Harris’ Cruiser 250 hit zero to 30 mph in a rocketlike 5.4 seconds with a Mercury Verado 250. And it posted a 45 mph top speed. Its most economical cruising speed occurs at 3,000 rpm and just under 18 mph, where this new ’toon burned only 4.7 gph, which is almost 4 mpg—very frugal for a 27-footer with 250 horses.

Build quality? Harris has always built a solid boat, and the Cruiser 250 is no exception. We heard zero rattling and felt no flexing as we cranked the Harris through hard-over turns and big boat wakes. The 327 Performance Package gave back great acceleration and turning capability thanks to big 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes. Underdeck construction of aluminum extruded cross members is covered by the underdeck protection shield.

Aboard, Harris focuses on utility. The center walk-through floor plan features an optional power Bimini top and in-floor storage. Optional black powder-coated exterior fence rails with ebony metallic panels make an attractive and sleek combination.

The single console features an ­optional 7-inch Simrad NSX7 multifunction screen to monitor boat functions and engine performance. Traditional rocker switches control lights, the bilge pump and all other boat functions. An ­optional JL Audio sound system is fitted with six Clarion speakers.

At the bow entry, twin facing curved loungers easily seat three per side without crowding. Storage under the seat-base cushions is easily accessible and dry thanks to easy-lift hinges. The aft ­seating area features a short curved lounger ­directly behind the captain’s chair, and a longer portside lounge just aft of the side-entry gate door. An optional ottoman with a built-in cooler is available.

Abaft, an extended watersports deck adds room for sandbar gatherings or swimming, with a four-step telescoping boarding ladder and optional stainless-steel three-tube watersports tow bar. At a $109,000 price point, the Harris Cruiser 250 is a family-fun investment that will pay off in great memories for many years.

High Points

• Side-entry door is wheelchair-accessible, with a 34-inch width.
• Thick 3/8-inch keel ensures long life, even with repeated beaching at the sandbar.
• Big 27-inch-diameter tubes ensure an even, buoyant ride with big-water capability.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado 250 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.7″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Harris’ Crowne upended the pontoon industry in 2013 by ­trading aluminum fencing for sleek molded fiberglass. That topside look, along with the substructure below, gets a ­thoroughly modern refresh for 2024. In the process, it also adds an abundance of compelling new interior features.

The exterior makeover consists of a full fiberglass exterior showcasing angular lines, sleeker surfaces and a trendier palette, such as our test boat’s Ceramic White exterior/Caviar interior. The look blends into the new Apex powered tower overhead. It includes tinted skylights and RGB lighting, and coolly projects the Harris logo onto the floor after dark. Bold new badging is found ­throughout, as are unique new hexagonal ­stitching ­accents that tie into the design of MarineMat coverings on inwale cutouts, pedestal tabletops and ski-locker hatch. 

Other changes are felt more than seen. Harris’ RPM Technology adds advancements in construction to produce a smoother, quieter ride with faster acceleration, increased speed and efficiency, and improved handling. Our test boat also featured the optional 327 ­Performance Package: a trio of 27-inch-diameter tubes with reinforced nose cones, full-length keels, outer lifting strakes, integrated fuel tank, full skin kit, and in-floor storage. With a powerful Mercury Racing 500R outboard, the Crowne passed the 30 mph threshold in 7.7 seconds and cornered with precision. Top speed? Just shy of 57 mph.

Cool style and features will always vie with interior comfort on crowd-friendly pontoons. Cushy highlights? Bow ­couches feature a singular lengthy ­cushion, all of which raises lengthwise on a gas strut to access stowage below. Aft, an L-shaped lounge takes a cue from the wakesports-boat playbook, with a midlounge bottom cushion pivoting ­vertically to form a forward-facing ­co-captain’s seat. The centerpiece rear lounge offers forward- or aft-focused seating configurations at the touch of a button, or it can pivot totally flat into a sun bed. The latter even features powered leg support to add “­zero-G” comfort. 

High Points

• Minimalist dash design with dual Simrad NXS touchscreens.
• Platinum Elite Sound System by JL Audio. 
• Expanded in-floor storage.
• Cool extras? Try a powered boarding ladder and a ski tow bar rated for inflatables. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Racing 500R
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade X7 Alloy
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 25 gal. Crew Load: 335 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Harris Crowne 250 appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Harris Crowne 250 blends stunning design with luxurious comfort and the latest technology to serve up an unbelievable boating experience.

Bow Loungers

No detail goes unmissed on the bow loungers. The flip-up armrests fit perfectly with the build in armrests. Lighted cupholders with a wireless charger are easily accessible. Both loungers feature sit-through suspension seating to provide unmatched comfort raise for easy access to dry storage. The stylish new design and RGB lighting offer an unforgettable experience at the bow of the boat.

Helm

This redesign turns transforms the helm into a total command center. Featuring standard Dual Simrad NSX 12” touch screen displays, you have total control of the boat from the comfort of the captain’s chair. Simrad’s Navigation System paired with Mercury’s SmartCraft Connect keep your important data front and center, while the custom Harris App keeps you in tune with full control of the JL Audio sound system and the graphic interface for adjusting the RGB lighting throughout the boat.

Apex Tower

The Apex Tower is a brand new, fully powered tower that’s color matched to the exterior of the boat. The tower features built-in speakers, RGB lighting, a sun roof, a logo projector, and a rear bimini shade. Easily raise and lower the tower at the touch of a button.

Mercury 500R Engine

The Crowne 250 is built on the all-new RPM Technology platform that allows for a horsepower rating of up to 500. Paired with Mercury’s 500R racing engine, the Crowne is where luxury meets performance.

Zero G Lounger

The Zero G Lounger at the aft of the boat is the ultimate relaxation station. Powered backrests allow you to sit forward, aft-facing, and fully flat. The seat cushions are also powered to provide contoured support for your legs to ensure maximum comfort. On top of all this, the entire aft section lifts with a shock assist for easy access to a massive amount of storage.

Specs

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Harris’ Cruiser 250 hit zero to 30 mph in a rocketlike 5.4 seconds with a Mercury Verado 250. And it posted a 45 mph top speed. Its most economical cruising speed occurs at 3,000 rpm and just under 18 mph, where this new ’toon burned only 4.7 gph, which is almost 4 mpg—very frugal for a 27-footer with 250 horses.

Build quality? Harris has always built a solid boat, and the Cruiser 250 is no exception. We heard zero rattling and felt no flexing as we cranked the Harris through hard-over turns and big boat wakes. The 327 Performance Package gave back great acceleration and turning capability thanks to big 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes. Underdeck construction of aluminum extruded cross members is covered by the underdeck protection shield.

Aboard, Harris focuses on utility. The center walk-through floor plan features an optional power Bimini top and in-floor storage. Optional black powder-coated exterior fence rails with ebony metallic panels make an attractive and sleek combination.

The single console features an ­optional 7-inch Simrad NSX7 multifunction screen to monitor boat functions and engine performance. Traditional rocker switches control lights, the bilge pump and all other boat functions. An ­optional JL Audio sound system is fitted with six Clarion speakers.

At the bow entry, twin facing curved loungers easily seat three per side without crowding. Storage under the seat-base cushions is easily accessible and dry thanks to easy-lift hinges. The aft ­seating area features a short curved lounger ­directly behind the captain’s chair, and a longer portside lounge just aft of the side-entry gate door. An optional ottoman with a built-in cooler is available.

Abaft, an extended watersports deck adds room for sandbar gatherings or swimming, with a four-step telescoping boarding ladder and optional stainless-steel three-tube watersports tow bar. At a $109,000 price point, the Harris Cruiser 250 is a family-fun investment that will pay off in great memories for many years.

High Points

• Side-entry door is wheelchair-accessible, with a 34-inch width.
• Thick ³/₈-inch keel ensures long life, even with repeated beaching at the sandbar.
• Big 27-inch-diameter tubes ensure an even, buoyant ride with big-water capability.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado 250 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.7″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Harris’ Solstice 230 receives a welcome refresh for 2023. It starts at the fence line, where fewer perimeter rails provide a more modern, streamlined appearance. An updated logo badge does double duty, incorporating both docking and nav lights. Redesigned furniture features attractive accent textures and a pronounced bolster at seat edges, a nod to both comfort and security for occupants underway. Lumbar cutouts in the bow lounges include cup holders and combination USB-A and USB-C charging ports. The sleek helm offers style, plus extra legroom for the captain.

The floor plan on our test boat with a single aft lounge and dual helm chairs results in individual seating areas with their own unique personality. Those dual bow couches are perfect for entertaining or stretching out. The twin seats amidships can pivot to join in the conversation with those on the aft bench. The latter’s adjustable backrest pivots into multiple positions to form a forward-focused couch, aft-facing recliner, flat sun pad or, with aft cushions propped on kickstands, a forward-facing recliner. A stainless-steel perimeter rail neatly incorporates fender holders and allows occupants to enjoy the lounge at rest or underway. 

