Sea Ray vs Rinker

Mojo Risin

New Member
Jun 22, 2010
20
Georgian Bay
Boat Info
1998 330 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 7.4L (454). V drive
Hello All,
I am trying to decide to buy a 1999 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer or a 2006 Rinker 342 Fiesta Vee.
1999 Searay 340
Dual 5.7L
V-drives
800 hours
2006 Rinker 342
Dual 5.7s
300 hours
Outdrives B3- rebuilt 2016 - insurance claim- brand new.

Both are in the same price range which is $90000 Canadian or $65800 USD. We like the quality of SeaRay. We liked the layout better on the Searay. The Rinker has some neat items such as ice maker, built in blender, teak flooring in the interior. I just have a hard time because the Rinker is 7 years newer and has only 300 hours(500 less than the Sea Ray). As well, the lower units on the Rinker are new in 2016. He hit rock.
Top on Rinker is new in 2015. Top on Sea Ray was new in 2018.

Is the Sea Ray that much better of a boat that the hours and year isn't a big deal.
Your opinions are appreciated.
 
I’ve owned two Rinkers, 2004 270 Volvo powered with the ocean X drive and 2008 350 with twin Volvo with Ocean X.
I’ve owned three SeaRays over the years.
As to over all quality and fitment I don’t think there is a huge difference. Since the Rinker has the B3s and they are newer I don’t think you can go wrong but I would personally stay with the Direct or V drives over IO for a boat the lives in the water.
That said, I’d be tempted to go with the newer boat as even the best made boats can’t beat Father Time.
Good luck with your decision and enjoy which ever way you go!
Welcome to CSR
CD
 
I used to have a 1988 340 Sundancer and now have a 2002 Rinker 342. I like them both and wouldn’t pick one over the other based on name. They both seem to be well-made boats. But it sounds like you like the layout of the sea ray better which is pretty important. It’s one of the reasons I went with Rinker - I liked the layout better. V-drives might be a little easier to maintain, but if you’re in fresh water, it’s probably not a big deal.

good luck with whatever you choose!

Dan
 
I have also owned Rinker and Sea Ray. While I do believe Sea Rays are better built boats overall, there is nothing wrong with the Rinker, as I enjoyed mine very much and it is still good quality. Given the hour difference, I would probably go with the Rinker. 800 hours is a little high for a small block gas engine.
ROb
 
I wouldn’t buy a 340 or 342 with small blocks, keep looking, need at least the 7.4’s
V drives are awesome compared to out drives

Owned 2 rinkers, better than bayliner, but the quality isn’t as good as a sea ray, imo

I have 2 friends with the 342 rinkers, I do not like the layout at all, love the 99-2002 sea ray 340 layout....
 
I wouldn’t buy a 340 or 342 with small blocks, keep looking, need at least the 7.4’s
V drives are awesome compared to out drives

You think the 5.7's are not enough power for the 340 or the 342? The 5.7 are tried and tested, No?
 
I agree with Chris, the small blocks are great but I wouldn't like it so much and a boat. As for the hours done be worried about those but so much. Mine has almost 2000hrs and yes my 350's are tired but they are highly maintained. Both are also FWC motors.

Also I will never go back to I/O's again!

What has the surver said?
 
My Rinker 350 had the 350s with the electronic fuel injection and I never thought it lacked power. I really think its best to buy the boat that you like the most in terms of layout and utility. We move up and out of the Rinker to get away from IOs as we are year round in the brackish water that r
really tore them up. We really wanted to get into a boat with cabin doors and a fly bridge. That said we really enjoyed the 350 when we had it on the lake though.
Carpe Diem
 
Might want to consider that Rinker has went out of business as far as I know. Might not matter to you but just something to think about.
 
Have had both. Rinker is a good boat for the money. Not in SR league though. I prefer v drive over outdrive in larger boats. My vote goes to the SR. Good luck with your decision.
 
Have had both. Rinker is a good boat for the money. Not in SR league though. I prefer v drive over outdrive in larger boats. My vote goes to the SR. Good luck with your decision.
Perfect description, “good boat for the money”
 
I've never owned a Rinker but I would go with the Sea Ray just because the Rinker has outdrives, especially for a boat that stays in the water.
 

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