PDB Shootout: Misty Harbor

Quick Glance

One trend we’re seeing with performance pontoons is a full wraparound windshield incorporated into the layout. However, Misty Harbor takes this sporty look to a whole new level with a very symmetrical floorplan. The “WT” in the model name stands for “walk thru” for the walk thru windshield, but could just as easily be referencing the performance of this Misty Harbor as in “wild thrill” with the big 300hp Evinrude on the back.

Highlights

We might as well start with the mirror-like symmetrical look that begins in the bow with two chaise lounges, both with fold-down arm rests. The optional gray interior vinyl package includes a dark diamond accent pattern throughout the Veada Premium furniture and it flows perfectly with the Whiteout Edition Upgrade and Better Than Teak II flooring upgrade from Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl.

One of our favorite features is the dual helm stands with a full wraparound windshield that connects them, but the similarities don’t end there. Both high back reclining helm chairs are on raised platforms for the ultimate symmetrical look. On the first mate side you have extra storage room at the helm including a great place up top for smaller items. For the captain, the dash is centered on an upgraded 9-inch Simrad touchscreen (comes standard with a 7-inch version) with a row of lighted push buttons below on each side of the tilt steering wheel. Also for the driver is easy access to the Infinity stereo controls along with the power to change the RGB light color in the cupholders.

In the stern are two more chaise lounges with the same comfort and style as the bow versions and built into the port rear-facing chaise is a trash receptacle. On the back deck is an extremely large swim platform with a stainless boarding ladder. If we had to be picky, we’d like to see a standard ski/tow bar or pylon on this back deck because with the power and performance capabilities you know it would get used. It is available as an option though.   

Other key features include a 22-inch deep in-floor ski locker that is nearly 8 feet long inside with a bilge pump and a full Bimini top.    

Closer Look

Below deck is all-new for 2020 including an improved chassis with C-channel cross members to increase the durability and longevity. On the three 25-inch diameter pontoons there are four lifting strakes, located on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the outer ones. Up top the rail height varies from 27 inches tall in the bow to 24 inches in the stern for a safe, family-friendly layout.

Performance

There is plenty of thrill-ride excitement with this 26-footer when paired with an Evinrude 300 G2 E-TEC. We easily reached the 40 mph mark at full throttle with a blistering zero-to-20 mph of time of just under four seconds!

Final Thoughts

Misty Harbor continues to impress us with its wide selection of models including this high-end SKYE S-2685WT that as tested won’t be for every budget, but offers a great balance of standard and optional upgrades to be on a lot of wish lists. We see amazing value with this model and feel you get a lot in return for your investment.  

Bristol, Ind.
888-353-9575
www.mistyharborboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 14                 
Price As Tested With Power: $80.0 K
Maximum Speed: 41.4 mph               
Wild Ponies: 300 hp   
No. of Gates: 2
0-20 MPH: 3.84 seconds       
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat…The symmetrical layout sports a balanced look that is only overshadowed by the plush and comfortable seating and raw power.   

Just being picky…Even though one is available as an option, a 300hp pontoon that performs this well should really come standard with a ski/tow bar or pylon.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

SKYE Console w/Built-In Riser, Simrad Go7, Satin Mahogany Wheel w/Tilt Steering, Clip On Crib Cover, Powder Coated Rails w/Full Two-Tone Fencing, Veada Premium Furniture, Four-Step Stainless Rear Ladder, U-Seating w/4 Chaise Lounges, Radius Bow Benches, SKYE Recliner w/Slider Captains Chair, Chaise Lounge Armrests, Set of Portable Cupholders, Rectangle Table (Floatable), Drilled Transom, Full Diamond Flooring, Black Anodized Bimini Frame, Chrome Courtesy Lights, Chrome Bumper Trim w/Skirting, SS Cups & Polished Front/Rear Corners, Built-In 26-Gallon Fuel Tank, Fire Extinguisher and Infinity PRV515 Sound System w/Four Lighted Reference Speakers.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Evinrude G2 Icon II Premium, Evinrude H300GXF, Full Better Than Teak II Flooring, Tripletoon Pkg., Center Ski Storage, SeaStar Tripletoon Upgrade, Simrad Go9 Full Digital, RGB Lighting (Interior & Exterior), Gray Interior Pkg. and Whiteout Edition Upgrade.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 27’ 0”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Tripletoon
Dry Weight: 3,550 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 58 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Evinrude 300 E-TEC G2
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 210ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.85:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED    
500                  2.5                 
1000                3.2                   
1500                4.6                 
2000                7.6                 
2500                10.2               
3000                13.4                 
3500                17.0                 
4000                19.0                 
4500                21.4                 
5000                24.6                 
5500                30.8               
6000                41.4    

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $79,995
Base Price (Boat Only): $42,999

This article originally appeared in our 2020 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.