Observations on the new 226

[BigSioux232]

I just saw the 226 at a boat show in Sioux Falls today and I had some feedback.  It had a totally new feel to it than the 212 it replaces.  Upgrades in upholstery, hardware and the helm.  The feel at the helm is amazing.  It is probably the most ergonomic I've ever experienced in a boat that size.  The seats fit like a glove, the angled floor under the helm is more comfortable on the feet/ankles.  It felt like sitting in a sports car.  The guages are almost eye level making it a quick scan from the horizon to the tachometer/speedometer...a lot like a Ski Nautique.  All fiberglass edges in the interior were finished off.  Stereo remote at the helm saves space vs. installing the actual receiver/player there.  The wakeboard/ski locker at the stern which is accessible from the swim platform is a great touch. Folding ladder at the bow is pretty well concealed when stored and does not take away from the boat's smooth lines.  

The only thing I really didn't like was the plastic facades over the engine compartment vents which are located on the sides of the deck instead of at the stern.  The 246 has these as well.  They are easy to spot in pictures...they are the colored part on the outside of the deck near the stern.  

This puppy is going to give boats that used to be considered superior in quality a run for their money.  I really liked what I saw.

Dave

[merwin10]

Sounds Like Rinker is making a run at the competition Like Sea Ray - With the improvments that Rinker is doing the separation between the two will become less seeing that Sea Ray has slipped a little since its corpaarate merge over the past three or so years. Although I am not a sea Ray fan many of my friends are and they have had many Sea Ray's they say that the boat has been slipping from where it once was! Now if Rinker can just hold its price vs option advantage!

Mike -

[merwin10]

It is Sunday morning, it is snowing like hell outside,  I had a thought that it might be interesting to see who the competition for Rinker really is!

You know when we look at a Rinker Boat do we ever think about who the competition is? Well of course it is Brunswick Company! So who in the *&%^ is Brunswick! Take a look here! It is like the "who who's" list of boats!

http://www.brunswick.com/boats.html

And if you think that is surprising who do you think owns Mercury -

You guess it! Look Here -

http://www.brunswick.com/engines.html

Looking at all this makes you wonder how in the world can Rinker stand up to this - being that the most expensive part of the boat, engine and drive, comes from Brunswick. Well it is because of you die hard Rinker owners!

Mike -  

[BigSioux232]

Back in '98 I bought a Glastron with a Merc 4.3 alpha on it brand new and ended up with a free Brunswick bowling ball and bag.  

Yes, you read this right.  

This letter came in the mail saying that Brunswick had lost a class acton lawsuit for price gouging non-Brunswick boat companies (especially rival Genmar).  One of the optional awards was a ball and bag from their bowling division.  It was a low-end ball, but what the heck.  I just threw a 695 series with it Friday night.  

It's just a weird business scenario...Brunswick makes more money if their competition sells more boats with Merc engines.  How does that work?

[merwin10]

Wonder if that is why? Why what? More and More other boat manufacturers are recommending Volvo! hmmmm!!!!

Bowling ball and bag! For a class action suet on boats! Go figure! Why no extend the warranties I think that would have been more meaningful to the boaters, even if it was just a year! My head hurts!

Mike -  

[Talon]

:shock:

ROFL!!!

crazy stuff!

[Boatsrule]

She is a really great looking boat while underway!

[4LakeBums]

I agree, That is the exact color of the 226 that I purchased.  They ride just as nice too.  I think we will see some exciting things from Rinker in the upcoming year as quality, fit, and finish are all starting to improve..