I
’ve often dreamed of meandering
down a beautiful sweetwater
environment on a party barge,
maybe with a group of friends or
perhaps just a special one. Add
a barbecue, a drink (or a few), maybe
some fishing or sunbathing, perhaps
just relaxing with a book or magazine
on a total aquatic escape.
Party barges certainly provide
a stage for sun-filled carefree days
lapping up life’s pleasures in the
stability and comfort of a large
platform. Houseboats are fun but you
need another boat to add some thrills
and flexibility. So it was with great
excitement that I discovered the many
advantages of Harris Pontoons. What a
great surprise!
I’m no expert on these things. Give
me virtually any boat and I’ll make a
considered comparison but I’m not
too proud to admit that pontoon boats
are a bit new to me, especially ones
capable of 80km/h with the handling
characteristics to match. But now I love
these magnificent craft – you have to
try one to feel their glory.
Harris Pontoons is a long-
established American manufacturer
distributed in Australia by Paul Eade
of Harris Australia in Echuca, Victoria.
It’s an ideal location on the mighty
Murray River, providing a terrific
environment for these beautiful
craft.Harrishasnotonlymastered
premium boatbuilding techniques
in its aluminium pontoon hulls but
combined it with an innovative design
that bestows these party craft with
exceptionalspeedandhandlingonsmooth or surprisingly rough water, in
safety. The boats feature fibreglass and
aluminium in their deck components
and they’re trimmed beautifully with
rich, comfortable layouts enhanced
by the assembly of quality materials,
componentry and workmanship.
Is it possible for a pontoon boat to
look sleek and aesthetically appealing?
You bet it is! Take a look at the pair
we tested on Australia’s most iconic
river and I’m sure they’ll whet your
appetite for watery adventures. Harris
pontoons will get the party started and
keep raging on the river all night long.HARRIS CROWNE 25
The Harris Crowne 25 is one of
the world’s most highly rated
pontoon boats, as recognised with
a coveted NMMA (National Marine
Manufacturers Assoc) Innovation
Award in 2013. This is one of Harris’s
premium pontoon offerings, defined
by sleek and attractive fibreglass sides
that showcase its sophistication and
hint at the internal appeal.
The Crowne’s deep ebony gelcoat
looks sensational on the water,
especially when you consider its
curvaceous lines were previously
unheard of on pontoon boats. The
deep colour is offset by white two-
tone finishes and the combination of
therawaluminiumhull,triple-tone
upholstery, synthetic teak flooring
and premium stainless steel fittings
that are only outdone by the very sexy- but totally functional – electrically
actuated folding Sports Targa. The
Targa has a broadened roof with tinted
MAIN Side by side, the difference in fitout
is obvious but the quality in both is best
seen up close, where it shines
TOP LEFT The pontoon ends are
beautifully designed, with a flair for lift
and spray rail to keep the sides dry
ABOVE The Crowne featured a 300hp
supercharged Mercury Verado that gave
blistering performance – a worthwhile
upgrade if affordable38 trade aboat.com.au