SEE THE
VIDEO
SPEED EFFICIENCY OPERATIONnaut. stat. n. mi. s. mi. sound
rpm knots mph gph mpg mpg range range angle level
1000 4.34 5.00 1.10 3.95 4.55 260 299 0 56
1500 5.65 6.50 1.80 3.14 3.61 206 237 1 63
2000 6.60 7.60 3.00 2.20 2.53 145 166 3 63
2500 9.12 10.50 4.80 1.90 2.19 125 144 4 67
3000 13.90 16.00 6.80 2.04 2.35 134 155 5 76
3500 19.12 22.00 8.50 2.25 2.59 148 170 4 79
4000 21.72 25.00 10.40 2.09 2.40 137 158 3 79
4500 27.63 31.80 12.80 2.16 2.48 142 163 2 81
5000 34.67 39.90 16.50 2.10 2.42 138 159 2 82
5500 39.89 45.90 20.60 1.94 2.23 127 146 2 84
6000 44.49 51.20 25.50 1.74 2.01 115 132 2 86
6420 46.84 53.90 29.50 1.59 1.83 104 120 2 87
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEEDHigh Points
XAbundant low-maintenance
stowage includes roto-molded
compartments under nearly all
seating, along with the in-fl oor ski
locker and expansive starboard
console.
XExtended port and starboard swim
platforms fl ank the engine, as well
as feature an integrated walkway
to cross in front of the engine.
XOptional watersports tower adds
a stylish accent, as well as a solid
7-foot attachment point for towing
duties.Specs
· LOA: 27'2" · BEAM: 8'6"
· DRY WEIGHT: 4,950 lb. · SEATING/
WEIGHT CAPACITY: Yacht Certifi ed
· FUEL CAPACITY: 73 gal.How We Tested
ENGINE: Mercury Verado 300
PROP: Mercury Enertia 14.2" x 18"
3-blade stainless steel
GEAR RATIO: 1.85:1
FUEL LOAD: 50 gal.
CREW WEIGHT: 360 lb.
Price
$88,612 (with test power)RINKER
Q7 OB
behind the passenger seat. The starboard
console off ers stowage, a door-mounted
trash receptacle and pullout 25-quart
cooler. The port console reveals a roomy
head with port-a-potty or optional toilet.
Behind the helm seat, the cockpit galley
features a sink with faucet, a standard
Waring blender and optional refrigerator.
Underway, the Q7 performed just as
good as it looks. With a Mercury Verado
300 mounted to a custom bracket off the
transom, our test boat displayed minimal
bow rise as it leaped to 30 mph in 8.3 sec-
onds. Top speed peaked just shy of 54 mph.
Handling at speed was precise and con-
fi dent, with the boat banking through
corners with total authority.The running surface of the sexy Rinker Q7
OB was developed based on the best-selling
boat model in Rinker’s 75-year history, the
Captiva 232, but the boat’s look and feel
prove brand-spanking new. In profi le, the
Q7 OB’s lines swoop from bow to stern in
a gentle arc, with style lines rising from
the chine to seamlessly meld
into the swim platform be-
low and the artfully crafted
windshield above. Within its
expansive cockpit, the two-
tone upholstery covering the
seating avoids excessive pat-
terning, opting instead for
clean, angular lines that de-
liver a fresh look and inviting
feel. The uncluttered dash at
the helm is highlighted by a
single Simrad GO7 fl at-screen
display that can handle most
all gauge and navigation re-
quirements. Even the aftplatform boasts pleasingly minimalist
styling. Rather than attempting to install
an upholstered rumble seat that will just
get trod on, Rinker instead opts for a base
cushion made from an extra-thick layer of
EVA traction material.
The fl oor plan creates an open, airy feel
and practically makes for great pedestrian
fl ow both forward and aft of the wind-
shield. Forward, the angular bow cockpit’s
depth provides plenty of peace of mind for
parents, and 4 feet of length for adults to
stretch out. Aft, twin seats reside behind
helm and port consoles, each with a fl ip-
up bolster. An L-shaped bench runs 9 feet
along the starboard length and transom.
To port, another nearly 5-foot couch waitsPHOTOS: BILL DOSTERRINKER BOATS
Syracuse, Indiana; 574-457-5731; rinkerboats.comTo watch our
video review of
the Q7 OB, scan
this tag or visit
boatingmag
.com/bbg18/
rinkerq7ob.
C
RUNABOUT
CERTIFIED
TEST
RESULTSBOAT BUYERS GUIDE 2018 | 28 | BOATINGMAG.COMBOAT BUYERS GUIDE