Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 vs Rinker Captiva 246 BR 2012: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 is a modified-V design and the Rinker Captiva 246 BR 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
The Rinker Captiva 246 BR 2012 tops out at 430 hp. Engine specs for the Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 carries 100 gallons versus 75 gallons in the Rinker Captiva 246 BR 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Rinker Captiva 246 BR 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Rinker 280 Express Cruiser 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 31,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Rinker Captiva 246 BR 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model280 Express Cruiser
ModelCaptiva 246 BR
Model Year2009
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 1 in. (2.77 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in.
Beam - Meters2.77
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches109
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m) With Arch: 9 ft. 11 in. (3.02 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters3.02
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches119
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise18℃
Deadrisenot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in.
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] inches24
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 - Detail7,640 lbs. (3,465 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg3465.44
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.7640
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Meters9.65
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet31
Length - Feet26.17
Length - Inches8
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 8 in. (9.65 m)
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 2 in.
Length overall - Meters9.65
Length overall - Meters7.98
Length overall - Inches380
Length overall - Inches314
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 GI DP - 300 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (378.5 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal100
Fuel tank capacity - Gal75
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max430 hp
Operational Info
Water capacityFresh: 33 gal. (124.9 l)
Water capacitynot available
Maximum capacityYacht certified
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Holding tank capacity - DetailWaste: 27 gal. (102.2 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters102.21
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal27
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available