Capt. Steve Says...

I’m blessed with living in an area that has so many different types of boating available that it’s a shame we can’t bottle it up and share it with everyone. Coastal cruising, rivers, protected lakes... they’re all within day range of any boat. And being able to experience them in different boats is icing on the cake. Taking a boat such as the Rinker Captiva 246 CC on an overnight river trip is just the ticket for clearing the cobwebs from the mind after a full week of office life.

First it takes the right tools...

The Rinker Captiva 246 CC is well equipped to handle the overnight excursions to remote campgrounds. Once anchored in a quiet cove by the stern and the bow tied to a tree, we were secured in our spot with no one else around but the birds in the trees. The Rinker Captiva 246 CC can deal with most needs that should arise from the simple (portable head) to the practical (sink for washing hands and fruit). There’s plenty of storage for supplies for both creature comforts and playtime. At the stern, there’s diving off the optional Versa-Teak (add $2,136) decked swim platform, deep storage aft of the sun pad for a wakeboard or towlines and cup holders are all within reach.



The sink and pressurized water are just a small part of the perks in the Rinker Captiva 246 CC.

Additional perks...

There’s a transom shower, plenty of storage under the sun pad, and an optional flip up recliner adds comfort (add $277) and a swim light under the swim platform (add $376) lets the playtime continue into the night. The cabin has ample lighting for night and portlights to let in natural light, a lockable door, a wood trimmed shelf, and hanging locker. A standard dinette table allows for an easy conversion of the V-berth for sleeping. An optional portable head stores under the seat (add $301).



Now this is cabin class comfort in a cuddy. Note the cherry wood trim and hang locker to port. A portable head fits under the seat to starboard. A removable dinette converts the seating into a V-berth.

Helm...

The Rinker Captiva 246 CC helm is nicely laid out and uncluttered. Large Faria gauges with stainless bezels, rocker switches with circuit breakers, and a stereo remote are all within reach. I’d still like to see the stereo mounted at the helm though. Save the remote for the guests. A compass, usually left off the list, is standard.



Power choices ...

The Rinker Captiva 246 CC comes standard with a 270-hp Volvo 5.0 GXi SX, but a boat load of engine options are available from both Volvo and Merc. The Volvo list tops out at a 420-hp 8.1 GXi DP (add $20,644) for gas and a 190-hp D3 DSL (add $21,317) diesel, which is popular in the Euro markets where gas is through the roof. For Mercs, the options start out at the 260-hp 5.0 MPI Alpha (add $377) and goes on up to the 425-hp 496 Mag HO with BIII outdrive (add $25,968).

Specifications...

The Rinker Captiva 246 CC has a LOA of 26’ 2” (8 m), a beam of 8’ 6” (2.6 m), and a draft of 22” (55 cm). She holds 75 gallons (284 L) of fuel and 10 gallons (37.8 L) of water. Her dry weight is 5,050 lbs. (2,291 kg).

With a base price of $48,187 she’s competitively priced for her size range. Check her out for yourself. I’m sure you’ll agree.