Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 boat specs
Rinker
Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009
2009
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VS
Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 boat specs
Rinker
Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006
2006
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Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 vs Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 vs Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 measures 41,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 19,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 at 22,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 tips the scales at 1 968 lbs — 1 473 lbs less than the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 at 495 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats are rated for 12 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 at 41,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 at 22,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeRinker
MakeRinker
Model230 Express Cruiser
Model390 Express Cruiser
Model Year2009
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam13 ft. 0 in. (3.96 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.96
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches156
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail13 ft. 3 in. (4.04 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.52
Bridge clearance - Meters4.04
Bridge clearance - Inches6
Bridge clearance - Inches159
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in. (55 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in. (55.88 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail4,950 lbs. (2,245 kg)
Weight - Detail19,680 lbs. (8,927 kg)
Weight - kg2245.28
Weight - kg8926.69
Weight - lbs.495
Weight - lbs.1968
Length - Meters6.71
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet41
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 0 in. (7.32 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in. (6.71 m)
Length overall - Detail41 ft. 6 in. (12.64 m)
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Meters12.65
Length overall - Inches264
Length overall - Inches498
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GL SX - 220 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail300 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1135.62
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
HeadYes
Headnot available
HeadroomUndefined
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacity6
Water capacityFresh: 10 gal. (37.8 l)
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people12
Maximum peoplenot available
Holding tank capacity - DetailWaste: N/A
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 vs Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 or the Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006?
The Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 is the longer of the two at 41,0 feet overall. The Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 19,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 or the Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006?
For trailering, the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 has the edge at 495 lbs dry weight versus 1 968 lbs for the Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 measures 156" wide, compared to 102" for the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 and Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 3 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 and Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Rinker 230 Express Cruiser 2009 and the Rinker 390 Express Cruiser 2006 are built by Rinker. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.