2010 Rinker Captiva 246 CC

By Matt Spencer

The Miami International Boat Show can be a tough spot to be introduced to a boat. With so much going on and so many boats around, it can sometimes be difficult to find one that stands out – at least, that’s what I thought until I crossed paths with the 2010 Rinker Captiva 246 CC.

Sitting at the Mercury docks at the show, I was immediately drawn to the sleek, low lines of the 246.The low profile starts in the bow and your eye naturally flows aft past the low-profile windshield and down onto the extended swim platform. Getting closer to investigate further, I suddenly realized – more impressed than surprised – that it was a cuddy cabin.

Jumping aboard, half expecting to find a space more for loose gear than sleeping, I discovered two adults could easily spend a night on board, especially with a portapotty hidden neatly under the berth should nature call. The head room was more than enough to sit full up and there was a great storage shelf running the perimeter of the berth.

Moving to the helm, I was surrounded by thoughtful ergonomics. From the foot and arm rests to the easy-to-read gauges, the 246 has a great helm. And while many low-profile windshields can hinder vision, the visibility was great on this boat.

In regards to the high number of drink holders in the 246 CC (13 to be exact), Kim Slocum of Rinker Boats explained to me, “we designed this cockpit with function in mind. We love fashion, fashion is great, but at the end of the day its functionality that’s most important to us.” I think Rinker boat owners would certainly agree.

The entire Rinker line offers functionality of features at a great price so a boat owner knows money is being well spent. And with a price tag just a touch over $70,000, you’re certainly getting a lot for your money with this 26-foot cuddy cabin. The 246 CC has a large, inviting cockpit with a U-shaped lounge that’s easily entered from the swim platform through the port-side walk thru. Behind the captain’s chair, there is a wet bar with sink.

There is storage under the lounge cushions, but there’s also a large removable cooler tucked away (yet easily accessible) under the centre cushion. Rinker knows you’re going to be entertaining in the 246 cuddy so snap-in carpet is a standard feature. This is part of a long list of standard comfort features that includes swivelling and bolstered bucket seats for the captain and mate, moulded footrests at the helm, and the aforementioned wet bar.

Also standard on the Rinker Captiva 246 is the MerCruiser 5.0L MPI sterndrive. However, our test boat had perhaps one of the most exciting option boxes checked off and that was for the brand- new 8.2-litre MerCruiser 496 MAG HO. MerCruiser’s answer to the recently discontinued 8.1-litre big block, this new 8.2 engine produces 430 hp.

The 8.2L is the first new marine big block engine in the industry in over a decade and Mercury made sure it would be a special one. Mixing aluminium heads to reduce weight with higher displacement and more power is certainly the right equation for more excitement – and the 246 Captiva Cuddy certainly did not disappoint.

When discussing the 8.2-litre with others, the impressive torque curve was a key point that had come up again and again, so it was the first thing I was looking forward to putting to the test. Hammering down the throttles, the 28-pitch counter-rotating props on the Bravo 3 outdrive bit into the water and lunged us forward and on plane in under four seconds.

We settled at a more than comfortable cruise of 40 mph at 3500 rpm as I spent some time getting to know the running characteristics of the boat. When a little trim was applied, it brought the boat confidently out of the water picking up speed and the hull tracked as straight as could be.

Backing off the throttle a touch, I then pinned it all the way down. The 496 surged forward with a shot of power to a top speed of 60.4 mph at 5150 rpm without the slightest hesitation – as if it was waiting for me to do this. Torque like this will be perfect for water sports or for keeping in reserve to get out of inclement weather.
Turns were tight and consistent and turning the wheel full lock, you soon forget this boat is closer to 30 feet than 20.

But this impressive power is for more than just show. Remember, Rinker builds its boats with functionality in mind. You will undoubtedly be loading the 246 with friends and family, 75 gallons of fuel, and all the gear and refreshments for your time on the water. Your guests are going to want to play too, so water sports will be a requirement and you want to make sure your Captiva is powered with a motor that’s up for these challenges. For that, the 496 MAG HO is the option box you’ll want to check off.

Rinker is all about extending your time on the water. But it also recognizes you work hard for your money and want to get the most of it; the Captiva 246 CC does just that. It has all the amenities needed to extend your boating to overnights and weekends. But with the 430-hp 8.2L 496 MAG HO Big Block engine behind it, you may be a little reluctant to slow down to do so.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
MerCruiser 8.2L MAG HO producing 430 hp with a Bravo 3 outdrive spinning 28p stainless steel props
ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-30 / 8.1
TIME ON PLANE
3.5 seconds
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
5150 / 60.4
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
2500 / 24.7 ; 3000 / 32.7 ; 3500 / 39.1 ; 4000 / 45.8