Harris - new pontoons on order

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zoraduntov
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Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:52 pm

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#16 Post by zoraduntov » Wed Mar 18, 2015 3:58 pm

I really like the look of your Starcraft. I will soon be ordering a Sylvan 8522 Mirage Cruise which looks very similar to the Starcraft. I believe the are the same manufacturer.
2015 Premier Sunsation 23 RF 115 hp Merc

Mood95
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Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 3:04 pm
Location: Panama City, FL

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#17 Post by Mood95 » Sat May 28, 2016 7:57 am

We have a 2014 Harris Cruiser 200 tritoon and have had issues with leaky toons. The boat has been to the beach dealer repair facility twice for the sound of water in the toon log. The 1st time they checked for the leak pressurized the log and welded all while on the trailer. After running the boat some and keeping in the slip for a few days I noticed water in the toon again, back to the shop I went. The last trip to the shop was pretty long (6 weeks or so), they had to order a toon log from the Harris and it was shipped from Indiana and installed at the repair shop.

Every time, along with noticing the sloshing sound of water, the boat would seem sluggish out of the hole and have more bow rise than usual. Just last week after having the boat in the slip for a few days and making a few runs with the last having that weird bow rise sensation. We checked for evidence of water in the toons again (while shaking the trailer) and it seems the log under the driver and center log have water within. I called the repair shop and he said the boat might have to return to the factory (in Indiana I guess) for repairs this time. Supposed to take it down Wednesday, he said he should have an answer from them then.

Wonder if they have a lemon law and I can get a new boat, not likely I'm sure. They should consider putting drain ports on the logs although the dealer said they don't require them because they're built solid, with baffles and stuff. Someone really was blowing smoke up his butt. Drain ports would be great just like on a regular boat provided you don't forget the plug. Other pontoon makers have had them in the past.
Moody & Kim + the boys
2014 Harris Flotebote Cruiser 200 Tritoon with a 115hp Mercury
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 to get us there.
Mostly boat on St Andrews Bay by Panama City, FL

ron nh
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Location: Litchfield New Hampshire

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#18 Post by ron nh » Sat May 28, 2016 2:43 pm

That sucks, they make a great boat, doesn't make sense. You'll be lucky to have it by the 4th if they have to send it out.
2015 Qwest LS 818XRE Tri-toon w/mercury 115.

Mood95
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Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 3:04 pm
Location: Panama City, FL

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#19 Post by Mood95 » Sat May 28, 2016 6:04 pm

I know, I'm hoping they can get it done local. Just get it up off the trailer, pressurize each log and fix leaks as they find them. If they end up keeping it for a while we may have to resort to a rental boat. Would be nice if they had loaners but not a chance, I asked about the last time.
Moody & Kim + the boys
2014 Harris Flotebote Cruiser 200 Tritoon with a 115hp Mercury
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 to get us there.
Mostly boat on St Andrews Bay by Panama City, FL

ksks
Posts: 55
Joined: Tue Dec 15, 2015 9:08 pm
Location: SW MO

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#20 Post by ksks » Fri Dec 23, 2016 11:40 pm

Any updated opinions on these models?
'I'm looking...
2019 Harris 210 with 150 hp Merc

Bamaman
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Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#21 Post by Bamaman » Sat Dec 24, 2016 12:45 pm

Harris makes a fine boat. But if you have a Bennington, Premier or Manitou dealer in your retail market, look at them closely. There are some other fine brands of boats, too.

Like has been said, it could happen to any manufacturer. But Harris seems to have more than their fair share of leaks.
'12 Bennington 24' SSLX Yamaha 150

ksks
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Joined: Tue Dec 15, 2015 9:08 pm
Location: SW MO

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#22 Post by ksks » Sat Dec 24, 2016 12:49 pm

Thanks.
We do have a Bennington dealer close but they don't make a 20'. I'd like a 20' with 150hp.

ks
2019 Harris 210 with 150 hp Merc

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zoom650
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Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#23 Post by zoom650 » Sat Dec 24, 2016 6:01 pm

Mind if I ask, why a 20 footer?

