Misty Harbor Biscayne Bay 2285CU

November 2014 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2014 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.

What You Need To Know

This is a great all-around pontoon that features key amenities and plenty of power, plus it’s coupled with a family-friendly price. You get a lot for your recreational dollar with this Biscayne Bay model from Misty Harbor.

The Highlights

For the new model year, the neutral interior is now included as the standard package that helps give the boat an inviting look and feel. The vinyl used on the seats is two-toned, which we really like because it helps with the high-end feel the manufacturer is going for. The full fencing—that is available in monotone or two-tone colors—not only provides an improved look, but it also helps make the boat safe for pets and small children. Speaking of being safe, throughout the boat the rails are 28 inches tall, which helps earn this ‘toon a high safety rating. Simply put, it’s a great family pontoon.

Included with this model are co-captain’s chairs—or Sport Recliners—which gives your first mate an identical seat to the one enjoyed by the captain. Both swivel and recline, making them two of the most versatile seats onboard. For those looking for extra back, neck and head support, high-back reclining captain and co-captain seats are available as an option.

At the fiberglass helm are large, easy-to-read gauges, plus an Alpine Bluetooth stereo system that includes four speakers. We couldn’t help but notice that with the neutral interior color scheme the white speakers stand out a little, however the important thing is they allowed us to blast our tunes.

In the stern we love the vinyl deck on this mostly carpeted model. There is just enough room to towel off after boarding the boat using the rear ladder before opening the rear gate to come inside.

There are four chaise lounges onboard and from the bow gate to the stern gate there is over 18 feet of space inside the fencing on this 23-footer. Built into the portside bow chaise lounge is a pop-up changing room that opens to about 5 and a half feet tall. Other key features worth noting include the stainless cup holders, tilt steering and the ample storage space below all bench seats.

Inspection Notes

Three 25-inch diameter pontoons form the foundation of this boat, with each tube fitted with lifting strakes to bring the boat up to a higher plane. This center tube (Sportoon) is different from Misty Harbor’s regular full-length center tube in that it is just 16.5 feet long while the outside tubes are 22.5 feet and all three are constructed of .090 gauge aluminum.

After a closer inspection, this pontoon earned high marks for its fit and finish work and overall craftsmanship. It’s a solid and well-built boat from bow to stern.

Performance Evaluation

Powered with a Suzuki 150 four-stroke, this 40 mile per hour boat remains nice and flat in turns and with a zero to 20 mile per hour time of just over 5 seconds she could really use some type of ski/tow bar. You feel very safe and in control behind the wheel because of the way the boat handles as well as how responsive the steering is.

Our Take

From the center walk through layout to the plush seating, there is just something very inviting about this Biscayne Bay model from Misty Harbor that we really like. It’s a great all-around spacious pontoon that comes in at a nice price point and it includes just the right amount of standard features with key options to be a great fit for a lot of families or couples.

Number of Occupants 12

Maximum Speed 40.1 mph

Wild Ponies 150hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 5.3 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ deep

Why we love this boat…This Misty Harbor gives you added value in a great all-around model that won’t leave your wallet running on empty.

Just being picky…The two-tone vinyl and neutral interior colors help give the boat a high-end look, but we just wish the speaker covers were less noticeable on this specific model.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Four chaise lounges, plush helm sport recliner that slides & swivels, tilt wheel, Alpine Bluetooth stereo system w/ four speakers, courtesy lights along with LED navigation and docking lights.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Sportoon Performance Package (2 lifting strakes & performance shield), SeaStar hydraulic steering, improved exterior rails w/ graphic accents and chaise privacy enclosure.

VITAL STATS

LOA 23’6”

Beam 8’ 6”

Hull Design Three Pontoons

Dry Weight 2,060 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 28 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine Suzuki DF 150

Cylinder Type 4

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 174.9ci/150hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2.50:1

Propeller 16 X 20