At 41’ 6” (12.64 m) the Rinker 400 EC represents the largest boat this manufacturer produces.

Typical Cockpit Layout

Not much changes in the cockpit layout from one express cruiser to the next. But noticeably, most of the features that matter in this size range are represented nicely in the 400 EC. The double wide helm seat with dual flip up bolsters allows for a second set of eyes looking forward. The walkthrough to the bow has steps that are wider than on some boats and narrower than on others, but they are serviceable. The port side lounger is on a raised step and allows for sitting comfortably whether facing ahead, aft, or towards the helm.



The swim platform is pre-rigged to accommodate the Rinker Dinghy System that accommodates an optional Walker Bay RIB and 4-stroke outboard (add $4,369). The outboard has dedicated storage in the “fender garage.” The cockpit entertainment center has a standard dual voltage refrigerator and pop up blender.

One step down to the cockpit deck takes you to U-shaped seating with pedestal table and filler cushions. Here is where the standards list starts to shine. Starting with the standard dual voltage refrigerator and icemaker. That’s a welcome feature in any cockpit but an easy item to leave off the build list. And here’s a new item for those wishing to waste away again in Margaritaville... a built in pop-up blender. That’s standard, too.



The cockpit layout is typical express cruiser, but the standard features usually found on options lists makes a difference.

Helm Layout

Realizing that drink holders are only sometimes used to hold drinks, Rinker included four in its helm console in easy-to-reach locations. Digital throttle controls are standard with the MerCruiser package and joystick maneuvering is optional with either the MerCruiser Axius (add $18,640) or a Volvo Penta sterndrive joystick system. Regular readers know that we like the throttles to be mounted on horizontal surfaces, and we think this helm could be helped with such a change.

Also standard is the Raymarine C-120 display with radar, GPS, and chartplotter. If desired, you can opt up to the E-120 system with color radar and open array antenna (add $5,363) but to get it you’ll also need the optional hardtop (add $16,679). The hard top comes with screened hatches, lights and vents. The standard radar arch (yes standard) comes with integrated hinges to lower the it for travel.



That’s a standard C-120 display with radar and GPS. Notice the four drink holders. Digital throttle controls are standard with the MerCruiser package. The joystick is well placed.

Cabin Features

There’s also much to like in the cabin of the 400 EC. The layout is the usual fore and aft staterooms with the salon in between. The salon sofa is to starboard, across from the galley, and offers a fold out option for converting to a double bed. Removing the pedestal table opens up the room for entertaining. With 6’10" (2.08 m) of headroom, this salon is anything but cramped. Adding to that voluminous list of standards is an 18,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioner with another 7,000 BTU unit for the aft stateroom. This is a noteworthy standard item as many builders make it optional because they have buyers in northern climes. This is a good example of what we mean when we say that Rinker is trying to make their 40 compelling by loading it with standard stuff that is normally optional.



The layout of the Rinker 400 EC.



Notice all the rounded corners on all the cabinet doors. Overhead hatches allow natural light in. The two-burner stove, over the refrigerator, is recessed to hold cookery in place. The TV is on a hinged door for viewing all throughout the salon.

The floor package is standard and includes a cherry and holly table, steps, and deck in both the salon and aft cabin. On the smaller Rinkers, this is a $5,704 option.



Martinis, anyone? The sofa makes into a bed.

Engine Options

Rinker offers several choices for powering your 400 EC. The engines included in the base $375,259 price are the twin 375-hp MerCruiser 496 Mags with B3 drives.

Switching to Volvo Penta power will actually lower the base price to $374,107 for the same horsepower (375-hp) engine. And lastly, if you want diesels, Volvo Penta is your only choice with the 350-hp D6 engines (add $97,100).

Recommendation

It appears that the Rinker 400 EC is representative of a good value in a 40' express cruiser. She has outstanding headroom in the main salon, and a standards list that’s hard to match. The boat is agressively priced so you owe it to yourself to see her in person to see whay you are getting for your money.