Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 vs Harris Flotebote Royal 230 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 vs Harris Flotebote Royal 230 2012 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 Royal 230 2012 at 25,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Harris Flotebote Royal 230 2012 tips the scales at 3 366 lbs — 3 000 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 223-hp advantage over the Harris Flotebote Royal 230 2012's 2-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 Classic 260 I/O 2005 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Harris Flotebote Royal 230 2012 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 I/O 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 26,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Harris Flotebote Royal 230 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeHarris Flotebote
MakeHarris Flotebote
ModelClassic 260 I/O
ModelRoyal 23
Model Year2005
Model Year2012
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] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches14
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail23 in
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.58
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches23
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail3,660 lbs
Weight - Detail2 Tubes: 3,007 lbs. 3 Tubes: 3,366 lbs
Weight - kg1660.15
Weight - kg1526.79
Weight - lbs.366
Weight - lbs.3366
Length [deck]26 ft
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet25
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail25 ft. Pontoon Length: 23 ft
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters7.62
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches3
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter25 in
Tube diameter25 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeI/O
Drive typenot available
Engine max225 hp W/Performance-III Package: 225 hp
Engine maxnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail2 Tubes: 31 gal. PIII: 50 gal. XTR: 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
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower2 Tubes Max: 150 hp 3 Tubes Max: 225 hp
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity2 Tubes: 2,278 lbs. PIII Package: 2,604 lbs. XTR Package: 2,529 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people2 / PIII PIII 225 hp+ / XTR: 13 / 13