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Rinker 270 EX (2019-)
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Key Features
- High-grade 316 L stainless steel hardware
- Mold and mildew resistant vinyl
- Excellent cabin headroom
- Elegant premium cabinetry
Specifications
Length Overall | 28' 10'' / 8.79 m |
---|---|
Beam |
8' 6'' 2.59 m |
Dry Weight |
7,085 lbs. 3,217 kg |
Draft Up |
26'' 0.66 m |
Draft Down |
38'' .97 m |
Deadrise/Transom | 18-deg. |
Max Headroom |
6' 4'' 1.93 m |
Bridge Clearance |
9' 6'' 2.90 m |
Person Capacity | Yacht Certified |
Fuel Capacity |
75 gal. 284 L |
Water Capacity |
33 gal. 125 L |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
Currently no test numbers |
---|---|
Std. Power |
Not Available |
Opt. Power |
1 x 300-hp MerCruiser 6.2L Bravo III Drive CAT 1 x 350-hp MerCruiser 6.2L Bravo III Drive CAT 1 x 300-hp MerCruiser 6.2L Bravo III Non-CAT (Expt Only) 1 x 350-hp MerCruiser 6.2L Bravo III Non-CAT (Expt Only) Two single Volvo Penta V8 engine options at 350-hp and 380-hp |
Captain's Report
Contents of Report
- Overview
- Features Inspection
- Swim Platform
- Cockpit
- Helm
- Foredeck
- Cabin
- Mid Stateroom
- Engine Choices
- Performance
- Pricing
- Observations
Overview
Weekend getaway anyone? The Rinker 270 EX is a trailerable express cruiser ready to handle on the water overnight excursions. The 270 EX is an express cruiser with luxury and performance in a spacious platform that friends and family will enjoy.
The cabin will comfortly sleep four and has all of the amenities of home. The standard microwave, electric stove, and 2 cu. ft. (.056 cu. m) refrigerator makes mealtime enjoyable.
Features Inspection
Swim Platform
The swim platform is full-beam and has plenty of creature comforts to enjoy activities on the water. The stow-away ladder and the aft cleat placement help to keep the platform free of any trip hazards. A rear facing bench seat is great for relaxing after a playful time on the water or viewing the action behind the 270 EX. We recommend this seat not be used while the 270 EX is underway. A wrap around stainless steel rub rail will protect the platform from an errant docking. The platform is large enough to keep the running gear away from water activities.
We must thank Rinker for making the pressurized transom shower standard equipment on the 270 EX. The standard 110 volt dual side shore power plug is located high on the starboard transom, which keeps the outlet far away from the water. If more power is needed, a 220 volt system ($2,443) is available. The optional transom stereo remote ($186) gives ease of entertainment control without having to climb aboard and traversing through the cockpit to adjust the stereo. A transom mounted grill ($336) can be added for grilling in the open air. Upgrade to the swim platform flooring, choose from either gray or tan marine mat ($457) for added comfort. The optional blue LED swim light ($350) will add ambiance to nighttime water activities.
Entering into the cockpit on the port side, the deck is level, with no step up to trip over. A swinging door with a latch separates the swim platform from the main cockpit area.
Cockpit
As we walk from the swim platform to the cockpit, a standard sink is recessed into the solid surface counter. Storage is underneath that can accommodate the standard carry-on cooler.
To starboard is a plush wrap around couch that lines the transom area. The engine is located under this couch and the hatch comes standard with electronic lift, to make exposing the engine a breeze. We like the fact that Rinker has placed standard LED lights in the engine compartment to help brighten this dark space. An automatic fire extinguisher system ($986) is a small price to pay for peace of mind. To keep the engine compartment clean, an oil drip tray ($143) is available as an option. A second shore power outlet is located on the bulwarks, giving two location choices for electrical needs.
Forward of the aft couch is a large aft facing corner seat, making this a great area for conversation. An optional pad between the wrap aft couch and aft facing seat ($586), creates a large and plush aft sun pad. An optional full size aft couch with convertible sun pad ($957) can also be added to extend the aft sun pad all the way to the swim platform.
Add in the standard cockpit dinette to create a nice area for outside dining or conversation. The standard dinette table can be upgraded to a custom teakwood dinette ($814).
Standard cockpit flooring is the snap-in bamboo. Upgrade to the tan or gray marine mat ($1,236) to give added comfort while traversing throughout the 270 EX. A raw water washdown with hose ($571) is a good idea when an accidental spill occurs.
Moving forward, on the port side is a generous starboard facing bench for the observer’s seat. This bench seat is large enough for an adult to lounge in comfort while facing fore or aft. In the center of the forward cockpit is a large sliding lockable door for entering into the cabin. To the starboard side of the door is a well-placed set of stairs. These stairs are the simple answer to getting to the bow area.
Helm
With the standard VHF radio, compass, digital depth gauge, and LED indicated controls, the helm is a cozy operator station. The flip-up bolster also adds to line of sight and comfort. A Raymarine A65 chartplotter ($1,414) will help with navigation, and Lenco auto glide trim tabs ($1,829) give a stable ride. The helm console is available in either sandstone or silver cloud at no extra cost.
To get out of the hot sun, a Bimini top with boot and camper enclosure come standard, and a storage cover for the Bimini ($1,414) is an upgrade. An optional arch with lights, TV and antenna ($8,200) or folding arch with lights, TV, and antenna ($9,000), will all make the 270 EX sportier looking.
Foredeck
Just up a few steps next to the helm and through the windshield walkthrough is the foredeck. Bow railings add an important safety feature. The rail will help to give stability to someone while anchoring or tying off the bow. They also add peace of mind to all onboard for the security of those enjoying the view from the bow. The optional forward open access rail ($371) makes deploying and retrieving the anchor easier, and bow in docking simpler. An optional anchor windlass with an all-chain rode ($1,857) is a must have option. If a stainless steel anchor ($443) suits the needs better, it is available. Docking at night can sometimes be tough so, add in the optional spotlight ($879) to help with safe maneuvers.
Add in the optional sun pad cushion on the foredeck ($979), creating a large area for catching some rays while at anchor. The location of the large horn could cause a sunbather a head injury, another location would be nice.
Cabin
As we enter the cabin through the lockable door, we notice the galley on the port side. The standard solid surface countertop includes a single burner electric range and stainless steel sink leaving limited counter space for prep work. Above the countertop is the vessel electric controls, a small but useful cabinet and the standard microwave. Below the counter is another cabinet and the standard 2 cu. ft. refrigerator (0.056 cu. m). All of the cabinetry is premium-grade Walnut.
Moving forward is the large dining area which four adults can comfortly sit at. The dinette will lower to create a large sleeping area, where two adults can relax in luxury. Behind the padded seat back is a welcome shelf. Above the seat back shelf is another applauded shelf that matches the cabinet finish. These shelves are a great place to stow whatever is needed to be easily accessible or, decorations to give the 270 EX an at home feel.
Just aft of the V-berth on the starboard side is a walnut closet. The forward facing wall is where the optional 19” (48.26 cm) flat screen TV ($493) is mounted. Above the closet is the vessels’ entertainment system. The standard stereo is a Kicker KMC-10 with Bluetooth and Weather Band. An optional Kicker KMC-20 with Bluetooth and Sirius Satellite radio ($471) will give plenty of sound when the atmosphere calls. For added comfort, an optional pillow package ($843) and 7,000 BTU heat and air conditioning unit ($4,714) are available.
Head
Across from the galley is the head. The entire head compartment is fiberglass with a gelcoat lining. A pump-out toilet with porcelain holding tank, a “Big Orange” holding tank odor filter, and sink comes standard.
Upgrades for the head include a gray water system ($1,607) and TECMA easy flush toilet with porcelain holding tank ($1,386).
Mid Stateroom
Just aft of the steps leading into the cabin is the mid stateroom. It is large enough to sleep two adults with room to stretch. This stateroom comes standard with electrical outlets, lighting, and a mattress with zip-up fabric fitted cover. An optional 19” (48.26 cm) flatscreen TV ($493) with its own cable outlet will give the guests a secluded place to relax.
Engine Choices
Rinker offers a wide range of engine choices for the 270 EX. Choose from either Volvo Penta or MerCruiser from 300-hp on up to 380-hp.
The standard engine is the MerCruiser 6.2L 300-hp with the Bravo III drive included in the base price of $108,533.
Another MerCruiser engine option to consider is the 6.2 L 350-hp with the Bravo III drive ($112,438) for a little more performance.
The optional active trim system ($614) will help keep the 270 EX riding smooth and comfortable. There is no need to struggle with shifting those worn out cable controls, with the upgrade to the DTS ($2,329) Digital Throttle and Shift controls. The DTS system give effortless throttle and shift control. If operating the Rinker 270 EX in saltwater, we recommend that the MerCruiser should be protected. The optional SeaCore system ($3,107) will give peace of mind knowing it is protected.
Volvo Penta Adds Plenty of Options Also. Volvo Penta 350-hp-C plus DPS and CAT ($113,996) or the Volvo 380-hp-C plus DPS with CAT ($119,278) are both options.
The Volvo EVC ($2,329) Electronic Vessel Control will give the operator the ease of control of the 270 EX. Protecting the drive is important. The Volvo Ocean-X Drive ($3,107) includes added corrosion protection for the lower unit.
For those secluded getaways where there is no shore power, Rinker offers a 5 kW generator ($13,571). It’s “low CO” for safety. We wish Rinker would offer a sound shield from the generator’s noise, which can be loud.
Performance
We haven’t tested the Rinker 270 EX as of yet, but when we do our attention will be focused on the benefits of the 270 EX’s interior comforts as well as the performance on the water.
Pricing
The base price of the Rinker 270 EX is $108,533. That’s not a bad price to pay for all of the standard options Rinker gives. Fully loaded she won’t break the bank at $172,872, and that is with her filled to the top with options.
Observations
There’s a lot to like with the Rinker 270 EX, even in its stock mode. Adding options certainly allows for tuning up the class of an already comfortable boat. Although plenty of options are available, the Rinker 270 EX in her stock mode is a solid cruiser. Additional creature comforts make the ownership experience even better.