Captiva 216 ... drive & Engine Q

[Argonaut]

Thinking of changing my current boat, and I have looked at 2 options .... a 226 with a 5.0L & sx drive, 3 years old .. and would need some work on hull, only 18Hrs on engine ... but not been treated well.

So looking at option B which is a new 216 Captiva ... Volvo 4.3L with duoprop drive.

Couple of Q's ... I have not come across a duoprop on a 4.3L before ... so wonder how the combination will fair.
It's a lot of extra weight hanging off the transom, and is the 4.3L man enough for the task of swinging the duprop.
It's use is recreational towed watersports.

Anybody any experience of this hull / engine / drive combination.


Took a closer look at boat yesterday at dealers ... was surprised at build quality on this model, a lot poorer than I thought it would be.
For example seats pads only held in place by plastic pipes, no pop-up cleats, plastics finish quite basic, very narrow swim platform, short boarding ladder (only 3 rung) with very narrow treads.

Is the 216 at bottom end of Rinker range ?

[mvn]

Honestly, I'd keep my eye open for a late model, gently used 226 with at least a 5.0L.  I personally don't like what they've done to the seating, transom walk-thru or narrow swim platform.

Coming from a 192 with a 4.3L to a heavier 226 with a 5.0L, I personally feel that a 4.3 in a 226 which would be used for watersports might be a tad underpowered.

Mark

[FF654]

I agree, I don't care for the layout of the new 216's either.  Rinker went away from the features that sold me on my 232.  As mentioned, there isn't a transom walk through or extended swim platform.  I've looked at a new 226 and it looked like a nice layout.  If it were me I'd be searching out a used 212 or new/used 226.  My buddy has a 212 and it is a very nice setup as well but his is a little underpowered with a 4.3 190 hp Merc.       

[Argonaut]

Honestly, I'd keep my eye open for a late model, gently used 226 with at least a 5.0L.  I personally don't like what they've done to the seating, transom walk-thru or narrow swim platform.

Coming from a 192 with a 4.3L to a heavier 226 with a 5.0L, I personally feel that a 4.3 in a 226 which would be used for watersports might be a tad underpowered.

Mark

Looks like my thoughts are correct ....

The 226 I looked at had a 5L  volvo  ... and I thought a good layout, plenty of room, good bathing platform (ideal for putting skis on) all round useful boat.
I'll look for another.

I also liked the lines of 226 better, not so sure of the 216, the S bend in the gunwale line ... just does not look as good to me.  (buy admit that is personal choice)

[mvn]

Keep in mind, I am biased!!

Also, Volvo would be my preference but I couldn't find one at the time.

Msrk