Misty Harbor 2285 CU

June 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

An attractive-looking floorplan, key upgrades to balance the long list of standard features, as well as complete performance are the focus for this ‘toon.

Breakdown

While the exterior two-tone paneling includes a vibrant red color, the interior is made up of different shades of gray for a conservative, high-end look that we really like. It starts with the Veada seating that includes different patterns and gray colors that tie in with the full weave vinyl flooring. The helm dash also incorporates the color grey with a woodgrain finish panel that matches perfectly with the removable table.

With dual helm chairs the layout is very symmetrical for a balanced look and feel. In the bow are two comfortable chaise lounges with plenty of room to stretch out and in the stern are two more chaises for a total of four. Below all the bench seats is ample storage space and there is even an in-floor ski locker that is 21 inches deep and over 7 feet long. Let’s be honest, you can never have too many places to stow your gear so that’s why we like having this compartment that is lockable too.

At the helm is a curved fiberglass stand with an attractive cluster of gauges for the dash console that incorporates toggle switches on the right. One of the options on this model is a Premium Sound upgrade that includes a Kicker stereo at the helm with four speakers and a subwoofer positioned throughout the boat. After cranking up the tunes, this upgrade might need to be added to the must-have category because it really does complete the total package.

The helm chair slides, swivels and reclines and while we feel it’s important for the captain to be comfy, you could make a strong case that it’s just as important that the first-mate have a great seat as well and that’s why we like the identical chair directly across.

Outside the stern gate is a good-sized swim deck that includes a contoured five-step fold down ladder for easy boarding and a massive ski/tow bar that is an option, but could also be considered a must-have with the Suzuki 250hp four-stroke on the back.

Inspection

Three 25-inch diameter pontoons are the base of this 22-footer with lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and on the insides of the outer tubes. Plus for added performance, there is a full-length aluminum splash skin.

Up top there are three lift and lock gates and the powder-coated rail height throughout the boat is a very family-friendly height of nearly 28 inches tall. From the bow gate to the stern gate there is nearly 19 feet of usable deck space with this open floorplan and overall this boat earned high marks for quality construction and for its fit and finish work.

Handling

While the zero-to-20-mile-per-hour time of just under five seconds is impressive, it’s how well she easily keeps accelerating after getting up on plane that impressed us the most. With the SeaStar hydraulic steering the boat turns nice and smooth and it especially banks well in the tight turns. Paired with a Suzuki 250hp engine we just missed the 50 mph mark at full throttle.

Final Thoughts

Rated for up to 15 passengers, there truly is room for everyone and there’s not a bad seat on the entire boat. We love the flow of the interior as well as the upgrades like the sound system with LED-lit speakers that complete the total package.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 15

Maximum Speed 47.5 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.72 seconds

Ladder Measurement 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…Great symmetrical layout with plush seating that could only be overshadowed by how well she performs.

Just being picky…A changing room as well as a designated place for a trash can would be nice, but other than that this boat comes as tested with a great balance of family-friendly features.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

New clip-on crib cover, new hammered rails w/ full fencing, new 10-foot Bimini top, new mahogany wheel w/ tilt steering, new mahogany oval table, Biscayne Bay Console w/ windshield, Veada furniture w/ co-capt, chair, U-shaped seating w/ 4 chaise lounges, Sport capt. Recliner, co-capt. cupholder/storage unit, new full weave flooring, new trim gauge, new Kicker Sound stereo w/ USB and Bluetooth, 4 Mushroom speakers, chrome courtesy lights, LED docking and nav. lights and black bumper trim w/ skirting.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Tripletoon Performance Pkg., SeaStar power-assist steering, Gray Interior Pkg., deluxe recliner upgrade, Premium sound system, Pro Series ski/tow bar and a pair of portable cup holders.