"old" 2002 270FV vs. "new" 2002 270FV

[siebt]

Howdy from Kansas.  2 degrees F and a blizzard outside.  Good day to look at boats.

I have a question for the 270 owners (past or present).

I have my eye on a 2002 model year 270 FV.  It is the "old" version.  The cockpit as the single bucket seat at the helm and a different dash lay-out.  The trash can is behind the lounge/couch and the coolder storage is in the side of the boat.  I don't think I saw a sink anywhere above deck.  Below deck, in the cabin, it is white instead of "cherry" wood.

I have looked at several 270's and they have all been newer than 2002, so I have seen the "newer" style, but have never stepped foot on the "older" style.

My question:  Does anyone have an opinion on advantages or disadvantages and/or likes and dislikes between the "old" and the "new" style 2002 model?

I can see advantages to the old style when towing a tube; you could swivel the chair so that you can look ahead and take a glance behind when safe to do so.  The upper deck floor plan may be a little bit more open in the old style, as well.

I do probably prefer the "cherry" wood look below deck, but functionally I assume they are the same.

This unit has the 6.2 w/ gen set.  I assume the engine bay layout would be the same as the "new" style????

Thank-you for any opinions, insight, facts, etc.

[rinker270]

I have a 1999. I can tell you that mine has the intergrated swim platform. No extra platform so I only have 16 inches there. As well, the new style has been stretched at the rear seat. Rinker stretched it the 16 inches giving more room there allowing a table with comfort. The L shaped seating is way more copmfortable on the newer style. Down below is OK but I do not like the material on the seating. My 1999 is toned down.
Engine compartment is the same really.

My 2 cents
Jeff 

[NO GIN]

Make sure you do not buy any Rinker with the old style swim platform unless you plan on spending an extra $3000 for their "upgrade kit." The swim platform sits in the water and creates a horrible drag which prevents you from getting up on plane with any passangers onboard.

[our rx]

Are you talking about the swim platform that sits about 4 inches out of the water? you think that makes much of a difference?  I thought most rinkers were built this way! And when you say upgrade what do they do, $3000 seems like alot of money!!

[Babyboomer]

I have a 99 and I prefer the single seat don't see much use for a sink in the cockpit no body drinks out of the water tank it's for dishes. The garbage can when lifted out is great noodle storage along the back side of the seat. I had a table added in the back when I bought the boat. As for the interior the table in the cabin is way to big around. We are in covered slips and we only use the cabin for sleeping or watching TV on a rainey day.
We were going to trade up this year but with the economy and fuel prices, we're just going to leave well enough alone.

[shess]

NO Gin, Just curious.. did you get the upgrade for the swim platform?  I just bought a 2003 270 and that was the year that had half "old platforms" and "half new". Unfortunately, my 03 has the old platform.  However, I didn't notice any significant drag during the sea trials (with 6 male adults onboard).  Any info would be appreciated.. thanks.

[NO GIN]

No I didn't do nor will I do the Rinker "upgrade platform." Its an entirely new platform with brackets and all. $2500 plus shipping and tax. Swimplatforms.com will custom make a nice one specifically for our 270 for $1750.

Majority of the time I go out with 6 adults and 4 or so kids. My platform dragged really bad with this extra weight, even when distributing the weight up toward the helm.

[shess]

Sounds like the swimplatform.com is the way to go.  I think I'll see how it goes this first season and then make any neccessary changes for season 2. 

[NO GIN]

Since I have the same boat as you, and have experienced these issues for a full season, here is a bit of advixe.

1. Keep your waste tank empty.
2. Keep fresh water as low as possible. At least falf full or less.
3. Depending on how far you are running for the trip, try to keep fuel in tank below half full.
4. If more than 3 adults, make sure they are seated up at the helm with you to keep weight off the back of the boat.

There are a ton of great boats for amazing buys on the market. Do your research and consider all options. Do a SEARCH on this forum for "swim platform." See how many people have had problems with there Rinker with the old style swim platform. You will be very upset with yourself if you buy this boat and can't turn the key and enjoy.

