Rinker 246CC performance? Expected a higher top speed?

2013Rinker246cc

I was wondering why my new 2013 Rinker 246CC with a 350 MAG Brovo 3 set up wasn't performing as well as I expected. I am only getting a top speed of just over 40mph (GPS) when most of the reviews show this boat with the same engine package getting closer to 50mph.  Is anyone else have having a similar experience?  Any suggestions?

Besides the low top speed, the boat runs great, it does get up on plane quick also.

The engine states that at WOT, the RPM range should be between 4800-5200rpm.  I am seeing about 5400rpm at WOT.  This would be with a "normal to light" weight/fuel load.  With a heavy load, WOT rpm is a little lower ~5200rpm.

The boat came from the factory with a 4 blade forward prop/ 3 blade rear prop set up, 24 Pitch (close to 14" diameter as best I can measure).  Could it be that I would benefit from an increased prop pitch, say a 26P? 

Any idea how much top end speed I would gain and how much my WOT rpm would drop?  New Bravo prop sets are like $1500, I don't want to go out and by a set just as an experiment.  Doe sanyone have any suggestions?  Thanks!

Eric from Michigan

212rowboat

i doubt the boat came from the factory with a prop at all.... the dealer likely installed it, and they likely installed one with 'bottom end' in mind.... if top end is your huckleberry, you could add a pitch or two and gain top speed, but it will cost you bottom end hole shot, and lug your engine more.

Cableguy Greg

It seems like the wrong props are on your boat. You should be hitting close to 50MPH with that drive/engine set up.

Michael T

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2013Rinker246cc

Thanks for the comments.  I just emailed Rinker so I am waiting for Randy Rinker to respond.  My dealer sells a LOT of Rinkers in our area so I am kind of surprised that they would mess up the prop selection on this boat.  I just left a message for the dealer, I'll see what they say and update this post.

To follow up on Michaels questions:  I waited until I had about 40 hrs on the motor before I started my tests (have 50 hrs now with same results). Weather conditions have not been extreme, 70's, not very humid.  I do not have trim tabs on the boat, I have tried everything with the drive trim.  It seems to trim normal, it is fastest with the trim up pretty high at WOT.

I'm not really one to care that much about overall speed, but as Michael mentioned, I spent a lot of money and don't want to feel ripped off.

JoeStang

My 276 will do mid 40's GPS with a light load and clean bottom. I lose 2-5 mph depending on fuel and people load. 

Mine has 22.5p props and bravo 3 2.20 ratio.

I assume you got it from hideaway? If so I'd def check with them, because that's close to 10mph slow. Maybe the engine isn't making the power it's supposed to? I dont use trim tabs for too speed runs at all.

I'd bet the factory installs the props, as all the new ones I see on the trucks have props installed. Last resort look at hill marine, they have bravo 3 4x4 props that are supposedly really nice

2013Rinker246cc

Thanks, Joe.  Good info. Yeah, I got it from Hideaway Yacht Sales.  I forgot, mine also has the 2.20 ratio.  I trailer it, so the bottom is clean.  Do you know what your RPMs are at at WOT under heavy/light loads?  I wonder if it is an engine power issue since I am getting the rpms up higher than they should be?

Michael T

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JoeStang

The heaviest I've ever topped it out was with 4 adults, 2 kids, and a little less than 1/2 tank. It took some coaxing to get it to 40mph, and it did it just barely. I didn't really pay attention to the tachometer, but I would expect it to be around 4800-5000. To get 5200 and 45mph it has to be a calm day, less than half tank, and light passenger load. 

Mike_G

Wow.. you guys are making me feel pretty good about my boat!

2014 260EC 350MAG/Bravo3.  WOT (only once so far, for 20 seconds at most) saw 45mph on the speedo at just under 5100RPM and still slowly climbing (very slowly)!  Just me (300lbs though), full cooler and fridge, very little water and just over 1/3 tank of fuel.  High 60's temp, low humidity in ~60 degree water (Lake St. Clair), no bottom paint, cleanish hull (less than 1 month in a well).

If I knew what props were on my boat, we could compare.  My guess is that you have "cruiser" props on your boat (sized/pitched like mine).  That would explain the "less than expected speeds", with "too high" RPMs (same props as my boat, but less weight and wetted hull).  Plus, I believe (someone can confirm) that max HP is right around 5000RPM-5100RPM, and as you go above that power decreases.

Any other 246's know what props they have out there???

EDIT: All of that being said.. if you loaded down your boat, full fuel, lots of people, food, toys, etc., 90 degree temps, etc., those props would probably be really good.

I am by no means an expert so don't put too much stock in my comments, this is just my thinking...

-=Mike G.

Michael T

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Mike_G

 Michael T said:

Good comments Mike!

Thanks!  I'm learning every day!

EDIT:.. removed comment about signature.. posting new thread.

-=Mike G.

2013Rinker246cc

Update for this post:  So I think I am a moron...  Shame on all of you for not catching this   history:  I thought my new Rinker 246 was topping out around 40 mph on GPS (the speedometer reads closer to 50mph) and it should go closer to 50mph.  I just took it for it's first run of the season and used the gps on my phone to double check the speed and it showed closer to 50mph.  So I double checked my phone speed accuracy in the car while driving and it matched exactly.  Can you guess what I think the issue is is? (i Haven't actually verified this yet)

My Garmin GPS is set to "k t" instead of miles per hour... nuatical miles per our or knots.  I'm an idiot.  The boat runs great.  I love it.

Cableguy Greg

At least you figured it out!!! Glad to hear that you love the boat and it's performance.

MarkB

Haha, that's an easy fix.

[Deleted User]

I'm happy topping out at 30 mph and 4200rpm. Faster than that I get nervous about hitting a floating obstacle, like maybe a whale!

JoeStang

2013Rinker246cc said:

Update for this post:  So I think I am a moron...  Shame on all of you for not catching this   history:  I thought my new Rinker 246 was topping out around 40 mph on GPS (the speedometer reads closer to 50mph) and it should go closer to 50mph.  I just took it for it's first run of the season and used the gps on my phone to double check the speed and it showed closer to 50mph.  So I double checked my phone speed accuracy in the car while driving and it matched exactly.  Can you guess what I think the issue is is? (i Haven't actually verified this yet)

My Garmin GPS is set to "k t" instead of miles per hour... nuatical miles per our or knots.  I'm an idiot.  The boat runs great.  I love it.

Thats good to hear, its funny how the simplest answer isnt usually the one we think of first.

[Deleted User]

Knot a problem...