2010 Rinker 246 CC
Reviewed by Richard Crowder
Boatdealers.ca jumped at the opportunity to test the Rinker 246 CC at the Miami International Boat Show since it was powered by the (at that time) pre-production version of MerCruiser’s brand new 8.2 L V-8 MAG H.O. (High Output) engine which was not going to be released to the public until sometime later.
This new engine represents MerCruiser`s first new big block V-8 in more than a decade. It comes in two sterndrive versions: the 380 hp MAG, and the 430 hp MAG H.O. All of MerCruiser`s electronic aids such as VesselView, SC1000, MercMonitor, SmartTow, Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), and Axius are optionally available as is the anti-corrosion SeaCore™ System. But more than this, it is catalyst equipped for low exhaust emissions and only requires regular 87 octane gasoline, with up to 10% ethanol tolerance.
The Rinker 246 CC is a big boat. Over twenty-six feet centerline, it weighs in over five thousand pounds. But out on the water, the big new MerCruiser got us from rest onto plane in 3.5 seconds and to 30 mph in just over 8 seconds – and that`s with three adults on board and just under a full tank of fuel. Wide Open Throttle (WOT) at 5150 RPM produced just over 60 mph of wind-in-your-face fun while consuming 38.6 (US) gallons per hour of fuel. An economic, very quiet, comfortable, and relaxing cruising speed was discovered to be at about 3000 RPM while running at almost 33 mph and consuming only 11 (US) GPH.
The 246 CC is very smooth, quiet, and solid out on the water and offers a comforting secure feeling with its deep cockpit, yet is extremely agile and predictable with no discernible bad habits. Our test was conducted in a very high traffic area with all sorts of unpredictable wave action and wash coming from all directions but the 246 CC handled it all with ease. The dual bucket seats with flip-up forward bolsters are firm and supportive and at just the right height while the full U-shaped aft cockpit seating provides comfort and padding in all the right places.
Choose the unique optional flip-up recliner section to enhance the flexibility and utilization of the large aft sunpad. Storage abounds on the 246 CC, not only in all of the usual places, but also in very accessible places like within the walk-thru to the cockpit, trunk storage in the transom, transom wakeboard storage with a “rumble” seat, plus a covered storage/cooler built right into the extended swim platform. In the cockpit, a refreshment center is standard as is snap-in carpet, a stowable table, and a color co-ordinated bimini top. The cuddy area provides ample headroom and is nicely appointed with cherry cabinetry, a hanging clothes locker, dinette table, screened overhead hatch, portable toilet, and a U-shaped, comfortable-looking convertible V-berth/settee.
The Rinker 246 CC is a fun cottage boat for watersports or afternoon outings with the whole family, a comfortable day cruiser, or an overnighter for backwater exploring.
| Length: |
26' 2" |
7.97 m |
| Beam: |
8' 6" |
2.59 m |
| Draft: |
3' 0" |
91 cm |
| Deadrise: |
20 Degrees |
|
| Dry weight: |
5050 lbs |
2291 kg |
| Fuel Capacity: |
75 US gals |
284 l |
| Engine / Drive: |
8.2 L V-8 MAG H.O. |