Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 vs Harris Flotebote Crowne 230 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 vs Harris Flotebote Crowne 230 2011 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 at 26,0 ft versus Harris Flotebote Crowne 230 2011 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Harris Flotebote Crowne 230 2011 tips the scales at 2 913 lbs — 2 547 lbs less than the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 at 366 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 has a 75-hp advantage over the Harris Flotebote Crowne 230 2011's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Harris Flotebote Crowne 230 2011 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Harris Flotebote Crowne 230 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Harris Flotebote Crowne 230 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeHarris Flotebote
MakeHarris Flotebote
ModelClassic 260 I/O
ModelCrowne 23
Model Year2005
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Draft [drive up] - Detail14 in
Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] meters0.33
Draft [drive up] inches14
Draft [drive up] inches13
Draft [max] - Detail23 in
Draft [max] - Detail22 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.58
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Inches23
Draft [max] - Inches22
Weight - Detail3,660 lbs
Weight - Detail2,513 lbs. Performance III Package: 2,913 lbs
Weight - kg1660.15
Weight - kg1321.31
Weight - lbs.366
Weight - lbs.2913
Length [deck]26 ft
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet23
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail25 ft. Pontoon: 23 ft
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters7.62
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches3
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail68 in
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters1.73
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches68
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter25 in
Tube diameter25 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max225 hp W/Performance-III Package: 225 hp
Engine max150 hp with 25 in. tubes Performance III Package: 225 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail31 gal. Performance III Package: 50 gal. XTR Package: 45 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity2,231 lbs. Performance III Package: 2,250 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people11 Performance III Package: 13