What does the "2" mean

[TimM]

As I continue my search for the right Rinker cruiser to buy I am coming across 312s, 342s, etc as well as 310s, 320s, 340s, etc across multiple model years.  What's the difference between a 310 and a 312, and same question for 340 and 342?  I even saw a 2003 listed as a 310/312.  Any insight would be appreciated.

[frodo13056]

The 310 / 312 / 320 are all basically the same boat but different model years - same hull, same dimensions, same weight, etc.
The only difference that I'm aware of are all cosmetic - the 310 had mostly white wood in the cabin, didn't have the bigger wet bar in the cockpit and no fridge in the wet bar, different TV cabinet location, different camper canvas and supports, had a cooler storage under the helm seat, had a single post for the dinette table, had a manual pump head, etc. The 310 went out of production in 2003 and the 312 came out as a replacement somewhere in 2003 - that's why you see it advertised as a 310 /312. If it says 310, it's a 310 not a 312.
The 312 has the larger cockpit wet bar with either ice maker or fridge, the under helm seat cooler storage went away, big redesign of the helm dash / instruments, Rinker used the cherry wood in the cabin, made the front berth mirror different, added the four fender holders on the stern, added the flip up helm seat, had Kenwood stereo components and cockpit controllers, added a second post for the dinette table (more stability), changed the manual head to the electric head, had the stereo head unit and the CD changer mounted just above the cabin dinette seating, etc.
The  320 came out in 2006 - 2007. Rinker redesigned the stern to remove the four fender holders and added a "trunk lid" for access to the compartment under the rear seat, added the teak & holley option for the cabin, added the vacu flush head, added the storage safe, changed the helm instrumentation again, removed the built in coffee maker from the galley, added the stereo head unit to the TV cabinet, etc.
The best way to see the changes would be to do an internet search for 310 / 312 / 320 models, download pictures to your computer, label each photo indicating if it’s a 310 / 312 / 320 and compare for yourself.
I’m not that knowledgeable about the 342 models.

[TimM]

Thanks for all the info.  I was looking at all the pictures trying to figure out the differences.  If I follow your progression on the 310/312/320, but they have a brand new 2010 310 out, but then jump from there to a 340.  The new 310 looks like it's the same size as the 2009 300.  Looks like they are starting the progression all over.  The new 310 has all sorts of sexy looking features, the reviews say it's good, but I am suspicious that it is form over function.  The 320 size (34' 8" LOA) seems to have gone away in 2010 in favor of a 35' 8" 340.

[alswagg]

The "2" Stands for really nothing more than the second version of the hull.  For instance the 310 and 312 same hull design, same hull mold, second version of the boat.  same goes for the 210 verses 212 and so forth.  It is just a play on words, different numerals.  the 340 and 342 are the exact same hull but the 99 330 and 2000 340 are different, even though the later has bascially the same interior.  Al

[TimM]

So basically it's a Rev-2.  I assume that when the number rolls back over, like the new 310, that means a new hull?

[sailor]

I have an 06-342 that looks like an 08 09 etc.
The interior is somewaht different. My
marine neighbor is selling a boat similar to
mine with little hours. It's suberb.

[Dream 'Inn]

The older 310 is almost 35' long overall.  Definitely not the same as the new 310 at all.  The new 310 to me compares to the older280, especially in size.  They now add the swim platform to the overall size.  Nice boat though for it's size.

Also the 2002 310 has a different dash than the '01 and '00 and does not have the all white look in the galley, it actually has the wood look down below with the corian counter.  (also has the second post under the table ) When I originally bought mine I was looking at getting the '00 or '01 310, but decided it would be nice to have the SmartCraft and the different helm/dash as well as the wood.  The wife liked the color pattern better.  So, it all worked out.

Good luck with your search.  The 31' and 34' are very popular models from a few years ago.  The 342 were really known for the full separate shower, but I'd make sure you get one that has the B-III or duoprop (twin props on each drive).  I know someone that has the B-II that says it really takes some gas and a bit to get on plane.

[TimM]

Good tips.  I had no idea that there was that big of a difference between the older 310/312 and the new 310.  I like the 342 a lot, but it would be very tight under the fixed bridge I have in Cape Coral.

I have noticed in pictures of the 342 and 340 that some look like the aft berth can be converted to a seating area, and others look like they have a fixed vertical riser from the salon deck to the bed platform, shich would imply that it would only be useful as a berth.  Any comments?

[Dream 'Inn]

What part of Cape Coral do you live?  My father lives on a canal just off Del Prado (behind Hooters).  He has to do the bridge thing as well.

[TimM]

I am in the SW area, about 4.5 miles west and 1.5 miles south of where your your father is.  Near Chiquita and Beach.

Sounds like he has a great location! 

[sailor]

I have an 06-342 and we have been investigating
turning  the aft into a horseshoe sitting area. It
appears feasible, awaiting cost details.

[TimM]

I have an 06-342 and we have been investigating
turning  the aft into a horseshoe sitting area. It
appears feasible, awaiting cost details.

I just looked at a 00-340 and the aft berth coverts to a sitting area.  When did they stop doing that, or was it a factory option?

[Dream 'Inn]

I am in the SW area, about 4.5 miles west and 1.5 miles south of where your your father is.  Near Chiquita and Beach.

Sounds like he has a great location! 

Guess I never thought about it being a decent location cause the drive out the canal just seems long compared to here almost immediately getting on plane.  If I remember right, at least your area isn't completey packed in yet with all the houses on the canals?

Sounds like you've been finding quite a few Rinkers down there to look at, didn't know there be so many.  A few years ago I went to what I believe was a dealer with them in the Ft. Myers area. 

[TimM]

My area is pretty packed in with houses, probably about 85% of the canal lots built on.  I can get out in about 20 minutes, but having the boat on the lift in the back yard and the entire Gulf to play in makes it worth it.

My real comment on your father's location was the relative proximity to Hooters! 

I have really been conducting my search in the eastern 1/2 of the US and TX.  Shipping  a boat is relatively low cost compared to the boat, gas maintenance, etc.

[Mikes342]

I also have an 06 and I am intrested in making it a seating area also.  Please let me know what they are going to do and the approx cost