Both the Rinker 246 Captiva Bowrider 2009 and the Rinker 296 Captiva Bowrider 2008 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Rinker 296 Captiva Bowrider 2008 measures 30,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Rinker 246 Captiva Bowrider 2009 at 26,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Rinker 296 Captiva Bowrider 2008 tips the scales at 6 140 lbs - 1 190 lbs less than the Rinker 246 Captiva Bowrider 2009 at 4 950 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Rinker 296 Captiva Bowrider 2008 tops out at 425 hp. Engine specs for the Rinker 246 Captiva Bowrider 2009 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Rinker 296 Captiva Bowrider 2008 carries 100 gallons versus 75 gallons in the Rinker 246 Captiva Bowrider 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Rinker 296 Captiva Bowrider 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Rinker 246 Captiva Bowrider 2009 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Rinker 296 Captiva Bowrider 2008 could be the deciding factor.