Introduction and New Boat Order

[statbiomed]

Hello,

I introduced myself several days ago. My name is Bryan and had narrowed my choice to between the Rinker 320 and the Chaparral 310.

And yesterday after my 3rd vist to the NYC Boat show I put in the order for a 2006 Rinker 320.

In addition to the long list of standard items the options are, Volvo 5.7 ocean series with dp drives, macerator with y valve, cockpit fiiler cushions, teak pachage for the cabin, 2nd flat sceen tv (this one in the aft berth and an all white hull.

As with any large purchase I always look back and hope I made the right choice.

A list of some items I felt on the negative side on the rinker were.
1) non skid surface is the sand coat finish
2) no fire surpression device in the motor house.
3) stapled in carpet on some risers in the cabin.

Glad to have found this forum and hope it grows with age.
Bryan

[Talon]

Congratulations! You'll love the boat. When do you take delivery? I've seen some early pics of the 06 320's... do they still have the dedicated fender storage on the transom, or is it now a locker back there?

I can't speak to your engine package but, like I said in my PM, mine will run 50 (49.2 after bottom paint) flat out and I love the fresh water cooled motors.

As far as the negatives, I agree on all 3 of your points. The non-skid is horrible, especially when wet. When you come off plane, the platform will go under most times. I had an incident a couple weeks ago where the platform iced over after it got wet and I almost had somebody go in. Additionally, our aging dogs tend to slip when jumping from the boat to the dock, which they didn't do on the last boat. Simple fix though - carr a welcome mat with a rubber backing. I keep ours inside the transom door when in motion, and just put it out when stopped.

Fire suppression is no biggie to me - simple and cheap to add (ours goes in when we haul out for electronics installation)

I haven't actually noticed any stapled carpet in the cabin, but I'm not realy happy with the carpet anyway - it collects dirt like you wouldn't believe. We are going to install the teak floor (I'd love to get a pic of yours) this summer to prevent some of it.

The boat has been solid and our dealer has been great to work with on the few problems we've had. Easily my best boat buying experience ever - and I had two last year  

[Ronnie]

Hey Talon , did you get yours from Team Carolina

[Talon]

Yep - Got it from Dave.

[Ronnie]

What Marina do you keep yours at  I had my 242 at Inland Sea

[Talon]

Over at Kings Point. I'm on a row with another 320 (312 actually, but the same thing for all intents and purposes), a 270, and a 342. Rinker row!

[statbiomed]

I decided to purhase the cockpit cover for our new 320 I am told that it can be installed along with the camper canvas. Is this true.

bryan

[merwin10]

Yep cockpit cover can be installed at the same time as the camper top. However you use one or the other, not both at the same time. By the way did you ask the dealer about the side curtains on the camper. Some have been coming through with clear sides and backs. Most perfer canvas sides with windows with roll down covers and screens.

Mike -

[Talon]

We got clear side curatins all the way around, which I prefer. It heats the boat in the winter when we mainly use it. If it gets to hot, simply lower the screen.

It is semi correct to say that you can use both at the same time. In the summer, we leave the top to our camper canvas up (it stays of 365 days a year). The cockpit cover will fit on while it's on, but the side curtains for the camper won't go on at the same time.

Pretty much why I'm so envious of a hardtop - no canvas to waste away. We see all the pictures of boats without any canvas, but it's just too hot to go without shade here in the summer.

[merwin10]

I am sure you are going to be happy with your new Rinker! However like all things there are some short falls - The trick is to buy one that has the fewest short falls or ones that are easily fixed for the cheapest money.

Yes the non skid leaves allot to be desired, read else where here and you will see it is one of the biggest complaints.

The other items are easily fixed. Your lucky if you have the teak sole dirt and sand in the carpet takes away from play time. We installed a teak sole in the 290 just because of that reason.

Well good luck with the new Rinker and hope you will visit us often!

Mike -