Torn between 2 boats, experience needed

[03silvers]

First post, but have been reading the forums for about a year now, tons of great info. I currently have a maxum 2300sc cuddy, its great but im looking to get a cruiser. At first i had my sights on a 03-07 270fv. My only complaint is the "non social" seating arrangement.

After more searching i have narrowed it down to either the Rinker 280 2007-2010? Or the sea ray 260da 2005-2008? I really like the seating arrangements on both. The searay looks more open than the rinker though due to the huge prep area on the rinker.

I have never been on either in the water, only at boat shows or marinas. I like that the rinker is 31' loa versus  the searays 28' loa. I understand this is a rinker site, however does anyone have experience with both boats? There are definitely alot more searays to choose from but some are outrageously priced.

[tobyyost]

I have a 2004 312.  That I bought used in 2008.  We spent a lot of time looking at boats, and were basically down to the Rinker or SeaRay also.  We personally liked the way the Rinker was layed out better than the SeaRay, and if I recall correctly the Rinker had more head room, and a wider beam than comparable SeaRay's.  So regardless of price, we went with the Rinker, just because we liked it better than the other brands we had looked at.  With the SeaRay's I really felt that you were paying alot for the name.

I cannot give you any comments as I have never owned a SeaRay, but I can tell you that I am still very happy with my Rinker, and I would buy one again.  Any problems that I have had,  really had nothing to do specifically with the manufacturer, and most were things that I could have avoided had I known more. 

have a survey done on whatever you buy, and you will probably be happy either way.  Good Luck

[03silvers]

I believe the rinker 280 has a 9'1" beam versus the searays 8'6". I do like the idea of the extra couple inches.

[Babyboomer]

Welcome Aboard I don't think anyone here is going to dog Sea Ray they are a very nice boat and most have all the bells and whistles they just want to much for their product. I know they say they hold the value better, but you had to pay through the nose. When I bought my boat 99 270 the closest thing in SR was a 270 with a beam of 8' 6" compared to the Rinker at 9'1" same power ac etc. at $10,000 more for SR if I had it to do over again it would still buy a Rinker you just get more bang for your buck. My boat is 13 now and shines just as nice as a 290 SR next to me. Sorry for the rant but I just LOVE MY RINKER

[pepmyster]

I know what you mean by the non-social seating bugging you. I have a 280ec 2008 with the 8.1 merc. Cannot be happier, What really sold us was the seating in the back plus all that head room. I believe anyone who bashes another product can never give an honest opinion. Searay has a great rep also, Just go with the one that you see your self in, check all the options on it, and finally, see if you are at ease with the lay-out, Good luck with your choice and don't worry, you'll have a great time!!!!

[SeaNile]

I was all over the place for the 12 months shopping before buying a 2004 312 Rinker.  It started with looking seriously at 2004 34 Sea Rays but they were over 90K, took a few months off and then almost bought a 2005 27 Rinker.  Turns out there are some really good deals out there on the 310 Rinkers and I found a boat I liked (2004 312) for less than half of what the 34 Sea Rays were going for. With Rinker you get a lot of boat for the money and with the help of this site there aren't many things that can't be done yourself.

Not sure of your boating plans, location or budget but I think you can get more boat for the money with a Rinker.
 

[frodo13056]

I'm on my 7th Rinker (9th boat overall) so you can pretty much guess that I'm a Rinker fan   
I had an 03 270 for about a season and a half and went with a new 2008 320 since we wanted more room for weekends. I've been on quite a few different boats and for the money, I don't think you can beat Rinker value. This isn't to say that Rinkers don't have issues - all boats have issues from time to time - that's just the nature of owning a boat. Personally, I really like the 270 / 320 cockpit seating arrangement - it's all on the same level and everyone can basically see / chat with everyone else, including from the helm seat. We've had 8 people in the cockpit comfortably (actually had 12 people one evening while out for watching the Chicago 3rd of July fireworks).
I'm also of the opinion that Sea Ray is a nice boat but a bit pricey - just my opinion. That's what is great about boating, there are hundreds of different styles to suit whatever you want to do.
Good luck!

[Hamdog]

I bought a 2005 342 two years ago. I know it is a little bigger boat than you are looking at but I will say this. I am surrounded by Sea Ray Owners at the dock. There is a SR 340 next to us. Nice boat but the guy keeps asking about my Rinker and guess whose boat we hang out on? You guessed it..............mine. I just love my Rinker. Value wise there is not a better cruiser and I have had no issues other than the typical impellers and plugs for the generator. And my boat was $40,000 less than his. Who made the better deal?

My experience is Rinker makes a darn good boat at a darn good value. Thats my point of view.

Good luck whatever choose. Both are good boats,

Hamdog

[Rinker342]

A couple of years ago, our marina had an in water boat show where they had the Rinker 280 and a similar sized used Sea Ray...,. both for sale... both in the water.  What I noticed most is that the Rinker didn't bob around as much as the Sea Ray when you boarded it and moved around, especially with two people moving around at the same time.  The owner of our marina, who has sold boats for over 30 years told me that was largely attributable to the wider beam of the Rinker.  That fact coupled with the typically bigger price for comparable Sea Rays is enough for me.

I personally have had 3 Rinkers and have been very happy with all.

Best of luck and Welcome to the RBO!

[Dream 'Inn]

Well, welcome to the site!  I think most things have been covered here.  I had owned a 24' Sea Ray before this one.  I'll say it wasn't worth the extra cost, but it did hold value.  But, since you are looking at used, you can get a good bang for the buck on the Rinkers.  I'm with SeaNile on this, the 310/312/320 is a great layout and you can get them for a great price (I bought mine before those great prices, but we've gotten our use out of it).

Whatever you choose, just do a lot of looking and make sure you are getting big enough, cause now is a great time to get a good deal.  Good luck! (& whatever you choose, you are always welcome to the site )

[Capt Ron]

My advice is to go bigger... As big as you can afford. Moving from a 23ft to 27 ft isn't a big leap and you will get 2 footitis within a year. I have a 320 and never looked back. I came close to buying a Sea Ray but decided on the larger beam. Beam is everything in a boat. It handles differently and provides more cockpit and cabin space. The 310/320 have the largest cockpits I have seen on any comparable product, including some larger Rinkers. What ever your choice...please get a survey...not provided by the seller.... an independent one.

[drifter]

I have a 300. A buddy has the 270. Another the SR 260. All have pros and cons. Honestly, i really like that the 260s captain chair spins around. For "Social" space it is surprising how much this opens up the area. Seems both SR and Rinker figured this out with their new designs (I LOVE the new Rinker 310)! The SR cabin is SMALL and cramped. For 2 people, it's ok but much more than that, forget it. The boat is open but it does feel small. You put it beside the 300 and it looks small (and the 300 isn't that big). To everyone elses point, the beam makes a big diff. It runs the length of the boat and you can tell when on the boats. SR makes a great boat but over priced compared to the comp (opinion). You have to maintain any boat and as long as you do that they all do well. Bottom line, I'd go with the 270 just make sure it's well powered!

[SheCaptain]

I sea trialed the 2010 SeaRay 260 Da new with the dealer. I had my heart set on that model and after we took it out I changed my mind. The boat sits high in the water and with that narrow beam she listed a lot. It was very hard to get it to trim out with the trim tabs in rough water. Besides it was only a single engine. I opted for the Rinker 290 with twins. It’s a nicer ride, wider beam and easier to handle for docking. Bigger is always better!
No regrets!

[03silvers]

I was all over the place for the 12 months shopping before buying a 2004 312 Rinker.  It started with looking seriously at 2004 34 Sea Rays but they were over 90K, took a few months off and then almost bought a 2005 27 Rinker.  Turns out there are some really good deals out there on the 310 Rinkers and I found a boat I liked (2004 312) for less than half of what the 34 Sea Rays were going for. With Rinker you get a lot of boat for the money and with the help of this site there aren't many things that can't be done yourself.

Not sure of your boating plans, location or budget but I think you can get more boat for the money with a Rinker.
 

I boat on the middle to upper Chesapeake. Lots of hanging out at sandbars and visiting restaurants/bars. General just exploring. Trying to stay under 40k budget wise.

[03silvers]

I would love to go into the 32' range, however im trying to avoid the costs associated with twins. Im lucky enough to have 2 family members waterfront with docks, so the extra space to stay on the hook really isnt necessary to me. The 27-28' seem like a great compromise, large enough to entertain all day and still have a usable cabin all with a single screw.

Feel free to convince me otherwise!