Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 or the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006?

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 9,0 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 250 SE 2009 is rated to a maximum of 260 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 250 SE 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 16 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 250 SE 2009 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 250 SE 2009 and Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 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 250 SE 2009 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006

Harris Flotebote

Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009

2009

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Harris Flotebote

Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 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 260 hp, the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 has a 180-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 250 SE 2009 is rated for 16 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 250 SE 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 27,0 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 250 SE

ModelSunliner 18

Model Year2009

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail62 in. bimini / stern light down

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] - Inches3

Draft [max] - Inches21

Weight - Detail4,459 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg2022.57

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.4459

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Feet27

Length - Feet18

Length - Inches4

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail27 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters8.33

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches328

Length overall - Inches216

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull typePontoon

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard5.0L MPI B3 Mercruiser

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max260 hp

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

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2,488 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people16

Maximum peoplenot available

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameternot available

Tube diameter25 in

Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 or the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006?

The Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 9,0 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 250 SE 2009 is rated to a maximum of 260 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 250 SE 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 16 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 250 SE 2009 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 250 SE 2009 and Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Harris Flotebote Grand Mariner 250 SE 2009 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 250 SE 2009 full specs ← Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 full specs