Harris Buying Guide: Find the Pontoon That’s Right For You

A History of Harris Pontoon Boats

Harris has been a leading name in pontoon boats since 1957. Its legacy of innovation began that same year when Harris became the first manufacturer to produce pontoons on an assembly line.

Since then, Harris Pontoon Boats has established a history of firsts. It introduced the first pontoons with sterndrive propulsion, the first protected through aluminum anodizing, and the first using digital switching systems.

Alongside these breakthroughs, Harris has won multiple awards and recognitions. These include several National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Awards and the J.D. Power award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Pontoon Boats.”

Who Makes Harris Pontoon Boats?

Harris Pontoon is part of the Brunswick Corporation, which acquired the brand in 2005. Brunswick has been in business since 1845 and has remained an active player in the maritime industry since 1960.

The Brunswick Corporation also owns Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, and many other popular boat brands, as well as Mercury, one of the foremost marine propulsion companies around today.

Where Are Harris Pontoon Boats Made?

All Harris Pontoon boats are made in its Fort Wayne, Indiana, facility. Harris has operated out of Fort Wayne since its founding in 1957.

In 2021, the Harris production facility reached Zero Waste to Landfill Status. This means that at least 90% of its waste is recycled, reused, or otherwise managed so it doesn’t end up in a landfill.

Harris Pontoon Boat Models

Harris Pontoons fall into six series: Crowne, Grand Mariner, Solstice, Sunliner, Cruiser, and Breeze. Each model within a series offers similar experiences, but will have varying lengths, available features, and other specs.

MarineMax is proud to carry multiple Harris models across the brand’s diverse lineup.

Which Harris Pontoon Model Is Right for You?

Between these six series, there’s a Harris Pontoon for everyone. Which one is best depends on your budget and what you hope to use your boat for.

Do you want to host large social groups or raft up alongside other boats? You may want a longer vessel with more seating options, and be willing to sacrifice horsepower. Would you rather use your pontoon for watersports? Consider a higher-horsepower but smaller build.

In some cases, you may be unsure of what you need. You may also want to use your pontoon for a wider variety of activities. If so, highly personalizable series like the Harris Sunliner may be ideal.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the key features and uses for each of the Harris Pontoon series.

Crowne

• Available Sizes (in ft.): 28
• Max HP: 500
• Max Capacity: 15 persons
• Best For: Cruising, rafting up

Grand Mariner

• Available Sizes (in ft.): 27, 28, and 30
• Max HP: 500
• Max Capacity: 16 persons
• Best For: Cruising, rafting up

Solstice

• Available Sizes (in ft.): 25, 27, and 31
• Max HP: 400
• Max Capacity: 14 persons
• Best For: Cruising, watersports, rafting up

Sunliner

• Available Sizes (in ft.): 24, 25, and 27
• Max HP: 300
• Max Capacity: 14 persons
• Best For: Cruising, watersports, fishing

Cruiser

• Available Sizes (in ft.): 20, 24, 25, and 27
• Max HP: 300
• Max Capacity: 15 persons
• Best For: Watersports, fishing

Breeze 

• Available Sizes (in ft.): 24
• Max HP: 150
• Max Capacity: 10 persons
• Best For: Cruising, fishing

Benefits of Owning a Harris Pontoon Boat

Regardless of which model you choose, owning a Harris Pontoon comes with many benefits. Here’s a glimpse at all you can look forward to as a Harris owner.

Industry-Leading Innovation

All Harris Pontoons showcase impressive tech features and reliability. Harris’s cutting-edge design and innovation includes touchscreen controls, integrated automatic engine trim systems, and power-deploying and retracting ladders.

Since 2023, all Harris models have come with RPM technology, making them more maneuverable, fuel-efficient, stable, and faster than earlier generations.

Hydrodynamically optimized nose cones offer additional safety and stability, even at higher speeds. Harris decks are also watertight, and all wiring is water- and abrasion-resistant for added peace of mind.

Enhance Your Experience with RPM Performance Packages

In addition to its standard technology, Harris also offers four different RPM Performance Packages. These optional trims provide even greater power, stability, storage, speed, and handling.

You can use RPM Performance Packages to customize a pontoon to meet your specific needs. Get extra comfort on the lake with the RPM 225 kit. Opt for an RPM 327 tritoon to tackle choppy water on the open ocean. Whatever you need and wherever you’ll go, there’s a package for you.

A History of Satisfied Customers

For more proof of Harris’s commitment to quality, look no further than its illustrious customer satisfaction achievements.

Haris is a 20-time winner of the NMMA Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award, which recognizes boat manufacturers dedicated to excellence in satisfying their clientele. Apart from the CSI Award, Harris has been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for its customer service among pontoon companies.

Caring for Your Harris Pontoon

While Harris Pontoons are known for their durability and build quality, regular maintenance is crucial for any boat brand.

Here are some things you can do to keep your Harris Pontoon in top shape:

• Keep an eye on your engine hours and service your outboard motor to prevent larger issues.
• Take the time to clean your boat inside and out to keep it looking nice and performing well.
• As summer ends, winterize your pontoon so it stays safe from the elements in the colder months.
• Perform a pre-season boat inspection and tune-up before taking it out for the first cruise of the season.

Regular upkeep tasks and cleaning are typically easy enough to handle yourself. But to truly get the most out of your pontoon and maximize its longevity, it’s best to have trained professionals take care of the more extensive care and repairs. You can turn to  MarineMax’s Boat Services for help with ongoing maintenance, and we have an inventory of genuine Harris parts if you need a replacement for anything.

Where to Buy Harris Pontoon Boats

You can buy both new and used Harris Pontoon boats through MarineMax.

We can walk you through your options to help you find the right pontoon for your needs. Once you settle on a model, we’ll work with you to explore financing options, insurance, and more. You can also turn to us for maintenance, and even storage, depending on your location.

Be sure to look at all our Harris Boats For Sale to see what’s currently available. You can filter the results by model, year, price, and more, as well as enter your zip code or a specific MarineMax location to find boats near you.

Ready to Get Out on the Water?

Whatever you want to get out of your pontoon, Harris has a model for you, and MarineMax can help you find it, whether you’re shopping for a new or used boat.

Buying a Harris Pontoon through MarineMax gives you the opportunity to become part of a larger community. Keep an eye out for our Harris Pontoon events to learn more about your boat, explore other options, and make connections with other owners.

If you still have any questions or want to inquire about buying a Harris Pontoon boat, contact us or find your nearest MarineMax store today.