Rinker history

[boathistorian]

Hello, I am Andreas and I am in Minnesota. I am a boataholic and I own something like 14 boats. Only three are seaworthy. They are all antique and classic watercraft, mostly wooden but two are classic fiberglass. None are Rinker.

Has anything ever been written about the early history of Rinker Boats? I am interested in the 1940s-1950s-1960s era.

The Rinker company indicates that 1945 was the start of their boat building. But Lossie Rinker's obituary (died 04 March 1964) said he started making boats as a hobby in 1928 and as a business in 1935. Lossie was father to Misters John and Jan Rinker. Apparently the name "Famous Craft" was used prior the "Rinker" name being utilized for the boats.

I have not yet contacted the company nor attempted to contact any Rinker family members.

I write articles on the history of boat firms and vintage boating topics for several magazines.  I do this as a hobby and I am not paid for my work.

Andreas

[Rinker342]

I have seen articles from time to time about the Rinker family's boat racing career and other information, but I couldn't remember where.  I would start with the factory.  Interesting hobby.  Would like to see some of your articles about Rinker if you get around to writing some.

[boathistorian]

Many of my articles appear in the Glassic Library section of www.fiberglassics.com and several are in the "Boathouse" area of www.acbs-bslol.com

I have written history articles about: Larson; Larson/Crestliner;  Glastron; Glass Jet; Chetek; Carver; Thompson Bros. Boat; Thompson Boat of NY; Thompson by Chris-Craft; T & T Boats; Cruisers, Inc.; Grady-White; Slayton;  Stahr (yup - there is an "h" in there); Wilson; and many others.

I have not written anything about Rinker yet. My immediate interest is with the "Sea Star" branded RFP boats Rinker built for Van's Sport Shop of Minerva, Ohio in the mid to late 1960s.

Andreas

[ParkRode360]

Andreas, you might want to contact Randy Rinker directly, from the "Rinkerboats.com" site. 

[Rinker342]

Andreas,

http://www.rinkerboats.com/blog/post/did-you-know-that-rinker-is-america-s-oldest-boat-brand

Here is a link to a new post on Rinker's website.  Might be of some interest to you.

[boathistorian]

Thanks for the link.

Chris-Craft claims to have been in business since 1874. Does that make them older than Rinker? The 1874 date is a crock in my opinion. Company founder Chris Smith was something like 12-13 years of age at the time.

I guess the "continuous operation" adjectives are important to the description.

Anyway, I wonder why Rinker does not claim 1930 boat building by Lossie as their start?

Andreas