Harris’ Crowne upended the pontoon industry in 2013 by trading aluminum fencing for sleek molded fiberglass. That topside look, along with the substructure below, gets a thoroughly modern refresh for 2024. In the process, it also adds an abundance of compelling new interior features.
The exterior makeover consists of a full fiberglass exterior showcasing angular lines, sleeker surfaces and a trendier palette, such as our test boat’s Ceramic White exterior/Caviar interior. The look blends into the new Apex powered tower overhead. It includes tinted skylights and RGB lighting, and coolly projects the Harris logo onto the floor after dark. Bold new badging is found throughout, as are unique new hexagonal stitching accents that tie into the design of MarineMat coverings on inwale cutouts, pedestal tabletops and ski-locker hatch.
Other changes are felt more than seen. Harris’ RPM Technology adds advancements in construction to produce a smoother, quieter ride with faster acceleration, increased speed and efficiency, and improved handling. Our test boat also featured the optional 327 Performance Package: a trio of 27-inch-diameter tubes with reinforced nose cones, full-length keels, outer lifting strakes, integrated fuel tank, full skin kit, and in-floor storage. With a powerful Mercury Racing 500R outboard, the Crowne passed the 30 mph threshold in 7.7 seconds and cornered with precision. Top speed? Just shy of 57 mph.
Cool style and features will always vie with interior comfort on crowd-friendly pontoons. Cushy highlights? Bow couches feature a singular lengthy cushion, all of which raises lengthwise on a gas strut to access stowage below. Aft, an L-shaped lounge takes a cue from the wakesports-boat playbook, with a midlounge bottom cushion pivoting vertically to form a forward-facing co-captain’s seat. The centerpiece rear lounge offers forward- or aft-focused seating configurations at the touch of a button, or it can pivot totally flat into a sun bed. The latter even features powered leg support to add “zero-G” comfort.
High Points
- Minimalist dash design with dual Simrad NXS touchscreens.
- Platinum Elite Sound System by JL Audio.
- Expanded in-floor storage.
- Cool extras? Try a powered boarding ladder and a ski tow bar rated for inflatables.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury Racing 500R
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade X7 Alloy
- Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 25 gal. Crew Load: 335 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $366,230 (with a Mercury Racing 500R) |
| LOA: | 28’3″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’9″ |
| Dry Weight: | 5,051 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 10-15/2,878 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 50 gal. |
Harris Boats – Fort Wayne, Indiana; harrisboats.com