Take the helm and crank a few tight turns, and you’ll feel the confident stance and agile maneuverability provided by Harris’ Level 3 Performance Package. A triple-tube configuration, it opts for 25-inch pontoons to port and starboard, but a larger 27-inch pontoon down the center. That middle ’toon is dropped an inch lower in the water. Lifting strakes are added to both sides of that center tube as well as the insides of each outer pontoon. The on-water result is a mix of stability, agility and a touch of inside lean when cornering. Paired with a Mercury 250 outboard, the configuration got the Solstice onto plane in just over 3 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 3 seconds more. Top speed was 44.6 mph. Worth noting? The noise level at peak speed remained a low 76 dB(A), a volume that made it easy to carry on conversations with the crew. So, you get great performance and still keep a high level of  entertainment.

High Points

• Includes a spacious 24-inch extended rear swim platform.
• CZone digital switching controls onboard electronics and allows for customized setups. 
• Standards include Simrad Go7 with VesselView. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 250 Verado
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.7″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal. Crew Weight: 160 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Harris – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; harrisboats.com

The post 2023 Harris Solstice 230 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Harris’ Solstice 230 receives a welcome refresh for 2023. It starts at the fence line, where fewer perimeter rails provide a more modern, streamlined appearance. An updated logo badge does double duty, incorporating both docking and nav lights. Redesigned furniture features attractive accent textures and a pronounced bolster at seat edges, a nod to both comfort and security for occupants underway. Lumbar cutouts in the bow lounges include cup holders and combination USB-A and USB-C charging ports. The sleek helm offers style, plus extra legroom for the captain.

The floor plan on our test boat with a single aft lounge and dual helm chairs results in individual seating areas with their own unique personality. Those dual bow couches are perfect for entertaining or stretching out. The twin seats amidships can pivot to join in the conversation with those on the aft bench. The latter’s adjustable backrest pivots into multiple positions to form a forward-focused couch, aft-facing recliner, flat sun pad or, with aft cushions propped on kickstands, a forward-facing recliner. A stainless-steel perimeter rail neatly incorporates fender holders and allows occupants to enjoy the lounge at rest or underway. 

Take the helm and crank a few tight turns, and you’ll feel the confident stance and agile maneuverability provided by Harris’ Level 3 Performance Package. A triple-tube configuration, it opts for 25-inch pontoons to port and starboard, but a larger 27-inch pontoon down the center. That middle ’toon is dropped an inch lower in the water. Lifting strakes are added to both sides of that center tube as well as the insides of each outer pontoon. The on-water result is a mix of stability, agility and a touch of inside lean when cornering. Paired with a Mercury 250 outboard, the configuration got the Solstice onto plane in just over 3 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 3 seconds more. Top speed was 44.6 mph. Worth noting? The noise level at peak speed remained a low 76 dB(A), a volume that made it easy to carry on conversations with the crew. So, you get great performance and still keep a high level of  entertainment.

High Points

• Includes a spacious 24-inch extended rear swim platform.
• CZone digital switching controls onboard electronics and allows for customized setups. 
• Standards include Simrad Go7 with VesselView. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 250 Verado
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.7″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal. Crew Weight: 160 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Harris – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; harrisboats.com

The post 2023 Harris Solstice 230 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Harris always provides above-the-bar pontoon boats, and this year’s Grand Mariner 250 SL did it again. Fitted with a Mercury Verado 300 FourStroke outboard, it romped from a dead idle to 30 mph in a cat-quick 5.8 seconds and topped out at a tick under 48 mph. At its best cruise speed of 17.2 mph at 3,000 rpm, the 300 Merc consumed 5.1 gph for a 3.4 mpg gait.  

It’s a driver’s boat too, responsive and nimble considering its near-28-foot length. Three 25-inch pontoons help it along, featuring the Performance Level III package, with in-floor storage, lifting stakes on all three tubes, and a wind-cheating skin cover underdeck. It’s responsive to engine trim, and pops and flies when the Mercury 300 is trimmed out, like driving a high-performance hull. 

Harris focuses on the big picture for interior layout, and the Grand Mariner features a sleek fiberglass perimeter bow trimmed in navy gelcoat, with built-in lighting pods for navigation and docking; this transitions midway back to a traditional aluminum perimeter. 

