2016 Reinell 195 BR Boat Review

The Reinell brand is no newcomer to the boating scene, with a history that goes back 80 years in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Since being acquired by Kelowna, B.C., based Campion Marine two years ago, Reinell has been a naturalized Canadian boat line.

With seven runabout models ranging from 16 to 22 feet, in bowrider with fish ‘n ski versions, Reinell is positioned as a “value” brand. That means buyers get a lot of boat for their investment. The 185 test boat is certainly a good example of that.

Regardless of price, Reinell boats benefit from Campion’s design excellence and construction quality. The 185 has a fibreglass liner with non-skid floor and gelcoat finished lockers. There’s plenty of storage space in the large cockpit floor locker and partitions alongside the MerCruiser 4.3 TKS sterndrive provide more storage room in the engine compartment.

The bowrider layout, with a walk-through windshield and a spacious forward compartment, is uncomplicated. In the main cockpit, there’s a bench seat aft and swiveling seats, completewith lifting bolsters, at the helm and companion positions. A section of the aft bench seat to starboard lifts to create a step leading aft.

Our test boat also benefits from options including black gelcoat topsides, snap-in carpet and a tilt steering wheel. 

The 190hp V-6 sterndrive is carbureted and a well-proven performer that’s well matched to the 185. Acceleration times are impressive. Top speed at 5,500 rpm is 46.1 miles per hour. The boat could cruise comfortably all day at 25 mph at about 3,400 rpm. 

Cornering and handling is fine, the helm is well laid-out with all necessary gauges and the seat is comfortable and supportive. The test boat’s optional black colouredgelcoats hull sides look great.

The Reinell 185 BR is a good boat as well as being a great value and that should be welcome news for plenty of boaters.

Test Boat Engine

MerCruiser 4.3 TKS, 190 hp, 4.3L (262 ci), V-6 gasoline sterndrive, pushing the prop through an Alpha One drive

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)

0-20 / 3.5; 0-30 / 6.6; 0-40 / 9.12

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)

5,500 / 46.1

CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)

3,000 / 19.8; 3,500 / 26.5; 4,000 / 32.1

SPECS

Model year: 2016

Make: Reinell

Model: 195 BR

Category: Bowrider

Length: 20ft / 6.10 m

Beam: 7ft 2in / 2.18 m

Pricing Notes: With Trailer

Hull Type: Fiberglass

Engine Type: I/O Sterndrive

Fuel Capacity: 25

According: Boattest.com