Boating Innovator John Rinker Dies Age 93
Boatbuilding innovator August 8, 1931-April 29, 2025.
Courtesy Rinker Family
It’s been awhile since I’ve written a story with Rinker in the headline. John Rinker is worthy of that, and much more.
This co-founder of Rinker Boat Company was a driving force in recreational boating from the earliest days of fiberglass production right up until recent times. The best testament I can give to that is the great number of Rinker boats that still give boaters enjoyment around the world, despite the company having been corporately-absorbed and the brand shelved in 2020.
Rinker Boats were, and remain, known for their value.
Read Next: Boating’s Archive of Rinker Boat Tests
When I use the word “ value” with regard to Rinker Boats, I am not implying the current marketing-speak definition of the word. Instead, I use the term in the old-fashioned sense. Rinker provided a high build quality–not exotic, mind you; just basic materials applied with good workmanship–and incorporated what boaters needed with less emphasis on deck candy. Rinker countertops were Formica, not faux granite. Upholstery was high in quality but wasn’t the showy kind with five and six different materials covering the seats. The standard head was manual, or even a portable one. Etcetera.
Instead, Rinker boats possessed excellent storage, excellent service access, and cleats big enough for that fat line at the gas dock, plus a fender. Rinker’s runabouts boasted removable tubs at a time when many boats were still lining stowage areas with mildew-breeding carpet. How about canvas with red and green flags on the sections to make it easier to put up? Rinker Boats spent more time than many others at that time refining engine installations, drive heights and selecting props, towards the end of greater efficiency, not top speed. I could go on, but will only say that they built boats that have now proven to have been long-lasting and worthy of repower and did so, not for the cheapest price, but for a mid-range price. Rinker was all about the “boating experience” long before we even knew we needed, “experiences.”
These values haven’t been lost in modern boats. They are often just buried beneath the Corian, the stabilizers, and the electrically-retractable seats and tables (and the price that goes with those kinds of luxury items).
Fair winds, John Rinker!
Read John Rinker’s official obituary on the Eastlund Funeral Home website.
Those wishing to leave a personal message or make a donation in John Rinker’s honor may do so at the link above.
The post Boating Innovator John Rinker Dies Age 93 appeared first on Boating Mag.