When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Rinker 360 Express Cruiser 2009 and the Rinker 400 Express Cruiser 2008 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Rinker 400 Express Cruiser 2008 measures 42,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Rinker 360 Express Cruiser 2009 at 37,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Rinker 400 Express Cruiser 2008 tips the scales at 1 968 lbs — 413 lbs less than the Rinker 360 Express Cruiser 2009 at 1 555 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.

The Rinker 400 Express Cruiser 2008 tops out at 425 hp. Engine specs for the Rinker 360 Express Cruiser 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Rinker 360 Express Cruiser 2009 carries 235 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Rinker 400 Express Cruiser 2008. 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 400 Express Cruiser 2008 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Rinker 360 Express Cruiser 2009 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Rinker 400 Express Cruiser 2008 could be the deciding factor.