Both the Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 and the Rinker 310 EC 2010 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 at 31,0 ft versus Rinker 310 EC 2010 at 33,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Rinker 310 EC 2010 tips the scales at 12 100 lbs - 4 460 lbs less than the Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 at 7 640 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Rinker 310 EC 2010 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Rinker 310 EC 2010 could be the deciding factor.