Need general info on 1997 era rinker 212's

[jwilkey84]

So I'm considering a 1997 rinker 212 with a 5.7 lx which is 250hp according to owner. Looks to me like the 5.7lx wasn't too common in those but I don't mind...I have read on here many times "there is no replacement for displacement !" So I would imagine that motor would push that boat 50mph? I can't figure out why some of the 212's are rated for 8 passengers and some are rated for 10. Also some have a single axle trailer and some have tandem? Shouldn't they have same wether and pass. Rating? Is the 5.7 heavier than the 4.3 and 5.0 to the point that the passenger/weight rating has to be decreased? And if the motor is that much more heavier, wouldn't I want a tandem Trailer? Either way it's a 1997 212 in excellent condition approx 250 hrs on it for $7000 is it a deal, I think it is? Tell me if I'm missing something

 

[JoLin]

Couldn't tell you why some would be rated for more passengers than others. 5.7 is heavier than 4.3. 5.7 and 5.0 are the same weight. Trailer capacity is based on a number of things (tires, axles and springs) and it's entirely possible for a single axle trailer to have as much weight capacity as a tandem, up to a certain point. Just make sure the trailer is capacitized for the weight of the boat, along with all the fuel and stuff that;ll be aboard.

 

[jbcurt00]

Its a used boat, probably different dealers and owners put different trailers under the Rinker when new. Some tandem, some single axles, or at some time in the past 20yrs +/-, the trailer got changed.

212s of the exact same year and model designation have different passenger capacities? Bench seat at the motor doghouse instead of a sun deck? Or one is a bow rider and the other isnt?