I guess we all have our reasons. MIne was turning radius in my backyard. Would I have loved a few more feet of boat? Heck yeah! I had to take down 2 trees, various low limbs, and bring in 4 loads of crusher to make this one work.

Benninton has a 21 in a couple models. Harris has 20 in 3 models.

But do check the specifications. Overall length tends to be a foot or so longer than the length inferred by the model number. My Solstice 220 is really 23'6" overall. Also, add another 18 inches for your engine.

Merry Christmas! Grandkids are about to go to bed and Santa needs to load his sleigh for a run to their house!
Michael and Laura
'12 Ford F150 Lariat SuperCrew Ecoboost
'14 Harris Solstice 220, P3 tritoon, Mercury Verado 150, Enertia 14p.
prior boat: '02 Century 2600CC, twin Yamaha EFI 200's, full instruments.

Bamaman
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Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#24 Post by Bamaman » Sat Dec 24, 2016 6:52 pm

[quote="ksks"]Thanks.
We do have a Bennington dealer close but they don't make a 20'. I'd like a 20' with 150hp.

ks[/quote]

20 footers with 150 hp might be a little overpowered. Add a couple of feet, and the hulls are so much better in the big water and more seaworthy.

Both of my pontoons have been 24' and I love the room.
'12 Bennington 24' SSLX Yamaha 150

ksks
Posts: 55
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Location: SW MO

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#25 Post by ksks » Sat Dec 24, 2016 7:22 pm

our lake is big enough we can take a 25+ mile cruse. I'd like to be able to keep it at higher speed without taxing the engine too much. We don't get much big water and would avoid those days.

I'm open to all advice
As the will be my first pontoon.
2019 Harris 210 with 150 hp Merc

ron nh
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Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#26 Post by ron nh » Sun Dec 25, 2016 7:12 am

I would go bigger as well, and like zoom said, the advertised size isn't the true size, you have to read all specs.
2015 Qwest LS 818XRE Tri-toon w/mercury 115.

ksks
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Location: SW MO

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#27 Post by ksks » Sun Dec 25, 2016 7:33 am

Thanks for the reply.

Are you saying to go with a longer boat for the partying room?

In that case I'd have to actually make some friends! :lol3 Will be retiring is a couple years and the plan is to have fewer people in my life. Yes, I am that angry old man...

I've been on my sister's 20' and it seems to ride fine. I would get a try toon and I think that would be even better. I don't have plans for any rough water boating.

Open to ideas.
2019 Harris 210 with 150 hp Merc

ron nh
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Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#28 Post by ron nh » Sun Dec 25, 2016 7:40 am

In that case I wouldn't think a larger boat is needed. Like you, I'm an angry old white guy so I love my 18'er, The thing fly's and is smooth as a baby's ass. But of course my wife wants a larger boat. A 20' tri-toon with a 150 would be a machine.
2015 Qwest LS 818XRE Tri-toon w/mercury 115.

ksks
Posts: 55
Joined: Tue Dec 15, 2015 9:08 pm
Location: SW MO

Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#29 Post by ksks » Sun Dec 25, 2016 7:54 am

[quote="Bamaman"]20 footers with 150 hp might be a little overpowered.[/quote]

I bought a Seadoo with 300hp!

Overkill is my middle name.

ksks
2019 Harris 210 with 150 hp Merc

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zoom650
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Re: Harris - new pontoons on order

#30 Post by zoom650 » Mon Dec 26, 2016 1:55 pm

Boat shows are weeks away from starting. (Atlanta is Jan 12) If its possible, plan a fun outing and do a little dreaming about what is going to meet your lifestyle.

Arrange some test drives on the water. If a 20 footer feels right for you, there is no wrong choice, but a longer boat gives you a smoother ride in rougher water.

The 150 hp does get you into the category of performance hulls and they're really fun to drive. Throw in power steering and it's like a sports car on the water.
Michael and Laura
'12 Ford F150 Lariat SuperCrew Ecoboost
'14 Harris Solstice 220, P3 tritoon, Mercury Verado 150, Enertia 14p.
prior boat: '02 Century 2600CC, twin Yamaha EFI 200's, full instruments.

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