Just wanted to introduce myself... new 280EC owner

tk1973

Hey guys... Great forum you have here. 

We just picked up a 2008 Rinker 280EC this Wed and can't wait for the weather to get better so we can start using it. 

We're moving up from an older Donzi with twin big blocks. Loved that boat but was way to loud for our newborn daughter. She cried overtime I started it up. 

Our 280 has the 496 and Bravo3. Maiden cruise was last night to the marina across the bay for dinner. All good, although the bow steer was nuts as we live on a canal and it's no wake speed. I must have looked like a drunken a$$ doing S's down the canal. Just thankfully no one else was coming against me. Any tips there? 

As well just wanted to ask if anyone with the same boat has switched the pump toilet to an electric. I'm looking at upgrading to the Jabsco Lite flush but not sure how to get access under the existing toilet or even how to run wires from the vacuflush switch to the head, any tips would be appreciated. 

Tim

MarkB

Congratulations. When running idle don't oversteer. The bow zig zagging autocorrects itself (will go left and then come right on its own).

As for the head conversion, yes I've done it. Got a Jabsco electric flush. This part:

http://www.adventuresafety.com.au/marine-hardware/rwb-jabsco-spare-parts-for-electric-conversion-kit/

It fit right in, very quick install.

We got power from the vac flush, but after about 2 years that stopped working, not enough amps. So I ran a dedicated line from the house battery, and it works perfect. Check the owner's manual, these things draw a lot.

thepriceisright

I experienced the same bow oscillation on the 270 I sea trialed yesterday. It really can get out of hand if you keep trying to correct it. 

randy56

x2 what Mark said, if you give just a little throttle it helps, and still stay in the no wake speed. con grads, the baby can nap down there.

rasbury

Make sure your trim tabs and drive are all the way down...

Gregg

Congrats on your 280ec were on Simcoe as well.

raybo3

Welcome to the RBOC and good luck with your new ride.......

LaRea

Sounds like your boat is a great candidate for autopilot.  Point the boat in the right direction, poke the autopilot button, and let Raymarine do the work.  (Assuming, of course, that your boat budget still has a few pennies that weren't allocated to the child-raising budget.)  

mvn

Welcome!

Mark

tk1973

Thanks guys. Yeah, I need the weather to clear up so I can just get out and play with it

minnesota

Congrats, I love my 280, 

Willhound

Congrats and welcome from yet another Lake Simcoe Rinker owner. Sounds like you're at Krates?

tk1973

Thank you. I'm actually just south of there on one of the canals off of ravenshoe. 

Willhound

Ahhh. Yep. Tight for a 280 for sure. Was in there about 2 years ago in my old 20 foot and found it tight. You'll get the hang of that single screw in no time. One advantage of the B3 is virtually no fighting prop steer. As others pointed out, small counter steers. When she gets to be 17 years old like my 270 and you get some slop in the system it gets more interesting. 

rasbury

So what is the difference between a 270 and 280? The layout of the seating is much different, swim platform looks built in to the boat, cabin layout looks the same...

Cableguy Greg

Cabin is pretty much the same. Front V berth is a little smaller. The cockpit is way different. The swim platform is built in. Overall it is a completely different boat.