Hi everyone, i am new here getting ready to purchase a 2002 Rinker 342. This would be my 1st big boa

cls10105

I am new at this and completely confused. Is the 2002 Rinker 342 an easy boat to learn for a beginner? 

LaRea

A boat that big is a handful for a beginner, but don't be intimidated.  You can't just walk up and drive it like a little ski boat.  You will need to practice, practice, practice to get good at docking and maneuvering.  The more you practice, the less stressful it will be.  

Also, realize that it's a collection of a lot of systems that are all 16 years old:  engines, generator, toilets, vinyl and canvas, electronics and more.  Stuff will break or wear out, and you'll have to fix or replace it.  

But you'll be rewarded by having one of the most capable, efficient, bang-for-the-buck boats around.  Good luck!  Bring your questions here.

Stodge

I think I'd like to know what you mean by "beginner".  If that means you've never owned or operated a boat before, then you will have your hands more than full.   It's not impossible to get the hang of things, but you will have a steep learning curve.  

Having a 2002 342 myself I can tell you that owning it is much like owning a house.  There are a LOT of maintenance items and they can be anything from time consuming to really expensive.  As mentioned above, the care the boat got from it's previous owner will affect the maintenance effort you'll have to put in.

We went from an 18 foot boat to a 28 foot cruiser after 2 seasons.  We spent those 2 seasons exploring the lake (23 miles x 23 miles in area) as well as part of the Detroit River and all of the St. Clair River and even stuck our nose in Lake Huron.  Even with the time spent with the little boat learning the basics, it was really intimidating to sit up high in the cruiser and try to maneuver.  It didn't take any time at all to figure out driving in open water.  It was the slow speed, stuff that was tough.

I'd strongly recommend taking an in-depth boater safety course (Coast Guard or Power Squadron), and find some experienced boaters who have similar sized boats who can coach you.  I'd also find some place like a public marina that is dead on the weekdays and motor over there to practice slow speed maneuvers (pivot in place, crab, docking bow first, docking stern first) where you won't have an audience (which just adds to the stress factor) and were an experienced boater can coach you through the moves.

Find a mechanic you trust.  Here again the boating community (or even a boat club) will be helpful.  Ask around.  Get as many opinions as you can before you pick one.

Boating with a cruiser is a lifestyle, much like having a cottage.  Be prepared, be aware, be safe.

Good luck with your "new to you" boat.  

LaRea

Stodge said:

...find some place like a public marina that is dead on the weekdays and motor over there to practice slow speed maneuvers (pivot in place, crab, docking bow first, docking stern first) where you won't have an audience ...  

That's hitting it on the head, nail-wise!

@cls10105 - visit the following link for info on finding a surveyor.  Don't use a surveyor recommended by the seller or broker.  You need an independent opinion on this big decision.  

https://www.boatus.com/insurance/survey.asp

Speaking which, consider buying Boat/US towing insurance (which includes the excellent Boat/US magazine).  

cls10105

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the help and advice. Can anyone recommend a company to move this boat? From lake lanier Georgia to Chattanooga Tennessee.

MarkB

Once you get the basics, it should be fine. Just watch out when you take the boat out. There will be days you book everyone to go out, and then there's a wind in the wrong direction that will make COMING BACK IN difficult (leaving is easy). Don't do it. Be prepared to cancel, or just have drinks on the boat. IF you let your pride do the talking, I can guarantee you at one point you'll be eating your pride ... we've all done it, we either learn the hard way or the easy way and save a lot of embarrassment and $.

As you get more skilled, you can then step things up a little ... but slowly. It'll take a full year if not two before you're okay, and even then, docking is always going to need your full attention.

I agree on the recommendation above about hiring a captain for a day ... they will teach you technique you'll probably never learn on your own. I had a 1 hour lesson (for free when I bought my boat). I learned A LOT in that 1 hour. Made a big difference.

Handymans342

It can be depending on how it was maintained. Be prepared to spend heaps of money

LaRea

Oh, and:  hire a professional surveyor to inspect the boat before you buy.  Expect to spend a few hundred dollars for a survey that takes several hours.  

reneechris14

X2 no a surveyor you need check out as much as possible so you know what your getting into. The boat is over 16000lbs loaded up so think twice when it comes to maneuvering.

Black_Diamond

Not sure where you are boating at.  If you hunt around you can usually find a 6-pack / captain that does boating lessons and walk you thru safety, etc. 

Liberty44140

Some great advice above. Yes it is just fine for a beginner, just keep in mind what was said above about all of the systems. Depends on how the previous owner maintained things but likely you will need to replace some things like pumps for the sink, toilet, or shower drain and do some engine and generator maintenance. It’s part of the deal so don’t be discouraged if some things need tending to at first. Two guys on my dock this summer got Rinker 34s as beginner boats and while both had do do some work or have work done throughout the summer they both finished the year very happy and learned a lot. Good luck and as said hire a good surveyor who will test every system, thoroughly go over the boats structure, and will go over the engines, drives and generator so that you know of any work needed ahead of time and can negotiate that in the price.