PDB Shootout Harris

First Impression

Some boats simply draw you in with high-end looks and that’s the case with this Harris. The more we looked the more we liked; it’s as simple as that. This manufacturer has built a solid reputation for building quality boats for several decades and this latest offering didn’t disappoint.

Highlights

Starting with the exterior, the two-tone panels flow well with the black edition rails. The other easily noticeable exterior feature is the beautiful Evo Tower. It has a lot of the same features and qualities we’ve seen with other towers but we’ve never seen one raise and lower with a press of a button so quickly. It’s fast, as in five seconds to go from all the way down to all the way up! Very impressive.

The “DC” stands for dual helm consoles and there’s probably not a single feature (other than maybe a wakeboard tower) that makes a stylish pontoon look so sporty. The symmetrical helm console for the driver is centered on two retro-looking, multi-function gauges with an optional Simrad touchscreen on the right and a deep storage compartment on the left that includes a 12-volt outlet and USB port so your phone can stay plugged in while out of the elements. Just below is access to the JL Audio controls and on the other side of the upgraded steering wheel are lighted push-button switches that only add to the high-end look. Plus, the RGB dial allows the captain to change up the accent lighting throughout the entire boat, including the lighted cupholders.

Getting back to the stereo, the JL Audio Platinum system with two subs and amps will blow you away. We’re starting to see more elaborate sound systems on pontoons and this setup will dominate any sandbar.     

The vinyl seating is soft to the touch and with a total of four chaise lounges onboard there’s plenty of seating for everyone. If we had to be picky, there’s not a lot of room to really stretch out in those rear-facing chaise lounges in the stern, but the trade-off is a little more room on the swim deck.

Inspection

It is an option, but the Level II Performance package might be considered a must. Besides the three 27-inch diameter tubes you also gain an aluminum skin below, plus a 63-gallon fuel tank, hydraulic steering, ski/tow bar and in-floor storage locker. There are square-shaped lifting strakes on the inside of the center pontoon and on the inside of the outer tubes. Above deck the rail height stands nearly 30 inches tall around the perimeter, earning this pontoon a high safety rating.

Performance

Paired with the new Mercury 225, the Solstice reached speeds near the 40 mph mark with a zero-to-20 mph time of 6 seconds. She handles well and behind the low profile wrap-around windshield you feel protected from the elements and safely in control. With the Active Trim from Mercury you don’t have to worry about knowing how to trim up the engine for optimum performance. The system does it automatically and just as fast (if not faster) that you could manually trim your engine yourself.

Parting Thought

For 2019, the Solstice line received a little facelift and as tested we found these tweaks on this model to be very favorable. Sporty pontoon boats like this one are in high demand these days.

For More Information:
Fort Wayne, Ind.
260-432-4555
www.harrisboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 14       
Price As Tested With Power: $112.1K
Maximum Speed: 37.6 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 225 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 6.00 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 5” deep

Why we love this boat…The evolution of this Harris is amazing with a sporty look, luxurious features and just the right mix of standard and optional features. 

Just being picky…A lot is packed into this floorplan, which left the stern chaise lounges feeling a little cramped in an otherwise spacious layout. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Lockable glove box, helm storage, full instrumentation, GPS speedometer, docking lights, 4-step retractable ss ladder and UltraLux high back helm seat.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

JL Audio Platinum sound system, pilot assistance pkg. (adjustable seat base, Simrad GO5, midship mooring eyes), Evo tower, upgraded steering wheel, Level II Performance pkg. (3 27-inch diameter tubes w/aluminum skin, 63-gal. fuel tank, hydraulic steering, ski/tow bar and in-floor storage), black edition Bimini frame and rails, battery selector switch, gray woven teak flooring, Mercury active trim, Prestige trim level, tower speakers and VesselView link.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 27’2’   
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: 3 27” tubes with full keel and aluminum skin kit
Dry Weight: 3,779 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 63 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 225   
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 209ci/225hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Propeller: 15 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
500                  2.1                    66.5
1000                2.8                     73
1500                4.9                     77.5
2000                6.6                     78
2500                9.2                     84
3000                11.9                   86
3500                16.1                   89
4000                21                      88
4500                25.7                   92.5
5000                29.8                   94
5500                34.3                   95
6500                37.6                   98

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $112,136
Price As Tested (Boat Only): $51,056

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.