310 Help

jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
edited February 2017 in Rinker Express Cruisers Forum
Alright guys, I have been thinking about upsizing to a 310 for awhile now and I think I might pull the trigger this spring (not completely sure just yet). I have two boats that are local to me that I have been going back and forth on and thought I would put it out here for you guys to give me your opinions on them. First boat is a 2013 310 with the platinum hull with only 60 hours on it. Has no genny or built in grill and has DTS with the 5.0's  but hasn't touched water in 2 years (been sitting in the show room) and was kept on a rack previously. The second is a 2012 with about 400 hours on it and pretty much fully loaded; genny, DTS, skyhook, joystick controls, vesselview, etc and has been well taken care of and babied. Both asking prices are $5k within each others. Which one do you go for?
Boat Name: Knot A Worry
2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
Post edited by jme097 on
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,661 mod
    Well, since you are asking for opinions, hands down I'd pick the one with the genny and DTS.  Now, I'd have to do a thorough looking before truly saying it is better.  I'd never buy a boat that size without a generator.  & DTS, once you have it, you'll never go back.  The hours don't mean a whole lot, just that the boat is used (which can be a good thing, if maintained well). Any thoughts about a bigger jump?  Maybe 34/35/36'?   28 to 31 may seem like a big jump, until next year. :)

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    @Dream_Inn you're in the same position I am haha. I want all the options but DTS is the one must have of my next boat so both boats have it. I can always add vesselview after if I go that route but I really would like to have the skyhook and joystick controls. I'm not really stuck on the hours but I know some people get stuck on them. Haven't really thought about a bigger jump (34/35/36) much. I am good with my 280 length-wise I just want the extra 18 inches of beam that the 310 offers. So I don't think I'd fully utilize the extra 4/5/6 feet
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • LaReaLaRea Member, Moderator Posts: 7,747 mod
    No hesitation - I'd take the loaded 2012.  For a boat used for five seasons, 400 hours is perfect.  
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    Curious, how many hours ballpark does a rebuild come into consideration? I thought it was 1,500-2,000 hours? 
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • reneechris14reneechris14 Member Posts: 3,134 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Me too gen set and joy stick way to go.But you better go sit in a 36 and just think a little while.
    2005 Rinker FV342  Pawcatuck river,Ct
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  • reneechris14reneechris14 Member Posts: 3,134 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1500 hours is good ball park,at that time that boat would be 15 years old.
    2005 Rinker FV342  Pawcatuck river,Ct
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    edited February 2017
    @reneechris14 trust me sir, I have sat in a 360/370 for a long time. That payment scares the crap out of me lol
    Post edited by raybo3 on
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • reneechris14reneechris14 Member Posts: 3,134 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Good answer,you are a smart man
    2005 Rinker FV342  Pawcatuck river,Ct
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    Hahaha
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • wm61356wm61356 Member Posts: 201 ✭✭✭
    I would go for the loaded 2012 if it were me. I have DTS now and love it. The generator is good to have as well. Most of the 310's I've seen have the 350 Mags in them. Does the 2012 model have 5.0 Liter engines or 5.7s?
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    @wm61356 both boats have the 5.0's in them. I really wanted the 350 MAG's but can't get everything we want lol
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • Michael TMichael T Member Posts: 7,227 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Generator nice but not absolutely necessary however -  AXIUS Premium (skyhook) -  best option ever. It will make docking a blast and improve resale dramatically.  NO CONTEST... not even CLOSE...... Boat #2 DTS/Axius!!!!!!!!!! 
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  • raybo3raybo3 Administrator Posts: 5,501 admin
    Boat #2 is the way to go......... No doubt!!!!!!
    2002 342 Fiesta Vee PC Point Of Pines YC Revere MA. popyc.org     raybo3@live.com
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  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,025 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 2017
    I would go for the second boat as well. Those options make the boat!!! Listen to MT!!! Are you going to trade your boat or sell it outright? If selling yourself, how much are you asking for it? I might know of someone that could be interested if the price is right.
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes"
    Go Steelers!!!
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    edited February 2017
    Hahaha I don't know why I even asked I knew what the answers were haha. 

    @Cableguy Greg I am selling the trailer with it as well. Right now I have it up for $59k (I know it's high) just trying to see what attention it gains right now. I'll lower in a couple weeks. Boat has new seadek and all new smartcraft gauges with mercmonitor along with new Lumitec spectrum lights. I definitely want to see it to someone who took care of it just like I did. If you want more info feel free to PM me
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • Michael TMichael T Member Posts: 7,227 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 2017
    @jme097,  someone is going to get an EXCELLENT boat.  Good luck  on the sale. You can fix the no gen with an aftermarket.  @frenchship has an smazing aftermarket gen rig he designed himself.  The 350's make the 310 @ rocket ship but without the heavy factory gen it will  still go like crazy with 5.0s. I know as I have been in  one  with  that configuration! BTW I don't  like cockpit BBQ anyway as it splatters grease in the cockpit no matter what you do. Use a swim platform aftermarket unit I like the Magna infrared. Fingers crossed for a good outvome for you! 
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    edited February 2017
    Thanks MT! The cockpit grill is definitely not a must have as I would much rather have the counter space to be honest with you. I currently use the Magna grill off the swim platform with my 280. Curious as to what people's thoughts are on buying a boat from salt water usage? I'm sure factors go into it usage and how well it was maintained and all that good stuff as well
    Post edited by jme097 on
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,025 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My 280 was a brackish boat. I had some concerns, but they were laid to rest when I saw the boat. All new Merc manifolds and risers are ceramic lined to help with corrosion issues. If the boat was properly taken care of, there shouldn't be many issues. 
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes"
    Go Steelers!!!
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    Interesting. Let me know if you have any questions @Cableguy Greg
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    edited February 2017
    So I have been browsing the internet a lot over the past week for 310's. Both Rinker and......Sundancers haha. Just not a lot of rRinker 310's out there for sale as there are Sundancers (for obvious reasons). I did find one in FL in Highland Beach that is for sale. Loaded except no hardtop for $99k but it's a salt water boat. Kept on a lift so it looks good; just not sure of the engines. Only 140 hours or so on them. Just curious if they were flushed properly as they are not Seacore. 
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,025 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here is an older 320 for sale. You could get it, replace the drives with the DP-SM drives since you are in fresh water. It might be worth a look...

    https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/5960856322.html

    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes"
    Go Steelers!!!
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    Here is the link...

    http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2012/Rinker-310-Express-Cruiser-3052270/Highland-Beach/FL/United-States#.WLBJ0G8rJhE
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • craigswardmtbcraigswardmtb Member Posts: 1,015 ✭✭✭
    We went from a 270 to a 360.  I also considered the 310 and 342.  I sat in a 360 and absolutely fell in love with it.  We went from spending maybe 15-20 nights a summer, to 75 nights this past summer.  Not sure your intent on use, but if you want to spend more time on your boat, go as big as you can.  Personally i would get a mid vintage 2005-07 360, but i am biased...  You could also get a 2008 350 for similar money to the 310's you're looking at.  It woudl have DTS, but likely no axius, etc.  
    If you're set on the 310 i would agree with everyone that the well maintained 400 hour boat is likely the way to go.  To me an underpowered boat is no fun.  I'm not saying that is the case with the 5.0's because i have no experience there, but something to consider and get feedback on prior to committing to the smaller engines.
    Congrats on your hunt.  Its fun... 
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  • craigswardmtbcraigswardmtb Member Posts: 1,015 ✭✭✭
    Also to me saltwater boats are fine so long as they are maintained.  Biggest thing to look at is were manifolds maintained/changed every 5 years.  Are the drives free of corrosion (there will always be some).  The bearing carrier (remove those props), skeg, and where the drive mates to the bell housing are probably the biggest areas to inspect.  Also inspect that gimbal ring and make sure the swivel shaft seal is not leaking due to corrosion.
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  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,025 ✭✭✭✭✭
    jme097 said:
    Here is the link...

    http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2012/Rinker-310-Express-Cruiser-3052270/Highland-Beach/FL/United-States#.WLBJ0G8rJhE
    That is a good looking boat!!! You can tell that it is a saltwater boat by the rust on the engines. I would want to see the drives. If everything was flushed after each use, you should be in decent shape.
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes"
    Go Steelers!!!
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    That's my thought @Cableguy Greg. I want to make a trip down and see it
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • jbschmalz23jbschmalz23 Member Posts: 219 ✭✭✭
    After going to the boat show this weekend, my wheels are turning as well! You'll have to let me know what you go with! I wasn't able to go look at the new 320 but fell in love with the 370. Of course I like the price tags on the 310/320s. Would love the extra space. Still love my 280, but would love some of the new technologies of axius etc. where were we when @MT was selling his boats in the past?!? Lol. That fl 310 is a nice looking boat! Nicely optioned. 
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  • Michael TMichael T Member Posts: 7,227 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 2017
    Guys, I would have loved to sell you my boats! Maybe @gtyee or @bry1429 are ready to make a deal? MT 
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    Hahaha. I know right?!
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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  • jme097jme097 Member Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭
    I think I already know the answer to this but I am going to ask it anyways, any opinions from the guys with the 350/360's that have the 496's? Is the boat powered good, not enough, just right? Just curious. I know MT think's the 8.2's are good lol
    Boat Name: Knot A Worry
    2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
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