Rinker 266 Feedback please

[Mymobo]

Hi,

We are looking to upgrading to a larger boat and wanted the know that the Rinker 266 is like to own? We have one that was built in 1997 in mind fitted with a Mercruiser 5.7LX V8 so what sort of performance and fuel consumption can we expect?

Any feedback on this boat would be welcome.

Thanks in advance

 

[carlton]

You should find all you need to know on the Rinker Owners Forum...

http://www.rinkerboatowners.com/forum/index.php?action=forum

 

[spannerman]

There are 3 in Stavanger and I have been onboard all them at some stage, as with all US sportsboats they let in the rain like a seive, so make sure the bilge pump works and is wired direct to the battery via a float switch, I've had more V8's out US boats because of water damage than any other reason, usually to change the starter which gets drowned and there isn't enough room to get it out in situ.
All of this because the engine room filled up with rain water.
The electrics are also standard Miami spec, only tolerate sunshine, so keep on top of things.
I used to borrow one at the weekends with a 350 MPI motor, it would do 52 knts and was a good roomy boat, but is quite a shallow V hull so slams a bit in the waves.
I can't remember the fuel consumption as we just bunged £50 and drove it til it was gone, but I imagine your engine would be around 12-14 gph depending on driving style.
Have fun with it.

 

[ontheplane]

I had it's predecessor, the 260V with similar engine.

It's a reasonably heavy boat - we used to use 8-10gph cruise and 12-14gph flat out - so it was very expensive to run (so much so I converted to LPG which was much better).

I wouldn't have a boat that size and weight again with a petrol engine except (possibly) one of the EFi motors that are supposed to be much better.

Mine also leaked like a seive (into the back and front cabin) which is what forced the eventual sale, and she slammed in the rough, although never felt in the least unsafe.

Nice boat, but beware the fuel cost - if you can get it cheap enough to put a decent diesel in it, or if you can live with the fuel cost then go for it.

 

[Mymobo]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the feedback. We looked at one yesterday, it was as wet as hell inside and loads of work that needs dong to it. We have gone away thinking no for now, but you never know what happens. We are also seeing what other boats are in the market.

Cheers