Ok, I don't need much but sell me on the 280 or 310?

[melgibesonsr.]

My wife and I are getting in to cruising and pretty much the setups between the players (crownline, Chap and so on) are pretty similiar. You could get around one or the other blindfolded.

I have noticed that Rinker pricing is getting better and better.

The only must for me, a large powerplant.

The only must for the Mrs. Wide band black and a forward sweeping arch.

A generator would be a complete plus.

Give me your views. I would sincerely appreciate it.

Thanks,
Mel

[ParkRode360]

Genny means a/c out on the hook, which everyone will appreciate the first hot steamy evening! Plus being able to run the microwave for popcorn and such while you're watching DVDs!

I'd go for twins, not sure if you can get that in a 310.  But to be honest, I've never heard anyone say "gee, my boat is too big"!!!!!

[02-310]

What year are you looking at?  

The 310 does come with twins, mine has twin 5.0L MPI.  Which I think is the minimum.

[Dream 'Inn]

I've got the same, with 5.0 MPI's.  Not the max powerplant, but does top out at 45mph.  Someone on here just posted an '02 for $55k, but no genny.  A real bargain though if you ask me.  Although I beleive a genny is a real must, you could always use a portable or add one in for that price!  It is a lot of bang for the buck!  We basically live on the boat thru the summer and absolutely love it!

[Rinker342]

Where are you going to use your boat?  I think you would be more satisfied with the 310.  Lots more room and most have the gen.  Twin 5.0's is pretty standard with most.  You don't mention your budget, but look for 310, 312, 320.... all basically the same boat.  The 310 become the 312 in 2003, I think, then the 312 became the 320 in 2006, I think.  Anyway, you will be very satisfied with any of them.

Good luck.

[frodo13056]

I'd agree with the rest of the posts here - go with the 310/312/320 with a generator and you'll be pretty happy with your choice!

[Dan&Darci]

I'll  jump in with the same opinion.  Go for the twins!  If you buy the 280, you'll be looking at trading up to a 310/312/320 shortly anyway.  Save the transaction costs and do it once.

[Justin]

I agree too with all the posts.  I owned a 270 last summer for about 60 days and realized it was too small for my family. I sold it and bought an 2001 310 with 5.7 efi's and a genny.  Go for the bigger one.  Good Luck in your search.

[Black_Diamond]

When we were boat shopping the genset was not on our list as it's an expensive opion on some boats...but having our 342 with the genset, I'd never go without again.  You can run the A/C, microwave, TV, anything.  great when not near a plug!

[Talon]

Go big! As stated above, you will appreciate the genny and twins

[jdriscoll]

My 310 has twin 5.7's  with bravo 3's.she will get up and go! and is very good on fuel at cruise 3200 rpm about 30 mph.and so much easier to handle than a big boat with a single engine

[Dave (Daddy's Diamond)]

Like everyone else.  Go with the 310.  In 2004 I bought my first boat (FV 290 which became the 300 in 2005).  I got it because it was the smallest one I could get and still have twins, Genny and AC.  Twin engines were important as I knew I would be taking out in the ocean and I wanted to be sure I could come home.  Figured I could get home on one engine if need be.  

My wife tried to talk me into the 310.....but I was nervous about driving such a big expensive piece of fiberglass.

Love my boat.....but, wish I had listened to my wife.

Dave

[Red Rockit]

I had a 270, and it felt cramped, and thought it was underpowered with the single 350 in it.  Plus, trying to swing a 30ft. boat around in tight spaces with only a single was more trouble than it was worth to me.  I don't think I even put 20 hours on it in almost two years of ownership.  


Not to mention the extra beam width you get with a 310 is worth the extra cost of the bigger boat.