The Harris Grand Mariner 250 offers a classic example of the upscale furniture found aboard today’s luxury pontoons. Couchlike seating features plump pillow tops, with diamond-pattern lumbar regions and generously bolstered support at the bottom cushion’s edge. Below, more buttery vinyl dresses the roto-molded seat bases. Gutters to drain away water and two-part hinges to allow seats to pivot fully out of the way are standard issue. It’s a theme followed throughout the interior, from the twin forward lounges with their forward-facing seat backs and flip-down armrests, to the L-shaped aft bench with its shared pivoting backrest and adjacent sun pad. Only a portside entertainment center breaks up this loungefest, complete with granite-style countertop, covered sink and trash bin, and a flip-up table that makes use of the space normally lost to a side gate.
Captains will find the helm worthy of a cruiser. Vinyl accent colors are carried over onto the leatherlike wheel as well as raised accent panels around the controls. Billet aluminum with an etched Harris logo set off our test boat’s touchscreen display, the 12-inch-by-7-inch Harris Glass Dash. It’s big, bright and exceptionally easy to read; an analog control knob is also available to cycle through functions.
For all its luxurious amenities, our test boat meant business underway. Harris’ PIII Performance Package pairs 25-inch outer pontoons with a 25-inch center log dropped 1 inch to enhance handling. Performance strakes further fine-tune the response. Driving the boat through the water was a potent Mercury Racing Verado 400 outboard. With the available Mercury Active Trim engaged, it pushed the boat onto plane in 3.8 seconds with minimal bow rise, topping out at an impressive 54.3 mph. Handling was ultraresponsive, with the boat carving aggressively through the water with a hint of inside lean.
High Points
* Center tube houses a 6-foot in-floor locker, with auto bilge pump and woven vinyl matting inside.
* E-Z Clip mooring cover, quick-release fenders and sea-grass flooring come standard, as do docking lights.
* Color-coordinated Delta tower (optional) incorporates both a sun-shading Bimini top and LED lighting.
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado 400R
Prop: Mercury Enertia 12" x 21" 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 18.8 gal.
Crew Weight: 310 lb.
Price
$85,712 (with test power/PIII Performance Package)
Contact
Harris Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; harrisboats.com
