Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Harris Flotebote Classic 260 O/B 2005 vs Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Harris Flotebote Classic 260 O/B 2005 vs Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 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 O/B 2005 at 26,0 ft versus Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 tips the scales at 3 477 lbs — 3 206 lbs less than the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 O/B 2005 at 271 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 300 hp, the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 has a 135-hp advantage over the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 O/B 2005's 165-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 O/B 2005 is rated for 18 passengers, while the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 O/B 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Harris Flotebote Classic 260 O/B 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 18 passengers and at 26,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 14 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeHarris Flotebote
MakeHarris Flotebote
ModelClassic 260 O/B
ModelGrand Mariner 230 SEL
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] - Detail13 in
Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.33
Draft [drive up] meters0.33
Draft [drive up] inches13
Draft [drive up] inches13
Draft [max] - Detail22 in
Draft [max] - Detail30 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Inches22
Draft [max] - Inches3
Weight - Detail2,710 lbs
Weight - Detail3,477 lbs
Weight - kg1229.23
Weight - kg1577.14
Weight - lbs.271
Weight - lbs.3477
Length [deck]26 ft
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet23
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 8 in. Pontoon: 23 ft
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters7.82
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches308
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail62 in
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters1.57
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches62
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter25 in
Tube diameter25 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine max165 hp W/Performance-III Package: 230 hp
Engine maxPerformace III Package: 300 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard220 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPerformance III Package: 81 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters306.62
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal81
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,870 lbs
Maximum capacityPerformance III Package: 1,910 lbs
Maximum people18
Maximum peoplePerformance III Package: 14
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon