2012 Rinker 31' _{(9.45 m)} 310 Express Cruiser

Some boats are built to cross oceans. 

Others are built to help you leave the workweek behind.

The 2012 Rinker Express Cruiser 310 was designed for couples and families who measure success not by how many miles they travel, but by how quickly they can trade conference calls for quiet anchorages. Forty-five minutes after leaving the office, you could be dropping the hook in your favorite cove, enjoying a cool cabin, a warm sunset, and the satisfaction of leaving the week’s deadlines on shore.

This exceptionally well-equipped example features the highly desirable factory hardtop, Axius joystick docking, reverse-cycle air conditioning, and a Kohler 5.0 kW generator professionally rebuilt in October 2024, providing the comfort and confidence to spend weekends away from the dock. Twin 300-horsepower MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI engines with Bravo III dual-prop sterndrives deliver responsive performance, comfortable cruising speeds, and excellent maneuverability whether you’re making a waterfront dinner reservation or anchoring for the night.

The expansive cockpit is clearly the social center of the boat, featuring wraparound seating that converts into a sun lounge, a fully equipped summer kitchen with refrigerator and electric grill, and excellent visibility from the double helm seat. Whether entertaining friends at the sandbar or enjoying a quiet evening at anchor, the layout encourages conversation as much as cruising.

Below deck, the warm Brazilwood cabinetry, Corian countertops, overhead skylight, and thoughtfully designed accommodations create an inviting retreat. A convertible salon, forward berth, private mid-cabin, full galley, and stand-up head comfortably accommodate four, making spontaneous weekend getaways as practical as they are enjoyable.

Performance is equally impressive. Cruise comfortably at approximately 28.5 MPH while burning just 20 to 22 gallons per hour combined, with a cruising range approaching 200 miles. An electric windlass, Garmin electronics, premium sound system, full camper canvas enclosure, and numerous thoughtful amenities complete a package that is equally at home entertaining at the dock or escaping for an extended weekend on the water.

If you’ve been looking for a well-equipped express cruiser that combines performance, comfort, and effortless weekend cruising, this Rinker 310 deserves your attention.

Key Dimensions & Capacities

• Length Overall (LOA): 33 ft 3 in (10.13 m)
• Beam: 10 ft 6 in (3.2 m)
• Dry Weight: 12,005 lbs (5,445 kg)
• Draft (Drive Down): ~3 ft (91 cm)
• Fuel Capacity: 150 Gallons
• Fresh Water Capacity: 33 Gallons
• Holding Tank Capacity: 47 Gallons
• Sleeping Capacity: 4 (Forward V-berth and aft cabin)

Engine Specifications

• Standard Power: Twin Mercruiser 5.7L 350 Magnum MPI EC B3 (300 HP each)
• Total Horsepower: 600 HP
• Drive Type: Bravo III Sterndrive (Stainless Steel Duoprop)
• Fuel Type: Gasoline

Features & Layout

• Cockpit: Features a wrap-around lounge that converts to a sun pad, a double helm seat with flip-up bolsters, walk-thru windshield, and a fully equipped cockpit wet bar/summer kitchen including a refrigerator and electric grill.
• Interior: Open-plan cabin with Brazilwood cabinetry, Corian countertops, a convertible salon sofa, and stand-up head with shower.
• Electronics & Equipment: Includes electric anchor windlass, premium sound system, and large overhead skylight.

Performance

With the twin 300 HP MerCruiser 5.7L 350 MAG MPI engines and Bravo III sterndrives, testing reveals consistent real-world performance metrics:

Cruising Speed & Fuel Burn

• Best Cruise Speed: 28.5 MPH at 3,500 RPM.
• Cruising Fuel Burn: Approximately 20 to 22 Gallons Per Hour (GPH) combined.
• Fuel Economy: Around 1.3 to 1.4 Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
• Safe Cruising Range: Roughly 190 to 210 miles (assuming a 150-gallon fuel tank with a 10% safety reserve).

Top-End Performance

• Maximum Speed: 45.3 MPH at 5,280 RPM.
• Wide Open Throttle (WOT) Fuel Burn: Roughly 46 to 50 GPH combined.

Performance RPM Breakdown

Engine RPM

Speed (MPH)

Handling Context

1,000 RPM

5.4 MPH

Idle / No-wake zone speed

2,000 RPM

9.2 MPH

Plowing stage (Inefficient)

2,500 RPM

14.2 MPH

Beginning to climb onto plane

3,000 RPM

22.1 MPH

Cleanly on plane

3,500 RPM

28.5 MPH

Optimum cruising speed

4,000 RPM

38.1 MPH

High-speed cruise

5,280 RPM

45.3 MPH

Wide Open Throttle (Max Speed)

Note: Heavy loading, canvas enclosures, marine growth, or rough water conditions will decrease these speeds and increase total fuel consumption.

Climate Control & Power Options

• Air Conditioning (A/C): Featuring an 12,000 BTU Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning and Heating system. This system vents through the cabin and salon to keep the interior comfortable during hot summers or cool shoulder-season nights.
• Generator: To run the A/C, microwave, and electric cooktop away from the dock, this boat has a Rinker factory-installed Kohler 5.0 kW model 5EKD generator installed, fully rebuilt in October 2024.

Major Structural & Canvas Upgrades

• Factory Hardtop: A highly sought-after upgrade that replaced the standard radar arch. The hardtop provided excellent structural weather protection, overhead lighting, and easier integration for full canvas enclosures.
• Full Camper Canvas Enclosure: Provides matching front, side, and aft curtains to completely seal off the cockpit from rain and wind.

Engine & Handling Upgrades

• Axius Joystick Docking: The smart engine configuration of the MerCruiser DTS supports pinpoint control via a joystick for simplified docking.