Harris V270

This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.  

Click HERE for our test video. 

First Impression

Hitting the highlights of all this Harris has to offer when faced with a limited word count is basically impossible. It truly takes luxury in the pontoon industry to another level and easily places this V270 in the dream boat category.  

Breakdown

The helm console alone will easily grab your attention with the two Raymarine touch screens that provide mapping and all your critical engine data. It’s the type of electronic system you’d expect to find on 50-foot ocean vessels. It’s all part of the clean center console design that includes high-end push-button lighted switches and a JL Audio stereo. For the captain is a dual bench seat with slide-out seat bases and electric powered backs so you can use the seat a variety of different ways.

Directly forward of the helm is a step-down enclosure with a full marine head, faucet and sink, SeaDeck flooring, LED lighting and there is even a mirror. Continuing to the bow is a great seating area with movable armrests and ample storage below. The way Harris creates these individual seating areas make it feel like you’re on a much larger boat. There is a nice walkway on the portside of the helm console to access the bow area and on the other side of the stand is a galley area with an optional fridge plus another sink and faucet.

Moving towards the stern is a circular seating area centered on a height-adjustable round table that can be used as a raised dining table or a lowered coffee-style one. We love the look of this design, but if we had to find something to be picky about it would be the wedge-shaped seats that make it a little harder to access the storage below.

By removing a filler cushion you gain access to the stern through the fiberglass aft gate which leads you to an impressive stern platform and a powered boarding ladder that raises and lowers with a simple push of a button. On the portside is a submersible drop-down swim seat and other key features include a removable ski/tow pylon, a second stereo remote that can be reached from the water, and a small seat. Plus, there is teak-looking vinyl floor that is different from the rest of the vinyl flooring found throughout the boat.

Of course we can’t forget to mention the hard top with built-in LED lights around the edges of the sun shades plus two of the 10 total JL Audio speakers. Another key feature is the double-wide portside gate that includes dual retracting telescopic ladders that are built into the flooring. Note on the starboard side is another retractable ladder for a total of four ways to board from the water.  

Inspection

As expected, this boat earned high marks for fit and finish work and quality of construction. From the 27-inch diameter pontoons with lifting strakes to the hidden areas found on the top deck, this is a well-built pontoon from top to bottom.

Handling

In the water this massive boat weighs an estimated 7,000 pounds, but you wouldn’t guess it by the ways she performs with the Mercury 350hp Verado four-stroke on the back. She banks beautifully in the sharp turns with speed capabilities near the 40 mph mark and handles extremely well. 

Final Thoughts

After exploring every square inch of this extremely loaded pontoon it felt like we just got off Air Force One. Of course with a steep price tag it’s not for every budget, but as is we couldn’t see anything this boat could be possibly missing. Clearly a high-end pontoon that stands well above other luxury models. 

Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants            14       

Maximum Speed                     38.0 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             350 hp

No. of Gates                           3

0-20 MPH                               6.88 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             3’ 2” deep

Why we love this boat…The engineering team who successfully found a way to include every bell and whistle imaginable should be praised for this impressive layout.

Just being picky…Plenty of storage onboard including under the curved seating area in the stern, but with the wedged-shaped cushions it’s not the easiest to access.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Black anodized rubrail w/ stainless insert, 27-inch Performance Package Plus., zinc anodes, 12-inch and 7-inch Raymarine screens, dual power adjustable helm seat, JL Audio sound system, patent-pending head compartment (sink, shower, faucet, and toilet), 9-gallon waste tank, 3-gallon 12-volt hot water heater, and a mooring cover.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Power Articulating Bimini w/ tow point, two-tone midnight blue and gray, ski/tow pylon, power stainless steel boarding ladder, refrigerator, aft swim seat, teak articulating/folding table, polished tubes, woven teak main flooring, and faux teak aft flooring.

VITAL STATS

LOA                  29’      

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Three Pontoons

Dry Weight       5,590 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    56 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Mercury 350 Verado  

Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           158ci/350hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1

Propeller                                                          15 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

1000                2.8                     81

1500                5.6                     83

2000                7.8                     86

2500                10.4                   85

3000                14.1                   91

3500                17.7                   92

4000                20.2                   95

4500                22.5                   98

5000                24.7                   101

5500                27.4                   103

6500                38.0                   108

Fort Wayne, Ind. 
260-432-4555

www.harrisboats.com