I'm telling you this is a very disheartening proposition. I like to have friends and family on the boat. Its a huge PITA to have to constantly worry about the 4 points I listed above. You should be able to load up and go with no worries and complete enjoyment. Rinker says this comes at a price for their bad design. I don't get it but I guess that's there way of trying to stay in business and make some money off the less fortunate boaters that can not afford newer boats. Shame on Rinker! (S.O.R.) watch for this, SOR in my threads and posts and know this is a way to voice my opinion about Rinker exploiting Rinker owners on limited budgets.  

[NO GIN]

I love this forum and the people here! I am a man of values, morals and ethics. The more I think about Rinkers decision to charge for their flawed design, and the more I speak to fellow boaters about it, the more I hurt. If Rinker will not stand behind their product then I want nothing to do with them. It is for this reason that my 270 is back up for sale. I have been struggling financially and am barely able to afford bottom painting the boat and launch. Shelling out thousands of dollars is not in my cards and in my opinion, and that of many others, is flat out wrong.

[shess]

Wow, No Gin.  I'm so disappointed to read your post.  Last year, prior to buying my 2003 270, I'd read the posts on here eagerly and yours in particular because i knew you were a fellow long islander.  Its strange, I think we have the same engine 350 mag/bravo 3 and the few times i had the boat out (prior to buying it), I never had any trouble getting up on plane.  Each time, I had a minimum of 6 200lb men (one time 8) and no problems.  I sure hope it wasn't just luck and that it doesn't become a big issue this summer.  I really love the boat.  The previous owner kept it in great condition- its looks almost brand new.  I wish you the best of luck in selling yours.

[NO GIN]

Shess, do you have the raised platform? I think that makes a huge difference in the performance of our 270s with the 350.

[shess]

No, I have the 2003 with the lowered swim platform.  I read a lot about the drag before buying the boat and I was very concerned.  However, I made sure I loaded the boat up with a bunch of male adults during the sea trials and I had zero trouble getting her up on plane.  I'm still concerned though after reading what you've gone through.  It really irks me that they didn't change it for ALL of the 03's.  I'm sure the boat would perform much better with the raised platform, given that its only a single screw.  I'm just hoping for the best.. I'd hate to have to shell out an additional 1700 bucks, although i did get a really good deal on the boat.  What kind of boat are you looking at in the event that you sell your 270?

[NO GIN]

Getting out of the day cruiser scene and moving up to a larger semi~displacement flybridge cruiser. Looking at an Egg Harbor or maybe even a Hatteras. First I have to sell my Rinker. I also have my 29' Thompson cabin cruiser that's been fully loaded w 11 people on board and got up and went no questions asked. Guess I can use her while shopping.

[alswagg]

many people do not know this but there are actually several differant hull designs for the 270.  Since we are talking about the 2002, 2 differant hull designs  6 differant molds.  For ease of sake, I will try to explain.  In late 2001 the deck was changed completely, seating moved back, or extended however you want to say it.  This increased the seating area of the cockpit, plus the deck was widened 2".  Still utilizing same production hull.  The prior year 270- had a integrated platform.  When the deck was modified and extended rearward, the first production runs had a "lower platform which bolted to the hull only utilizing horizontal and vertical bolts.  This was a flush sitting platform to the water just as everyother high selling 270 on the market.
In mid year production a Hull modification was determined needed to increase the size of motor compartment size. ie generator installations and 496 installations.  The hull was stretched about 14" aft.  This created a need for a completely differant swim platform design since the space for vertical mounting was gone.  This is what evolved into the bolt on platform that attached over the hull to deck joint, or the "raised" platform.  In 2003 and 04 some customers and dealers prefered the raised platform over the flush mounted platform.  This is when a "kit" was developed to help dealers install this optional platform.  It was not an exact fit due to the different hull to deck joint mold of the early 2002.  This kit was not developed for anything more than a need from the dealers and end consumers.  The Performace advantage is minimal.  The real performance advantage of the "raised platform comes from the extended 14" hull running surface.  I hope this helps   Al
T