About to put a deposit on a 2000 Rinker 235 Millenial edition

kennydalglish

I am about to look at a very nice condition Rinker.  It looks like it is well kept and maintained but any tips on what I should look for during my inspection that may be specific to this boat ?
I will look at the normal items.  Ex. Condition of boots, all operating gauges and switches etc.

Also,  it does not have bottom paint and I plan on keeping it in a slip all summer.  What is the going rate for getting a 24 ft boat bottom painted ?  Debating whether I should tackle it myself or have it done.

Thanks for your time,
Alan

Cableguy Greg

kennydalglish said:

One follow up question.  What added features were put onto the 2000 Millenium edition vs the standard setup ? (not millenial, my bad Mattie).  Freudian slip.  

Graphics package and first year with a black hull that I can remember. It also came with fenders, lines and koozies.

Black_Diamond

Bottom painting from fresh is very DIY. You’ll need the base coat then your choice of anti-foul for your area. 

If in fresh water, I can recommend VC-17 personally. 

PickleRick

If the boat comes with a trailer and you have a tow capable vehicle can you load it and run it to the local car wash when it starts to turn colors?  Depending on legnth of season and water type it might be just a couple washes a summer.  A good clean, polish and wax at the end of each season should make a quick wash down easy.  Once you go painted you cant go back.  A clean gelcoat bottom is more attractive than paint that needs yearly upkeep. Helps with resell value.  I have removed a 235s worn soft paint and applied hard.  It sucked.   This is if you're in fresh water.  If youre in salt or brackish you don't have a choice but to paint.


Isn't rinker gelcoat vinylester based which is much less likely to blister than polyester based that cheaper boat companies used?  

Aqua_Aura

I would also say if in freshwater with this scenario (trailer and size of boat) I would not bottom paint. Rinker did use gelcoat less prone to blisters but I don't remember when it started. From what I have read my 2007 280 is the better gelcoat and possibly back to 2000. 

Willhound

My 2000 270 never had paint and still looks like new.

Lake_Bum

I believe you are talking about the 232, correct?  I'm not aware of a 235 in that era.  Anyways......my 2000 232 millennium edition looks new still.  Never had bottom paint.  
Inspect all the normal stuff, as you would on any other boat.  I purchased my 2000 in 2016, with only 174 hours on it.  You will LOVE this boat!  It handles extremely well for it's size. Mine is a cuddy, with the 350mag and Bravo3 drive.  Lenco trim tabs are an awesome feature on mine. 

Handymans342

We need some pictures 

kennydalglish

Here is the boat.  https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/306324904178984/

Thanks for the input guys.  Much appreciated.  Yes freshwater in Michigan.  Lake St. Clair mostly.  I am in a dilemma now.  I am going to look at a 2000 Regal 2550 LSC tomorrow that looks every bit the boat and more compared to the Rinker.  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MichiganBoatsforSale/permalink/1532088116986044/?sale_post_id=1532088116986044

(May have to copy and paste this one)

Whats your guys thoughts on this Regal vs the Rinker ?

PickleRick

I have a feeling most people on here will prefer the rinker. 

Whatever is in the best shape will be the best buy, whichever meets your families needs the best will keep you on the lake more often.

Aqua_Aura

I was gonna say Regal seems to make nice boats but based on the photos that Regal looks very dated to me. That's just my opinion of course you are looking at it and do what you feel will work for your family. The main deck seems to show some more features on the Regal but will they actually be used, would be nice to see the cabin on the Rinker. I'm sure others with similar boats will have a better opinion. 

Black_Diamond

Lake St Clair is nice!  I grew up over that way.  

