What You Need To Know
Centered on convenience, this manufacturer goes the extra mile to make this `toon extremely user-friendly with great standard features and amenities. If you're curious about what pontoon boats are going to look like in the future, take a closer look at this Grand Mariner today.
The Highlights
The captain is truly in control from the elevated helm platform. One of our favorite features is the large touch screen on the dash of the newly redesigned helm console that cleans up the look, yet gives the driver full access to everything. From this touch screen you can control the stereo, lights and even the electric PWR-ARM bimini. But another unique feature is the GPS-based cruise-control that you can set for the different riders you're pulling behind the boat (we told you this boat was futuristic).
While the stereo can be controlled from the helm, the actual unit is mounted under the helm stand, out of the elements. We also found two Sony stereo remotes in the stern, one on a rear-facing lounger and the other near the rear 5-step boarding ladder that can be accessed from the water.
Speaking of loungers, there are plenty of great seats onboard for everyone. There are two chaise lounges in the bow, one across from the helm and then two very plush rear-facing ones in the stern. There is plenty of storage under the seats and below these loungers too and we even found a trash can below the Midship lounge. Plus we like the fender caddy that is built into the back of one of the bow chaise lounges which keeps them handy, yet out of the way when you don't need them.
Throughout the boat is a nice non-skid floor and built into the center pontoon is a 6-foot in-floor ski locker that includes an automatic bilge.
Also worth noting is the two-toned colored panels on the exterior that are black and champagne. This `toon is also equipped with its Light Package that includes lights in the rubrail, boarding ladder, bimini top, speaker covers and even underwater for those evening cruises.
Inspection Notes
We like that the cross-members-that are on 16-inch centers-extend all the way to the rubrail for added strength. The three 25-inch diameter pontoons are the solid base of this boat and the design includes a full-length aluminum splash skin.
As far as overall construction, we found nothing to keep this boat from earning a high rating for fit and finish work as well as layout and design. You can see the attention to the details in every square inch of this boat. From a safety standpoint, we love all the stainless grab rails throughout, plus the railing system in the stern.
Performance Evaluation
She truly performs like a V-hull deck boat by the way she dives into those tight corners. Based on how well this FloteBote performs, you'd never guess it was nearly 27 feet long. Plus our zero to 20 mile per hour time of just 4 1/2 seconds with a top speed of nearly 50 mph at full throttle, you can see why we had so much fun driving it.
Final Thoughts
Take it from us, this company has been building quality pontoons for over 50 years now and that experience is reflected in the quality and in the design. From the touch screen at the helm and the plush rear-loungers to the electric powered bimini and the powerful outboard, as-tested this Harris FloteBote has a lot going for it.
Number of Occupants 15
Price As Tested With Power $80.7K
Maximum Speed 48.1 mph
Wild Ponies 300hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 4.5 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3' 8" deep
Why we love this boat.We just can't get over the touch screen controls at the helm that include GPS-based cruise control for your skiers and wakeboarders. Not to mention how much it cleans up the look of the helm console.
Just being picky.There are plenty of places where an optional changing room could be added, but to be considered a great family boat some type of an enclosure should come as part of the standard features
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Rear Swim Deck, Trailer tow eye, Underdeck wiring protection system, SL Floorplan, 12' Bimini, 12-volt DC receptacle, Digital Depth Sounder, Full instrumentation, Built-in helm storage unit, Tilt steering, docking LED lights, Fire extinguisher, 5-step fold down ladder, Courtesy lighting, Regal carpet, Sony Platinum stereo w/Bluetooth, 6 speakers, MP3/USB.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
DL Floorplan-Dual Rear Facing Loungers w/ SST Safety Railing and Gates, Lighting Package- includes Lighted cupholders, Bimini and Ladder LED Lights, Lighted Rubrail, Rope Lighting and Underwater Lights, Electronics Package-Includes Touch Screen with Cruise and Alpine Diamond Upgrade Mercury 300 Verado (includes Power Assist Steering and Digital Throttle System) Midship Mooring Eyes, Electric Bimini Power Top (includes Bimini and Ladder LEDs), Raised Helm, Battery Selector Switch, Portable Wood Grain Cupholders, Fender Caddie, Full TPO vinyl flooring, Pill Package-third tube, skin kit, lifting strakes, Ski Locker, Large 4'6" Ski Tow Bar, Lighted SST Speaker Covers
VITAL STATS
LOA 26' 9"
Beam 8.6'
Hull Design 3 Tube/PIII
Dry Weight 3876 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 50 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Mercury 300 Verado
Cylinder Type In-line 6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 158ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.85:1
Propeller 15 X 15 Enertia SST
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
550 1.9 64.5
1000 4.7 75.5
1500 6.4 82
2000 8.9 76
2500 12.8 93
3000 17.8 93
3500 22.2 92.5
4000 27.6 101
4500 32.5 105.5
5000 37.2 107.5
5500 41.2 109.5
6000 45.7 110
6500 48.1 115
Fort Wayne, Ind.
260-432-4555
harrisflotebote.com
