Both the Rinker Express Cruiser 290 EC 2012 and the Rinker Express Cruiser 340 2013 are deep-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?

The Rinker Express Cruiser 290 EC 2012 carries a rated maximum of 380 hp. Engine data for the Rinker Express Cruiser 340 2013 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Rinker Express Cruiser 340 2013 carries 156 gallons versus 100 gallons in the Rinker Express Cruiser 290 EC 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 Express Cruiser 340 2013 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Rinker Express Cruiser 290 EC 2012 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Rinker Express Cruiser 340 2013 could be the deciding factor.