280EC vs 290EC

Guiness

Hi I'm new to Rinker and I am in the process of buying a 2007 280EC. What was the reasoning the stopped making the 280? ....and to follow up with that what is the differences between the 290vs the 280?(other than a foot...lol).Thank you for your help on this.

Cableguy Greg

They both are 32' overall length. The 290 is pretty much a rebadged 280 with a different layout in the cockpit and in the cabin. Other than that, and cosmetics, they are the same boat. 

seguir

I still prefer the 280 over the new 290.  I feel there is less space up above on the 290.  Below is exactly the same.... In addition the gas tank is smaller in the 290.  The 280's have 100gal and the 290 has 75 or 80 gal I think.   Do you know what engine it has?  

Cableguy Greg

I have to agree with seguir. I also don't like the cockpit layout of the new 290. It seems cramped to me. I love how the cockpit in the 280 flows.

hanzelvh

just returned from a 3 weeks holiday with our 280EC from 2007, 2 adults, perfect!

Big advantage is the space in the cockpit, compared to other brands.

Below only disadvantage is the height in the sleeping compartement, just enough.

Looked to the new 290 ........ our 280 is more economic and practical!

Cableguy Greg

With the bravo 3 it docks rather well. I back into my slip and the first time I docked her, I felt like I had owned the boat for years. Night and day feel compared to the alpha that I had before. 

seguir

Docking is sometimes a tricky....if there is any wind I take down the side canvas.  But for the most part I have gotten used to docking, but still ask for assistance at the doc if people are there.  I am in a tight doc.

pepmyster

My quote was for 8,000$ all done. Compleat job, even gel coat match for the tunnel.

raybo3

I agree with RY the 342 is a great boat.........

JC290

my 2003 290 has a wider beam and twins 

Guiness

Thanks Greg. I was just curious what the difference was specially if they both have the same  overall length and beam. I really like this 280 and am going to take it for a sea trial next week. Is Thera any certain things I should be looking for? Like I said I don't know a whole lot about Rinker boats. This forum has been very educational. I think ther style and use of space is the best I have seen.

Stodge

We just upgraded from an older (97) 280 to a 342.  Agree with Yan and Raybo that the 342 is a great boat.  We looked at the new 310 at the boat show last year and swear it had less space down below than our old 280.

Twins are a bonus.  

Happy shopping!

Guiness

Seguir as far as power goes it has 496 B3. Another question guys how is it to dock with a single screw? Since it is a top heavy boat I would imagine there is an adjustment period to get use to. Thanks for all your feedback it really helps in the process of figuring all this out.

Guiness

That's great to hear thanks CG. I was a little concerned about that.

hanzelvh

use a bow-thruster, for single engines very usefull.

pepmyster

I just got a quote for my 2008 280 for a bow thruster. Gotta have it for those stupid under-currents while docking. 

Guiness

Pep may I ask ball park how much a bow thruster costs?