Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

[Swest102]

I'm in the process of purchasing a Rinker 246. One dealer is telling me the Volvo 5.0 gxi 270hp Duoprop is perfect for the boat. Another dealer is telling me he wouldn't consider selling this boat with the Volvo 270hp. He feels the boat needs a bigger engine. Any comments or experience? Would be appreciated

 

[Bondo]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

I Agree that there's Never Too Much Horsepower,......

But,.....
Your Expectations,+ Checkbook are also considerations to weigh as well......

 

[Swest102]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

I Agree that there's Never Too Much Horsepower,......

But,.....
Your Expectations,+ Checkbook are also considerations to weigh as well......

 

[Swest102]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

You nailed it ... Expectations vs Cost. The dry weight of the boat is 4950 -- add a few adults and kids -- fuel - water - and the weight will easily be over 6250 pounds. Do I spend the extra money for a bigger engine?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

I Guess it depends Again on What are Your expectations,..??......

Do you plan to Sell it in a few years,..... If So, The Bigger Engine, Might pay for itself Then......

Do you Expect to be hauling the Kids on Water Toys,..??.....

Is this going to be a Dock Queen, or a True Cruiser,..??....

The 5.0l would No Doubt move the Boat,........But, it'll be Somewhat Under-powered......

If it were Me,+ the Checkbook would Allow,.......
I'd buy the Biggest Power that I Could....................

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

I have a 7.4L Duo-Prop in a 24' Wellcraft cuddy. I would not buy my boat with a 5.7L, let alone a 5.0L.

My father once owned a 24' Reinell with a 5.0L. It was a dog.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

I would tend to agree with what everyone else has said. Usually when you see a DP, Volvo or Mercruiser on a boat that size with the smaller cubic inch motors it's because they are boarder line under powered. Even with that being said I would guess that boat would cruise out at about 24-26 mph and top out around 35 mph if it's proped right and not soaked with water.

SeaRay and many others have used the Mercruiser 260hp 5.7 engine in boats that size and weight range for years and sold many of em, single prop outdrives at that.

 

[Swest102]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

I appreciate the recommendations. A bigger engine is probably the way to go. I'm looking at a new 2006 Rinker 246 that is priced at close-out prices with the Merc 350 Mag B3 / 300 hp. Any thoughts on this engine? Thanks.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

I just did a little looking at that boat, both in the cuddy cabin and the bow rider. (STD power Mercruiser 260 hp) With the Mercruiser 350 mag 300hp B3 either of the boats are running out at 50+ mph. I would say that would be plenty power and speed. Also looks like planning time is very satisfactory. With that being said I would conclude that thw 270 hp with the DP drive would also be enough power. Would change my previous estimate to the boat running out in the mid 40's and cruising in the low to mid 30's. My personal preference would be the Volvo package, but, I also have a need for speed sooooo, I might would hold out and search for one with the 8.1 375 hp for "MY" personal choice. They list, for power options, just about every 5.0 and 5.7 liter engine package Mercruiser and Volvo offer up to and including the 8.1 375 hp. 8)

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

When they test those boats, they are unloaded.

I would think the 350 would be good enough if you weren't going to use it at a high elevation lake or weren't going to put more than 4 adults with gear on it at other places. Especially helpful if it has dual props.

Another thing to consider is that the power of the engine will decrease as years go by. I remember with my dad's boat with the 5.0L that it was marginal when it was new and was noticably slower after 3 years...of course we might have gotten heavier too!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Rinker 246 - Is the Volvo 5.0 big enough?

Here are the test results with a 350 Bravo 3. Load was 2 people, no gear, no water and 1/3 fuel.

This would be adequate to me...just probably not a lot of power to spare:

http://www.boattest.com/oem/test-results.aspx?ID=1026&lp_id=&from_gi=yes