Harris Grand Mariner 250 SL

May 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

Three Things

The focus of this Grand Mariner is versatility, elegance, and of course, performance.

Breakdown

With twin Mercury 350hp engines we could probably focus the full review on just the 700hp and how fun this boat is to drive, but honestly this Harris has a lot more going for it than just its power.

For starters, the helm console has a high-end feel to it that includes a large multi-function Mercury digital gauge in the center of the dash with additional gauges on each side of it. Below is a nice row of lighted and well-labeled toggle switches as well as controls to the Polk Audio Bluetooth stereo that sounds great through the nine total speakers.

While you could make a case for the tall seat back on the helm chair being the driver’s favorite, it clearly has to be the Mercury Joystick piloting controls. When docking, you simply move the joystick towards the dock and the twin outboards will adjust as needed so you’ll look like a pro coming in. Plus there is a “digital anchor” system that through the GPS can hold your boat in one spot using those same engines. Now that’s impressive.

Across from the helm is a rear-facing chaise lounge with a drop-down armrest with a built-in cupholder. There are two other identical chaise lounges in the bow and with the Pillowtop furniture upgrade there truly isn’t a bad seat onboard.

The backrest on the rear bench seat—that is part of the L-shape lounge—easily pivots forward to become the backrest on the other side for the rear-facing loungers. It’s here where the grey teak-looking vinyl floor transitions to the non-skid stern deck outside the rear gate. For those enjoying the double-wide rear-facing loungers, there is a stereo remote, media holder, 12-volt outlet, as well as a USB/Auxiliary port.

Below the sunpad for the loungers is a deep and drainable storage “trunk” and down low at the base is a second stereo remote that can be accessed from the water. And just between the twins is a four-step stainless ladder for easy boarding. Harris really thought of everything with this model.

Inspection

To help counter the additional weight of the outboards, the pontoons are actually tapered and go from 25 inches in diameter in the bow to 27 inches in the stern, which explains how Harris was able to get this ‘toon to sit level when at idle. Up top, from inside the bow gate to the rear bench seat is nearly 18 feet of total deck space and the rail height varies from nearly 27 inches tall to over 28 inches throughout the boat. A nice added touch is the upholstered sides on the four entry gates for a clean and padded look.

Handling

The phrase “turn on a dime” gets overused a lot, but in this case we couldn’t think of a better way to describe just how easily and quickly this ‘toon can bank into a tight corner. With a top speed in the 60s, you better be holding on, but because it is well-built we felt perfectly safe putting the throttle down. The zero-to-20-mile-per-hour time of just over five seconds was equally impressive.

Final Thoughts

Clearly the price tag as tested won’t be for everyone’s budget, but we must admit the total package really is amazing. It could be considered a small detail, but we especially like seeing the Mercury engines in the white version because they flow perfectly with the white and silver two-tone exterior of the boat. It’s the extra attention to the details that Harris does so well.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 9

Maximum Speed 63.1 mph

Wild Ponies 700 hp

No. of Gates 4

0-20 MPH 5.37 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat…From the power and handling to the high-end amenities, it’s hard not to fall in love with this Harris Grand Mariner.

Just being picky…With every other bell and whistle included, we were hoping to see a changing room standard as well as an in-floor ski locker, but that’s all that’s really missing.