Bow seating features a full-length starboard lounge extending back to the driver’s console, and a shorter portside lounge. The upholstery is luxurious, with nifty pockets housing cup holders and phone chargers. The JL Audio Diamond package has eight speakers and a subwoofer; two speakers can be added to the arch. 

A raised helm station is standard, with a standard Simrad GO7 in the dash. The boat’s key fob controls the lights, stereo and arch. Standard C-Zone switching features a Harris-specific application for all boat controls and engine information.  

The aft seating features a huge lounge platform three-quarters-wide across the stern providing access to the aft deck via the starboard side. A multiposition reversible backrest combined with adjustable footrest cushions provides nearly infinite configurations for lounging, with a built-in cooler underneath. 

The extended aft deck features a stainless-steel flip-down swim seat and an auto-retracting boarding ladder. Stainless-steel fender holders are integrated into the perimeter fencing—a nice touch. 

High Points

• JL Audio package makes for a sound system that thumps loud and crisp. 
• Electric folding tower features covered hinges. 
• It’s a party platform with a watersports purpose, an all-around high-end performer. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado 300 FourStroke 300 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Harris Pontoon Boats – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; harrisboats.com

The post 2022 Harris Grand Mariner 250 SL appeared first on Boating Mag.

Harris always provides above-the-bar pontoon boats, and this year’s Grand Mariner 250 SL did it again. Fitted with a Mercury Verado 300 FourStroke outboard, it romped from a dead idle to 30 mph in a cat-quick 5.8 seconds and topped out at a tick under 48 mph. At its best cruise speed of 17.2 mph at 3,000 rpm, the 300 Merc consumed 5.1 gph for a 3.4 mpg gait.  

It’s a driver’s boat too, responsive and nimble considering its near-28-foot length. Three 25-inch pontoons help it along, featuring the Performance Level III package, with in-floor storage, lifting stakes on all three tubes, and a wind-cheating skin cover underdeck. It’s responsive to engine trim, and pops and flies when the Mercury 300 is trimmed out, like driving a high-performance hull. 

Harris focuses on the big picture for interior layout, and the Grand Mariner features a sleek fiberglass perimeter bow trimmed in navy gelcoat, with built-in lighting pods for navigation and docking; this transitions midway back to a traditional aluminum perimeter. 

Bow seating features a full-length starboard lounge extending back to the driver’s console, and a shorter portside lounge. The upholstery is luxurious, with nifty pockets housing cup holders and phone chargers. The JL Audio Diamond package has eight speakers and a subwoofer; two speakers can be added to the arch. 

A raised helm station is standard, with a standard Simrad GO7 in the dash. The boat’s key fob controls the lights, stereo and arch. Standard C-Zone switching features a Harris-specific application for all boat controls and engine information.  

The aft seating features a huge lounge platform three-quarters-wide across the stern providing access to the aft deck via the starboard side. A multiposition reversible backrest combined with adjustable footrest cushions provides nearly infinite configurations for lounging, with a built-in cooler underneath. 

The extended aft deck features a stainless-steel flip-down swim seat and an auto-retracting boarding ladder. Stainless-steel fender holders are integrated into the perimeter fencing—a nice touch. 

High Points

• JL Audio package makes for a sound system that thumps loud and crisp. 
• Electric folding tower features covered hinges. 
• It’s a party platform with a watersports purpose, an all-around high-end performer. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado 300 FourStroke 300 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Harris Pontoon Boats – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; harrisboats.com

The post 2022 Harris Grand Mariner 250 SL appeared first on Boating Mag.

A new addition to the Harris Sunliner family for 2021, the 230 Sport maintains an affordable price point while bringing in a higher level of trim and increasingly powerful horsepower options.

The exterior features a redesigned fence profile, highlighted by a sleek taper aft and, on our test boat, optional black rails. Step aboard and you’ll also find an upgraded interior, with pillow-top furniture covered in new soft-touch vinyl and lumbar recesses backed with diamond-pattern stitching accents. Harris adds a pair of cup holders, along with dual USB ports to top off electronics, placed within each cutaway. Below, roto-molded seat bases include guttered stowage for gear. Harris covered these rot-free seat bases in vinyl for a more upscale feel.

