BOAT REVIEW- 2011 Rinker 280 Express Cruiser

by Boatcan on 1 Nov 2011 Being there is great, too, but can you take your young family cruising without winning the lottery first? We continue to see an endless parade of new yachts in the 40 to 50 foot range. Yes, they are spacious, luxurious, often powerful but, above all, expensive. Take heart. There are still many boats that are affordable; in many ways, a smaller cruiser is more 'fun to run'. Plus, you get to be there at the same anchorage as the 50-footer. All you need is a boat like the Rinker 280 Express Cruiser. It is Rinker’s most successful cruiser to date; the 280 is an ideal size for a cruising couple or a young family.

Now to be fair, Rinker’s 280 is actually 31’8' long overall on a 9’1' beam, so it is larger than you might have thought. Getting it on a trailer will require special permits in most areas; in Ontario, there is an annual inspection for this size of trailer and rig. (Check your province for exact details.) The overall weight is 7,640 lbs. dry so you'll need at least a powerful, full-size pickup; you'd be better off with a diesel.
It's a contemporary express cruiser and although it doesn't break any new ground in terms of design or execution, Rinker has worked hard to pack so much accommodation into this size and price-point. To maximize the interior space, Rinker has eliminated the side decks, pushing the cabin out to the edges. That may result in some awkward moments when docking but most families will appreciate the added interior space.

At the stern, Rinker has included a molded-in swim platform, with rounded corners, making it easier to handle when docking. Hidden cleats are included on the platform as is a stainless-steel, boarding ladder under a fiberglass cover, hand-held shower and a remote control for the standard equipment Clarion sound system. Incidentally, this includes an MP3 connection so you can easily bring all your favourite tunes aboard.

In the transom is a 'rumble seat' to watch swimmers or just relax and there is a large storage space for shore cables, lines and fenders.

Entering the cockpit through the transom door, you find the refreshment center directly ahead. Buyers have the choice of a second refrigerator/freezer combination there or an icemaker. The refreshment centre has a composite countertop, a stainless-steel handrail for safety, a small sink and a trash locker. It is very complete and there's a surprising amount of counter space.

Add an accessory BBQ on the swim platform and you’re in business!

Opposite the refreshment center is a wraparound cockpit seat with substantial storage areas underneath - even room for the BBQ) and the removable table fits in a storage locker.

There is a port side companion seat with space for two and it has drink holders and a very useful plexiglass chart holder. Opposite is the double-wide helm seat which slides fore and aft for comfort. It has a nicely angled footrest and a tilt steering wheel.

We were especially pleased to see that Rinker provides an armrest for the driver’s throttle hand. It adds comfort and makes it possible to more precisely control engine speed when driving through really rough water. We wish more manufacturers would give you this convenient armrest.

You look out through a relatively low curved glass windshield. You will generally look over the top rail. In bad weather, you will need the top and side curtains up and to slide down in the seat to see through the windshield. Either way, the analog gauges are in plain view and our boat was equipped with a Lowrance GPS chart plotter that provides convenience and accurate electronic navigation in an affordable package.

Sliding the cabin hatch across, we stepped down into the cabin and discovered well over six feet of headroom. The interior was finished in attractive materials along with several thoughtful touches; there is a mirrored forepeak flanked by two large lights and overhead lighting. A removable hi/lo table is adjusted by changing posts. You can have a dinette for six or make it into a double berth. We liked the port and starboard opening portholes and overhead deck hatch. Under the seat bases is large-item storage, side storage as well as a hanging locker.

Rinker conveniently placed the enclosed head to your immediate right as you enter the cabin. This features six-foot headroom, a stainless-steel sink in a vanity, opening porthole, shower curtain and the faucet becomes a hand-held shower. The porcelain pump-out head has a 27-gallon holding tank. Again, there is an opening for ventilation and the mirrored door adds a feeling of spaciousness.

Opposite is a modest galley with single burner alcohol/electric stove, refrigerator, stainless sink and microwave. The opening porthole is important and you get appropriate storage. I suspect, however, most cooking will happen in the cockpit refreshment area.

Perhaps the best feature is the surprisingly roomy aft cabin with queen-sized berth and sufficient height for an adult to sit or roll over. Couples can make this their stateroom and leave the vee area as a dinette. Air conditioning is optional and a feature most will want.

Performance is available in abundance from the MerCruiser MX 6.2 MPI stern drive. This multi-point, fuel-injected V-8 sounds like a muscle machine and performs like one, too. One stab at the throttle and we planed off in only 6.25 seconds. We trimmed out to a top speed of over 37 mph or could throttle back and remain solidly planed at an economical 22 mph without even using the standard equipment electronic trim tabs. The ride was soft and well controlled. Rinker’s deep vee hull design delivers a smooth ride and tight turning. Also, with good vision from the helm and power assisted steering, most people will find this an easy boat to manage when docking.

Overall, it's hard to beat this boat for value and comfortable accommodation. Rinker has put the joy of cruising within reach of many young families.
Length-28 ft.
Beam-9 ft.
Draft-3 ft.
Dead Rise-18 Degrees
Weight-7,640 lbs.
Fuel Capacity-100 gal.
Power-Mercruiser 6.2L MPI Bravo 3 Stern Drive
HP-320 HP

For more boat reviews like this, go to www.Boatcan.com and www.canadianyachting.ca.