for?

Cheers

Al.

 

[lovezoo]

Thanks for the comments. I am looking at a 4 year old boat with the Volvo 5.0 GXi 270HP engine and a duo-prop. I think that this engine/outdrive combination should work well on that size of boat and not be too thirsty. I also really like the cockpit layout of the boat, almost perfect for dayboating.

 

[KCook]

If there are any nearby, also take a look at Four Winns and Monterey.

Kelly Cook

 

[Alistairr]

Yes, that engine should be fine, just make sure you take a seatrail, and see how long it takes to get on the plane. It is a big heavy boat. Once on the plane then it will be fine, you'll have plenty of power.

Yes nice boat with a good layout, make sure you post some pics if you get it.

Cheers

Al.

 

[RobWales]

Main thing to check is service history!
Bellows should have been changed on a 4yr old,also vital to ensure engine has adequate cooling so a decent seatrial and some WOT driving is a must........
The risers are prone to gunking up and hampering flow.
Good luck.
Rob. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ontheplane]

I had it's predecessor the 260V - was an old boat but wore it's age very very well - which I think is always a good sign of decent quality.

I had the Carb version of the 5.7 and that drank like a fish so had to get LPG fitted which was ok, but then I was in the solent near all the filling stations.

I think the 5.7 EFi 's are a lot more economical, but I would suggest you check the fuel usage and make sure you're comfy with it BEFORE you sign up!

 

[rubberduck]

looked at lots of other boats b4 the rinker but did not compare on comfort,got SWMBO on the 250 & she said "this is on nice boat" so I bought it quick b4 she changed her mind /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Had the same engine as your looking at & got up on plane & made 30-35 knots no prob, but did drink fuel.

 

[rafiki_]

I like Rinkers too. However with a large petrol engine, don't expect it be to be economical if you razz everywhere.

 

[lovezoo]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Strangely enough my wife is even more keen on the boat than I am (possibly because it has an actual toilet, rather than a bucket).

Re the fuel consumption - I figure that the Rinker will use about twice as much fuel as my existing boat, but as we don´t actually do any more than 20 or so miles when we are out, it won´t make a huge difference to the overall annual running costs. That said the Spanish government have announced today that they are putting up tax on petrol by 3 cents a litre, so the boat just got a bit more expensive to run.

I will let you know what happens and post pics if we go ahead. Thanks again for the comments.