Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Harris Flotebote Cruiser 180 2005 vs Harris Flotebote Solstice 240 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Harris Flotebote Cruiser 180 2005 vs Harris Flotebote Solstice 240 2013 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Harris Flotebote Solstice 240 2013 measures 25,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 7,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Harris Flotebote Cruiser 180 2005 at 18,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Harris Flotebote Solstice 240 2013 tips the scales at 3 588 lbs — 3 431 lbs less than the Harris Flotebote Cruiser 180 2005 at 157 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 75 hp, the Harris Flotebote Cruiser 180 2005 has a 73-hp advantage over the Harris Flotebote Solstice 240 2013'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 Cruiser 180 2005 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Harris Flotebote Solstice 240 2013 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 Cruiser 180 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Harris Flotebote Cruiser 180 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Harris Flotebote Solstice 240 2013 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
ModelCruiser 18
ModelSolstice 24
Model Year2005
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.3
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches12
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail21 in
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.53
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches21
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,570 lbs
Weight - Detail2 Tubes: 3,153 lbs. (1,430 kg) 3 Tubes: 3,588 lbs. (1,627 kg)
Weight - kg712.14
Weight - kg1627.49
Weight - lbs.157
Weight - lbs.3588
Length [deck]18 ft
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet25.33
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 4 in. (7.9 m)
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters7.72
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches304
Length [at waterline]not available
Length [at waterline]Log Length: 24 ft. (7.3 m)
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in
Tube diameter25 in. (0.64 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max75 hp
Engine maxnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail2 Tubes: 32 gal. (121 l) 3 Tubes: 50 gal. (189 l)
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: 200 hp (149 kW) 3 Tubes Max: 300 hp (220 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,460 lbs
Maximum capacity2 Tubes: 2,518 lbs. (1,142 kg) 3 Tubes: 3,050 lbs. (1,383 kg) XTR Package 225 hp+: 3,150 lbs. (1,429 kg)
Maximum people8
Maximum people2 Tubes: 13 3 Tubes: 16
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon