Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 or the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006?

The Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 is the longer of the two at 24,7 feet overall. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 6,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 is rated to a maximum of 80 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 tops out at 2 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 Solstice 230 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 2 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 Solstice 230 2012 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 Solstice 230 2012 and Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 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 Solstice 230 2012 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006

Harris Flotebote

Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012

2012

View full specs →

Harris Flotebote

Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 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 80 hp, the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 has a 78-hp advantage over the Harris Flotebote Solstice 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 Sunliner 180 2006 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Harris Flotebote Solstice 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 Sunliner 180 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Harris Flotebote Solstice 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

ModelSolstice 23

ModelSunliner 18

Model Year2012

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Weight - Detail2 Tubes: 2,930 lbs. 3 Tubes: 3,340 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg1515

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.334

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Feet24.67

Length - Feet18

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 8 in. Pontoon Length: 23 ft

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters7.52

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches296

Length overall - Inches216

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

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

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.57

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches62

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.3

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches12

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail21 in

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.53

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches21

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typePontoon

Hull typenot available

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameter25 in

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail2 Tubes: 23 gal. PIII: 50 gal. XTR: 45 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Horsepower2 Tubes Max: 150 hp 3 Tubes Max: 225 hp

Horsepowernot available

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Engine maxnot available

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

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2 Tubes: 2,269 lbs. PIII Package: 2,601 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people2 / PIII PIII 225 hp+: 13

Maximum peoplenot available

Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 vs Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 or the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006?

The Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 is the longer of the two at 24,7 feet overall. The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 6,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 is rated to a maximum of 80 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 tops out at 2 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 Solstice 230 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 2 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 Solstice 230 2012 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 Solstice 230 2012 and Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Harris Flotebote Solstice 230 2012 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 Solstice 230 2012 full specs ← Harris Flotebote Sunliner 180 2006 full specs