Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner SL250: Boat Test Notes

OVERVIEW: This feature-rich design blurs the lines between a pontoon boat and a conventional fiberglass V-hull.

Watch the Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner 250 Video Boat Review

The Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner 250 provides a luxurious video review platform..

CONCEPT

• Open design aft eliminates sunpad/motorbox, focuses attention forward or aft depending on use

• Performance package adds lowered center tube, aluminum skin, and large lifting strakes

• Seating for 15, abundant stowage

CONSTRUCTION

• 25” Aluminum pontoons; individual airtight compartments

• Full-length risers are continuous, one-piece extrusions on both outboard and inboard side

• Lifetime-guaranteed, marine plywood deck

• Cross-members are run on 16” centers; 24” is typical. Adds strength to frame

• Deck fasteners are high-tech screws, which form friction weld

PERFORMANCE

• 38 mph top speed w/Mercury 225hp Verado outboard

• Offers enough low-end power to pull skier or wakeboarder

• Aluminum skin below deck eliminates water impacting cross members, lessens resistance

• Requires attention to trim; cornering demands engine be planted low in the water, while more running angle is required to reach top speed

HANDLING

• Triple tube configuration, lowered center tube allow the Grand Mariner to bank like a deep-V fiberglass boat

• Large lifting strakes provide quick planing

• Top-notch stability at most all speeds

UNIQUE FEATURES

• Deep ski locker is integrated into center tube, taking advantage of every inch of space

• Beefy tow bar offers solid attachment point for skiers, tubers, and wakeboarders

• Rotomolded seat bases offer generous room, low-maintenance finish

• Count ‘em…over 20 cupholders, even with optional LED lighting

• Flowing, curved rails eliminate boxy structure typical of a pontoon

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner 250 webpage

About the author:

Jeff Hemmel

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Jeff Hemmel writes for Boating, PersonalWatercraft.com, and Powersports Business. The former Senior Editor at Watercraft World, Jeff is a multi-time award winner as well as a 2008 inductee into the IJSBA Hall of Fame. His first book, The Anti-Pirate Potato Cannon...and 101 Other Things For Young Mariners To Try, Do, & Build On the Water, recently received a bronze medal in the 2010 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. For more info, visit Jeff Hemmel's website..

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This feature was posted on Friday, May 27th, 2011 at 2:45 pm and is filed under Boat Review/Test, Boat Test Notes, Pontoon boat, Powerboat.

Tags: Boat Test Notes, Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner 250, Jeff Hemmel, video boat review