Amidships, we found a pair of reclining helm chairs, upgraded on our test boat to seats with more-supportive high backs. The centerpiece, however, is Harris’ popular SL lounger aft, redesigned for 2021 to include three possible configurations: a couch with aft sun pad, aft-facing recliner or, for those who want to soak up the sun, a new over-6-foot-long flat sun bed. In all three configurations, the port side of the couch remains a back-to-back seat with an armrest and cup holder. Stowage is found below all portions of the lounger. The aft-facing portion of the port seat hides an insulated cooler below and adjacent audio controls, easily within reach when hanging out at the sandbar.

The helm has likewise been upgraded for ’21. An inwardly curved base adds a few more inches of legroom for comfort. On the dash, standard 5-inch gauges can be switched out for a Simrad GO9, like on our test boat. Both choices are offset to be easily viewed without interference from the steering wheel. The convenient dash tray is a great spot to throw your phone. It has a USB port and 12-volt outlets, with the option to add a wireless charger. A max-horsepower Mercury 300 Verado pushed the 230 Sport onto plane in a scant 2.9 seconds, reaching 30 mph in only 5.9 before topping out at over 48 mph. Handling was equally impressive, with the 230 Sport carving aggressively through all of our cornering maneuvers.

High Points

• Standard Level 2 Performance Package includes a trio of 25-inch pontoons, new lifting strake design, and full aluminum skin on the deck’s underside and in-floor stowage locker.
• Standard Fusion Bluetooth stereo with four speakers.

Specs

LOA: 23′5″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 1′9″

Dry Weight: 3,098 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 11/2,372 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 37 gal.

Price: $78,929 (with Mercury 300 Verado, Level 2 Performance Package)

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury 300 Verado

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.85:1

Fuel Load: 37 gal.

Crew Weight: 425 lb.

More Information

Harris Boats – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; harrisboats.com

The post 2021 Harris Sunliner 230 Sport appeared first on Boating Mag.

Cruiser models may be the entry point into the Harris Boats lineup, but don’t expect lesser construction from this builder just to reach the price point. Quality build details include full-length M-brackets to resist flex, a sturdy mix of extruded aluminum C- and Z-channel cross members for deck support, and tried-and-true tongue-and-groove marine plywood decking that’s built to last. Three-inch deep aluminum rub rails protect the deck edges and wrap over corners. Marine-grade wiring includes plastic grommets and conduit for protection, as well as water-resistant Deutsch connectors.

Cruiser series pontoons feature all-new furniture for 2021, with bases fabricated from color-matched, roto-molded composite, and seat cushions covered in soft-touch vinyl. Parallel bow couches span 5 feet, 8 inches to starboard and 4 feet, 6 inches to port, the latter backing up to a wheelchair-friendly 2-foot-10-inch-wide side gate. Aft, another pair of 5-foot couches feature aft-facing seatbacks. Bolsters below the thigh add comfort and security. Items stored below are protected from rain and spray by gutters, with drains to funnel away water. At the stern, rails sweep to the deck in fast-back fashion, revealing a vinyl-covered aft enclosure with integrated speakers and an upgraded four-step, stainless-steel telescoping ladder, perfect for hanging out in the cove.

The helm is the same fiberglass console you’ll find on the more upscale Sunliner, with an inwardly curved base for added legroom and stowage below. The captain has a great view of the water while underway. For navigation and monitoring, our test boat featured the upgraded Simrad GO7 display on the dash, offset so as not to be blocked from the captain’s vision by the tilt wheel. A 12-volt outlet and dual USB ports sit above a padded tray with a drain, which is a great spot for a phone. Choose the optional wireless charger and eliminate pesky cords.

Our test boat featured Harris’ Level 2 Performance Package and a Mercury 150 FourStroke outboard, a combination that produced an almost instantaneous plane and a 34.4 mph top speed. Handling was precise and predictable, and just right for the target audience.

High Points

• Level 2 Performance Package pairs 25-inch outer pontoons with a 25-inch center tube, along with performance lifting strakes, below-deck aluminum skin and a ski-tow bar.
• Standards include a Bimini top, multiple USB ports and reclining helm seats.

Specs

LOA: 25′10″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 1′9″

Dry Weight: 3,088 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 15/2,658 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 37 gal.

Price: $45,236 (with Mercury 150, Level 2 Performance Package)

How We Tested

Engine: Single Mercury 150 XL EFI FourStroke

Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia 15.3″ x 14″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.92:1

Fuel Load: 37 gal.

Crew Weight: 425 lb.

More Information

Harris Boats – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; harrisboats.com

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