Misty Harbor Skye 2685 SU

February 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2015 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

When it comes to finding a great all-around pontoon, the sky is the limit and in this case we’re actually referring to the Misty Harbor Skye—although there is no limit on the kind of fun you can have on this boat. It’s extremely inviting and offers a little something for everyone.

The Highlights

Rated for up to 17 passengers, the triple pontoon can not only support a large gathering of family and friends, but there are also plenty of comfortable seats for everyone too. It starts in the bow with two nice long seat benches with chaise lounges, complete with fold-down armrests. Below one of the chaise lounges is a pop-up changing room that stands 5 feet, 7 inches tall when open. In the center of the boat, the co-captain helm chairs assure you that not only is the captain going to be comfortable with the adjustable reclining chair, but the first mate will be too. Then using a removable filler cushion, the stern seating area converts into a nice U-shaped cockpit area around the table. The moveable cushion can also be re-positioned in the bow if desired.

At the helm, the dash console is symmetrical with large easy-to-read gauges, lighted rocker switches, USB/Aux. ports, a 12-volt receptacle and an Infinity stereo system. This particular model also included the optional PTM-Edge driving mirror, which is not only functional for when you’re watching your tubers and other boats, but is also practical because it folds down when you don’t need it.

The majority of the pontoon is carpeted, but in the stern just outside the rear gate there is a teak-looking vinyl on the swim deck that is ideal for those who want to drip dry before coming inside. In this area there is also a stainless four-step boarding ladder that drops nearly 4 feet into the water, as well as a large Pro Series ski/tow bar.

Also worth noting is the large in-floor ski locker that is 22 inches deep and 7 feet long, a built-in trash receptacle and LED docking and navigation lights on the bow.

Inspection Notes

Three 25-inch diameter pontoons are the base of this 27-footer and below deck there is also a full-length aluminum splash skin. Up top there are three lift and lock gates and the rail height throughout the boat is a very family-friendly height of 27 inches tall. As for the exterior, the two-tone panels (along with a touch of pink, but we’ll get to that in a minute) create a nice high-end look that flows well with the tan vinyl. Overall this boat earned high marks for quality construction and for its fit and finish work.

Performance Evaluation

With a Suzuki 250 on the back, how can you go wrong? Acceleration out of the hole was gradual, yet strong and at full throttle we reached speeds over 40 miles per hour. She’s a fun boat to drive, handles well and is a great fit for couples looking to cruise or families looking for a pontoon to satisfy their water sports needs.

Our Take

One final note: this pontoon proudly displays the Make Strides Against Breast Cancer graphic. Misty Harbor donates money towards breast cancer research each time a consumer selects this option, which we feel is a great cause and we applaud the manufacturer for its efforts. We were already impressed with this boat, but this added touch put a smile on our faces.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 17

Maximum Speed 43.5 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 6.0 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat…Plush comfortable seating throughout, attractive-looking helm and plenty of power to make sure the ski/tow bar gets a lot of use.

Just being picky…While we love the space-saving feature, the pop-up changing room requires an extra step or two to access and stands just over five and a half feet tall.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

It has everything I need at a price point that fits any budget. I liked the interior layout and loved the way it handled on the water.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Marine Infinity stereo w/ iPod jack and USB port, Radius bow benches, mahogany wheel w/ tilt steering, skirting and chrome bumper, Veada premium furniture w/ trash can, SS cups and polished front/rear corners, bimini top w/ matching boot, deluxe recliner w/ slider capt. chair, chrome LED docking, courtesy, and nav. lights, deluxe recliner co-capt. chair, teak aft vinyl and full premium carpet, chase lounge armrests, mahogany oval table, and co-capt. cupholder/storage unit.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Triple pontoon package w/ performance shield, ski locker storage, SeaStar hydraulic steering, chaise privacy enclosure, portable bench, seat slider for co-capt. chair, Pro series ski/tow bar, PTM-Edge driving mirror and Make Strides Against Breast Cancer graphic option.