Harris Solstice 230 Review

Newly designed for 2020, the Harris Solstice 230 is a truly remarkable pontoon boat from one of the world’s most experienced boat builders.

Part of Brunswick’s Boat Group, Harris has been building boats for more than 60 years, with a focus on premium materials and lavish comfort. The Solstice series is the mid-range line in the company’s pontoon lineup, combining many of the features and design attributes from the top-of-the-line Crowne series, but at prices that will be more appealing to younger families. With its premium appointments and sophisticated style, the Solstice lineup offers an ideal balance of luxury and value, and that’s definitely apparent in the remarkable Harris Solstice 230.

A variety of seating arrangements allow buyers to get the exact layout the like. All feature exquisite upholstery work and plenty of under-seat storage options.

The Harris Solstice 230 is actually four boats in one, since it offers four basic floor plans that each bring their own unique advantages. Select the 230 Solstice Cruise model for comfortable all-day relaxation with its bow walk-through gate, aft swim-deck access to starboard, two lavish bow lounges and an L-shaped aft lounge. The Solstice 230 CW model offers a center walk-through providing access to the bow and stern decks, with bow and stern seating that transforms into spacious U-shaped lounges with optional jump seats. The DL model replaces the base stern seating with dual rear-facing lounges, giving this layout great appeal among families that enjoy water sports – or who just want to keep an eye on the kids while they enjoy a swim. Or choose the SL model, which comes with a single rear-facing lounge with massive under-seat storage.

New for 2020, all Solstice 230 variants come with new beverage holders integrated directly into the seats – along with mood lighting, USB chargers and JL Audio stereo speakers. Note the wide pull-down arm rests on the bow lounge seats.

Regardless of which layout you select, all Harris Solstice 230 models come with a standard 10-foot Bimini top complete with a quick-release frame to provide an escape from the mid-day heat. Or choose the available powered electric Bimini for the ultimate in convenience.

Additional standard features on all Solstice 230 floor plans include fence-mounted docking lights, a lockable glove box, a removable windscreen, a removable woodgrain table with molded-in drink holders, a soft-sided cooler, a four-step flip-down ladder on the swim platform, tilt steering and Seagrass flooring.

Seat upholstery is buttery-soft, featuring an attractive quilted panel design that’s somewhat reminiscent of classic luxury roadsters.

Take a seat up front in the plushly upholstered lounge seats and note the inclusion of three integrated drink holders, which is new-for-2020. Each cup holder includes soft rubber interior fingers to adjust for beverage holders of different sizes, to provide a more secure hold and prevent spills. They’re also lit, making it easier to grab your drink in the dark. A pair of JBL Audio stereo speakers that are also integrated right into the seats ensure everyone up front can enjoy the tunes without skipping a beat. Look carefully and you’ll also spot the dual USB charging ports to keep cell phones humming.

The neatly designed helm features twin multi-gauges surrounding a flush-mounted, nine-inch Simrad touch-screen display.

It is the driver who gets truly spoiled on the Harris Solstice 230, with a deluxe Captain’s seat and a neatly-designed helm with multi-function digital/analog gauges (GPS speedo, fuel, depth and tach with engine data) surrounding a centrally-mounted, 9-inch Simrad multi-function display. There’s also a premium JL stereo with six Fusion speakers, and some truly slick looking, backlit button switches for the lights and other electrical accessories. The big black-on-chrome steering wheel looks nice and feels even better in the hand. But what’s particularly cool is the flip-up helm console that lifts on a hinge to provide easy access to everything behind the dash. That’s unique in the market and definitely a big plus when it comes time to install any aftermarket electronics, but it would have been nice if Harris could have kept at least some of this space available for storage. A wireless cell phone charger just behind the engine throttle control is a nice touch.

Attention to detail and upscale touches abound, including backlit button switches for lights and other electrical accessories.

While the stern seating details are dictated by the floor plan that buyer’s select, all Harris Solstice 230 models enjoy a full-width swim platform, more drink holders, a remote control for the stereo, and a retractable telescoping boarding ladder.

The full-width swim platform, aft-facing stern speakers and stereo remote only hint at this boat’s fun side.

Because every buyer likes to personalize their boat to some degree, Harris offers an extensive option list with goodies like a power folding EVO 2.0 wake tower, a variety of electronics upgrades and a wide range of performance tube packages to choose from.

A long option list with accessories like an electrically-actuated wakeboard tower, engine upgrades and a variety of pontoon performance packages let buyers personalize the Solstice 230 exactly as they like.

The Harris Solstice 230 is a nicely made pontoon boat that is easy to like, especially with its choice of four different seating layouts that make this four boats in one. At least one of them is sure to please even the most demanding buyer.