Rinker’s new Captiva 226BR is a smaller version of the company’s new-for-2008 246BR, with the same sleek lines and the same large integrated swim platform, ski-ready area, stainless steel boarding ladder and starboard nonskid deck. It also features all-new sportboat hull graphics, dual bolstered bucket seats and plush, stain-resistant snap-in carpet. Its expansive bow and cockpit provide seating for up to 10 people.
The 226BR is available with MerCruiser and Volvo Penta sterndrive power from 220 to 320 hp, and designed to tackle rough water. Truly a versatile family boat, the 226BR comes standard with a satellite-ready Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 and iPod input, plenty of storage, two recessed stainless steel boarding ladders (bow and stern) and a transom ski/tow. It’s also available with towing options, including Perfect Pass speed control and a wakeboard tower with board racks.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Captiva 226BR’s tinted safety-glass walk-through windshield extends nearly the length of the cockpit. It, along with the U-shaped cockpit seating, really accentuates the neat, oval design of the cockpit. The other things that jump out at you are the large sunpad and integrated swim platform, where you’ll find several stainless steel cupholders, an optional stereo remote, cooler storage, transom wakeboard storage and plenty of sound from the stereo system.
One of the more subtle features we really appreciated is the abundance of storage on the 226BR, which includes a lined composite ski locker in the cockpit floor, storage for personal items beneath the bow seating and wakeboard storage in the transom. Its locking, enclosed console doors, and a snack table that can be placed in either the bow or cockpit, also add to the sporty bowrider’s versatility.
The 226BR’s list of available options is extensive. Our test boat was equipped with several, including Perfect Pass speed control, MerCruiser Digital Throttle Shift (DTS), Silent Choice exhaust, an under-platform swim light, the custom color package, a flip-up sunpad, Lenco electromechanical trim tabs, docking lights and the ski/wakeboard “R” package, which includes the tower, stainless steel speaker covers, board racks and oversized mirrors.
PERFORMANCE
Our test boat was powered by a 300 hp MerCruiser 350 MAG powerplant paired with a Bravo III drive that gave it a respectable planing time of 5.7 seconds and a 0 to 30 mph acceleration time of 7.8 seconds. The 226BR’s optimum fuel economy kicked in at 26.7 mph while turning 3000 rpm, where it registered 3.4 mpg. That translates to a range of 129 miles based on 90 percent of its 42-gallon fuel capacity. Kick it up 500 rpm and fuel economy only drops .1 mpg while speed increases to 32.7 mph. We recorded a top speed of 50.6 mph at 5030 rpm, which is smack dab in the middle of the 350 MAG’s wide-open throttle range.
Conditions got a little choppy during our test on Indiana’s Lake Wawasee that day, which allowed us the opportunity to crank down the trim tabs and test the 226BR’s rough-water ride. We gave it high marks for the ease and sporty feel of its rack-and-pinion steering, its rough-water handling and overall ride, and its ability to disperse water laterally and keep us dry. In addition, the Bravo III didn’t ventilate in tight turns, and it makes docking a breeze, even in gusty winds.
This article first appeared in the July 2008 issue of GO Boating Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