Willhound

Tough call. Both look to be in good shape, but an eyeball up close might be different. I like the cockpit layout of the Regal better, especially if you like to fish, the Rinker maybe more so for larger groups/family to go out for a ride. I wouldn't bottom paint either one, just wax it or use a product like Poli-Glow on the hull.

ruggerole

kennydalglish said:

Here is the boat.  https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/306324904178984/

Thanks for the input guys.  Much appreciated.  Yes freshwater in Michigan.  Lake St. Clair mostly.  I am in a dilemma now.  I am going to look at a 2000 Regal 2550 LSC tomorrow that looks every bit the boat and more compared to the Rinker.  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MichiganBoatsforSale/permalink/1532088116986044/?sale_post_id=1532088116986044

(May have to copy and paste this one)

Whats your guys thoughts on this Regal vs the Rinker ?

The Regal is a "cruiser" and the Rinker is a "232CC". These are extremely different boats. Personally I would go with the Rinker. I agree with Willhound; don't bottom paint.

mattie

Agree with @Ruggerole Two totally different boats. Sportboat vs pocket cruiser.

Hopefully a typo on the Rinker.....I'd much rather have a 2000 Milleneum Edition as opposed to a Millennial Edition. (ewe)

kennydalglish

All good input.  I think I am going to like this forum.  Well, went to see the Regal.  It was in terrible shape.  It's amazing how pictures can hide a lot of issues.  Still making the trip 3 hours to see the Rinker in the pics.  Hopefully will come home with a boat before this weekend.

kennydalglish

One follow up question.  What added features were put onto the 2000 Millenium edition vs the standard setup ? (not millenial, my bad Mattie).  Freudian slip.  

Lake_Bum

On my 2000 232, I have Lenco trim tabs.  They are awesome to use!  You'll never want to own another boat without tabs.  I have added quite a bit of custom stuff to mine that is far from factory.  One thing I can say about the Rinker, you will fall in love with the ride of it.  I have owned many boats in the cuddy class, and the 232 handles alot better, takes the waves, and has that "big feel" to it in the chop, even though it's not a large boat.  

Mine came with the full camper enclosure, which I sold right away.  Some love those, I'm not one of em.  I added a 8' long bimini, wakeboard tower, huge stereo system, a 47" deep swim platform, and tons of LED lighting throughout the boat.  I have enough rod holders, to store (or troll)  12 poles out of the boat. No more torn upholstery for me!  

Good luck on that boat, I hope it's as nice in person as it looks.  That price in todays market is great.  I wouldn't ask a penny under $20k for mine. 

Handymans342

Rinkers clean up well too. So don’t be afraid of a little work. 

ruggerole

kennydalglish said:

One follow up question.  What added features were put onto the 2000 Millenium edition vs the standard setup ? (not millenial, my bad Mattie).  Freudian slip.  

I believe the only difference is the graphics. 

kennydalglish

Thanks all for the comments.  Well,  I ended up going with the 2000 Rinker.  She handled smooth out on the glass of Burt Lake yesterday.  Was very impressed.  Got a couple of things to work on.
1) Upholstery in a few spots needs fixed (Anyone in the Royal Oak, MI. area have a good contact for this ?
2) Oil pressure sensor replacement (reading high, want to check this out)
3) Anyone selling a camper top for this type of boat ?  I have the Bimini but maybe just need the sides, front and back window attachments.

LaRea

For any Rinker-specific part, a good first stop is Great Lakes Skipper (www.greatlakesskipper.com).  GLS buys excess stock from boat builders, and they have a lot of Rinker stuff, but I don't see canvas for your boat on there.  

kennydalglish

Thanks for the tip LaRea.  I will add them to my internet favorites for the future.

Lake_Bum

Congratulations!  And welcome to the Rinker family 

Cableguy Greg

Contact @boattech01 TJ to see if he has a top for you. He might, but if he doesn’t, you will have to go custom or wait until Ameritex starts taking orders for canvas. 

Lake_Bum

@kennydalglish Before I sold my full camper kit for my 2000.  We did about as good of checking as we could for compatibility on the guy who bought it from me that we could.  His was a 96 232 if memory doesn't fail me.  It ended up being slightly different, only because the snaps didn't line up.  Dimensions were the same, fit was right except for snaps.  Hope that helps ya on your search....

kennydalglish

Thanks Lake Bum.  Was trying to stay away from custom since that seems to be code for $$$$$.