Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 or the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006?

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 tops out at 80 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 and Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 share an 8 ft. 6 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 and Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 and the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 are built by Harris Flotebote. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006

Harris Flotebote

Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011

2011

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Harris Flotebote

Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 has a 220-hp advantage over the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006's 80-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 Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 14 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeHarris Flotebote

ModelGrand Mariner 230 SEL

ModelSunliner 180

Model Year2011

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in.

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail62 in.

Bridge clearance - Detail62 in. (Bimini/stern light down)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.57

Bridge clearance - Inches62

Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in.

Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in.

Draft [drive up] meters0.33

Draft [drive up] meters0.3

Draft [drive up] inches13

Draft [drive up] inches12

Draft [max] - Detail30 in.

Draft [max] - Detail21 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Meters0.53

Draft [max] - Inches30

Draft [max] - Inches21

Weight - Detail3,477 lbs.

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg1577.14

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.3477

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Feet23

Length - Feet18

Length overall - Detail25 ft. 8 in. Pontoon: 23 ft.

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters7.82

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches308

Length overall - Inches216

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull typePontoon

Hull typenot available

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameter25 in.

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard220 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPerformance III Package: 81 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters306.62

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal81

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeInboard

Drive typeOutboard

Engine maxPerformace III Package: 300 hp

Engine max80 hp w/ Performance-III Package: 105 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacityPerformance III Package: 1,910 lbs.

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum peoplePerformance III Package: 14

Maximum peoplenot available

Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 or the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006?

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 tops out at 80 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 and Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 share an 8 ft. 6 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 and Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 and the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 are built by Harris Flotebote. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 230 SEL 2011 full specs ← Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 full specs