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Rinker Captiva 170 BR OB

Affordable, portable fun.

B

oating is supposed to be all about fun, and there’s no

denying that small runabouts are a lot of fun to drive.

Elkhart, Indiana-based Rinker Boats knows this, and its

all-new Captiva 170 OB is a nicely designed boat with an

emphasis on affordable fun.

With an overall length of 16 feet, 10 inches and 1,750-pound

weight, the 170 BR OB is a cinch to trailer, even with smaller

vehicles, and should easily fit in the average suburban garage.

Yet its new-for-2015 hull design accepts engines up to 115

horsepower. While that’s a sure recipe for grin-generating

performance, the 170 OB doesn’t need all that power to

perform, and it should still deliver great performance with

outboards from 70 to 90 horsepower — along with better fuel

economy and a lower sticker price.

“The Rinker 170 is true to the core of Rinker DNA — a

value boat built for family fun,” says Janene Harness, product

manager for Rinker and Hurricane, both divisions of Nautic

Global Group. “It’s affordable, but has a ton of style.”

Following the proven bowrider layout, the 170 OB

puts its focus on the main cockpit, where a transom

bench seat faces a pair of pedestal-mount buckets for

the captain and companion. For a 17-foot boat, the

170 OB offers a surprising amount of storage space in

its twin consoles and a large, in-floor locker. The bow

seating area is bigger than you might expect for a boat

of this size and features both grab handles and beverage

holders for convenience.

Dual consoles are topped with low-profile windscreens,

but an available full windshield upgrade to provide more

protection might be of interest to boaters who would use

the 170 OB early or late in the season. Additional options

worth considering include a Bimini top for sun protection,

snap-in carpet, stereo upgrades, and tilt steering.

Many popular options are available in convenient groups,

such as the Deluxe Sports Package, which includes a Bimini

top, carpet, depth gauge and tilt steering; or the Hardware

Upgrade Package, which offers stainless steel grab handles,

cup holders, speaker covers and rub rail. H

Specifications

LOA: 16'10"

Beam: 7'4"

Weight (dry): 1,750 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 22 gals.

Max Power: 115 hp

Base Price: Contact dealer

rinkerBoats .co m

by Craig Ritchie

boat spotlight

laKElaNDboatiNg .CoM | april 2015 2 7

BS_Rinker_APR15.indd 27 3/2/15 3:45 PM