Rinker 186 Bowrider Restoration Project

smoothbadger

Cadet
Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
17
Oh My God!

What have a bought????

I bought this Rinker on Ebay, previous owner told me it had been laid up for a year so engine wasn't able to start etc...... however i took a gamble and paid ?2000 for it which is cheap for any Bowrider I know so lets just say at that price i was expecting to overhall the engine and refurbish the interior trim.

Got it home and started looking at closer - its a wreck. Took it to a local boat dealer who specialise in Mercruiser servicing, and they inspected the engine and outdrive - the original 4.3 Mercruiser is totally shot. The Outdrive unit is OK.

So that brings us up to date. The engine is out and now its tome to sort out the interior whilst the guys source me a replacement.

Check out these vids........any advice would be appreciated!
Rinker bowrider project 1 - YouTube
 

jbcurt00

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
24,829
Re: Rinker 186 Bowrider Restoration Project

Welcome to the iboats dry dock....

I don't know how it will play out now that you've partially dismantled the boat, but does UK's ebay site have buyer protection like it does here in the US? If it's been a while since you bought the boat, it may not help, but it certainly sounds as though the 'safe & seaworthy' claims by the seller were not just inaccurate, but wildly incorrect..

Best of luck
 

jbcurt00

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
24,829
Re: Rinker 186 Bowrider Restoration Project

You didn't really ask for any specific advice, but there is lots of good information to be found here:
How To's and Other Great Information


Friscoboater & oops both have great threads on that page

Post some pix too, some iboater's can't watch videos, particularly those surfing iboats at work :chargrined:

Photobucket is a free account that allows you to post big, easy to see pix in your thread instead of attachments:
Multitool.jpg

A multi-tool may prove helpful as you demo your boats interior deck & stringers...

You will probably want to build a cradle for the hull as you remove interior structure, you do not want it to sag on the trailer. WoodOnGlass & Andgott built really nice dual purpose cradles. WoodOnGlass has some good info linked in his signature line.
 

mark1961

Ensign
Joined
Apr 30, 2007
Messages
940
Re: Rinker 186 Bowrider Restoration Project

heres the latest vid of the rotten deck :(

Rinker Bowrider Project Rotten Deck - YouTube

It could be a complete gut job.....the main deck is definitely gone, the bowrider deck and underfloor structure may be ok depending on how the PO had her stored, he/she does not seem like the sharpest tool in the shed though except for lying about stuff :rolleyes:.....you need to get to the stringers/transom and drill some core samples to evaluate for yourself how much more work/cost will be involved.
 

GT1000000

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
4,916
Re: Rinker 186 Bowrider Restoration Project

Welcome to the dry dock, smoothbadger...

Unfortunately you have fallen into the same trap most of us first time boat owners have fallen into...a deep hole with no way out but a lot of sweat and money...:faint2:

Fortunately, you are in the best possible place to get all the information, support and occasional harassment you will need to completely restore this old tub into a better than new boat...if that's what you decide to do...:joyous:

One of the best places to get a ton of info is here...http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...r/how-tos-other-great-information-288451.html

Also, look at the signatures of the guys who post here for links to their builds and tips and techniques...

We'll be here...if and when you need us...:pop2:

Good Luck and Have Fun!
GT1M:D
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Rinker 186 Bowrider Restoration Project

Oh My God!

What have a bought????


Sorry to bring the bad news .. but it looks like a complete resto job.

Bad motor + a full(ish) resto .. might be better to sell the outdrive and part it out.

Depending on your funds and how much time you have .. its gonna get deeper into your pocket at each step IMHO.

YD.
 

Friscoboater

Captain
Joined
Jul 3, 2009
Messages
3,095
Re: Rinker 186 Bowrider Restoration Project

Here is the way I look at it. If you enjoy working with your hands, it can be a very rewarding experience. Plus, where can you get a brand new boat for the money your going to put in it. My Sea ray is better than new, and I only have about 16K in it, including purchase price. Of course it also has alot of blood sweat and tears. If you have a good hull, it can be worth it.
 
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