Powered by a single 300-hp sterndrive, the new Rinker 290 EC was designed with fuel economy in mind, sales director Mike Kamaloski says.“Years ago, as we evolved in the single-engine cruiser market, we realized we could get good performance with single-engine power and in bigger boats if we designed the bottom right and displaced the weight properly,” Kamaloski says. “This boat goes about 46 to 47 mph, planes off quick and handles very well. We are one of very few manufacturers offering a boat of this size with a single engine.”
The new express cruiser rides the same hull as its forerunner, the 280, but the deck has been redesigned, says Kelly Payne, director of design and product enhancement. “We needed an all-new look, but we had a tight budget and tight timeline,” Payne says.
Compared with the 280, he says, this boat has a much cleaner, simpler profile and deck layout. The size of the cockpit has been increased, and the deck cap exterior has new styling. “We put a functional and aesthetic focus on this cockpit,” Payne says. “Now you board starboard, and there’s a logical serpentine-type flow from the walkthrough boarding area all the way to the companionway and the cabin.”
Standard equipment includes a cockpit sink with refreshment center, a transom shower, a swim platform, a full galley and a head with a shower. Base price is $80,999 with a 300-hp MerCruiser 350 Mag MPI.
“Our customer looks for value,” Kamaloski says. “For many other boats of this size and type, you’re looking at high [$90,000 range] all the way to over $100,000.”
Contact: Rinker Boats, Elkhart, Ind., (574) 522-8381. www.rinkerboats.com
This article originally appeared in the April 2012 issue.
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