With a Mercury 500 Racing outboard on the transom and Avalon’s Waveglider pontoon setup belowdecks, the Excalibur LTD powered onto plane in 3 seconds, passed 30 mph in only three more ticks of the stopwatch, and nudged close to 60 mph on the top-end. Whether speeding across the lake or barreling through yet another ridiculously tight turn, the Excalibur was simply a beast, giving a feeling of raw power that was somehow also shockingly smooth.

Our test boat sported Avalon’s distinctive Deco 2 smooth, two-tone retro walls. With a total whiteout on all the panels, the result looked futuristic. Molded forward corner panels integrate an aggressive set of docking and navigation lights. Aft, an inset vent panel and Avalon’s new minimalist logo only heighten the perception. Add the blade-style sunglasses look of the limo tint and the seemingly frameless windshield spanning the consoles, and the craft seemed ready to mutter, “I’ll be back,” as it left the dock.

Within, the Excalibur relegated white to an accent on the two-tone gray covering the seating on its quad-lounge floor plan. Bolstered couches parallel each other to port and starboard forward. Storage bases are recessed to provide plenty of toe kick for easy access. Hidden aluminum seat frames allow flow-through ventilation and prevent water buildup. Aft, the remaining lounge pair offers a clever pivoting seatback to create a forward-facing recliner or aft-facing seat on the swim platform. Twin support arms on each side move independently, allowing the backrest to maintain the same attitude whether pivoted fore or aft.

As to the Commander III fiberglass helm and port consoles, they’re equally modern in feel and features. The helm is dominated by a wide touchscreen command center that incorporates gauge displays, vessel controls and media. A smaller Garmin touchscreen display was offset to the right above a wireless-charging phone nook. To the left, a ­Fusion audio head unit resided above lit push buttons for the horn, stereo and power-arch control.

High Points

• Waveglider performance package with three 27-inch pontoons helps this boat hit 60 mph.
• Fusion sound package includes XS lighted speakers and grilles.
• Power tower with Bimini and Fusion speakers are standard.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 500 Racing
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X 16.25″ x 23″
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 60 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Avalon Excalibur LTD appeared first on Boating Mag.

With a Mercury 500 Racing outboard on the transom and Avalon’s Waveglider pontoon setup belowdecks, the Excalibur LTD powered onto plane in 3 seconds, passed 30 mph in only three more ticks of the stopwatch, and nudged close to 60 mph on the top-end. Whether speeding across the lake or barreling through yet another ridiculously tight turn, the Excalibur was simply a beast, giving a feeling of raw power that was somehow also shockingly smooth.

Our test boat sported Avalon’s distinctive Deco 2 smooth, two-tone retro walls. With a total whiteout on all the panels, the result looked futuristic. Molded forward corner panels integrate an aggressive set of docking and navigation lights. Aft, an inset vent panel and Avalon’s new minimalist logo only heighten the perception. Add the blade-style sunglasses look of the limo tint and the seemingly frameless windshield spanning the consoles, and the craft seemed ready to mutter, “I’ll be back,” as it left the dock.

Within, the Excalibur relegated white to an accent on the two-tone gray covering the seating on its quad-lounge floor plan. Bolstered couches parallel each other to port and starboard forward. Storage bases are recessed to provide plenty of toe kick for easy access. Hidden aluminum seat frames allow flow-through ventilation and prevent water buildup. Aft, the remaining lounge pair offers a clever pivoting seatback to create a forward-facing recliner or aft-facing seat on the swim platform. Twin support arms on each side move independently, allowing the backrest to maintain the same attitude whether pivoted fore or aft.

As to the Commander III fiberglass helm and port consoles, they’re equally modern in feel and features. The helm is dominated by a wide touchscreen command center that incorporates gauge displays, vessel controls and media. A smaller Garmin touchscreen display was offset to the right above a wireless-charging phone nook. To the left, a ­Fusion audio head unit resided above lit push buttons for the horn, stereo and power-arch control.

High Points

• Waveglider performance package with three 27-inch pontoons helps this boat hit 60 mph.
• Fusion sound package includes XS lighted speakers and grilles.
• Power tower with Bimini and Fusion speakers are standard.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 500 Racing
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X 16.25″ x 23″
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 60 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Avalon Excalibur LTD appeared first on Boating Mag.

For most of us, spending time enjoying watersports on your family boat is a rite of passage. Most boaters at some point enjoy skiing, wakeboarding, tubing or even surfing behind the transom. Thankfully, you can enjoy these sports behind boats that aren’t specific to the task. In the last few decades, multipurpose family boats have come a long way in the towing game with multiple features that enhance watersports, such as solid tow pylons, wakeboard towers, GPS speedometers, speed control, ballast for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, ­specialized ­sterndrives, and wake-shaping devices for wakesurfing. The sterns are designed with swim platforms for ease of putting on skis or a board and making it convenient to get in and out of the water.

These features are in boats with various ­propulsion types, including outboard, jet, sterndrives, and forward-facing sterndrives that place the propeller on the front of the lower unit so you can wakesurf behind a family boat with greater safety.

Here are six great family-oriented tow boats for 2023.

Jump to:

• Regal LS2 Surf
• Four Winns H2 OB
• Chaparral 23 SSi
• Yamaha 222XD
• Scout 195 Dorado Sport
• Avalon Waketoon

Regal LS2 Surf 

The Regal LS2 Surf combines runabout performance and features with tow-sports versatility. The LS2 Surf is based on the LS2 ($95,755 with a conventional 280 hp DP drive). It features a Volvo Penta Forward Drive, which is safer for wakesurfing and great for tubing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, kneeboarding and barefoot water-skiing.

Regal includes a variety of features to enhance the tow-sports experience. The helm features two 7-inch touchscreen displays that provide information such as GPS speed and water depth. The driver can set the acceleration, desired speed and wake ­characteristics for each individual rider. Steering and ­throttle movement prove smooth and easy, providing a better tow-sports experience for the driver and the person in tow.

For wakeboarding and wakesurfing, the LS2 allows up to 1,800 pounds of ballast, strategically positioned below the deck, with two ballast bladders located at the stern and one amidships. This allows the hull to ride deeper to create a bigger wake. Surf plates mounted at the transom adjust electronically from the helm to shape the perfect surf wave.

The higher tow point of the LS2 wakeboard tower gives boarders more air time but makes starting on a ski or board easier for beginners. A second tow point with a pop-up pylon at the stern will work well for towing tubers.

Because the engine is located below the deck, passengers have easy access to the swim platform and the water. The soft synthetic material on the platform is ideal ­because it keeps the bottom of a board or a ski from scratching while offering a comfortable, secure ­surface for wet feet.

Add a tow-sports mirror and you have an excellent boat for wakesurfing and other various tow sports.

Four Winns H2 OB

The Four Winns H2 OB accommodates tubing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and barefoot water-skiing. If you want to wakesurf, Four Winns also offers the H2 Surf model with a ballast system,  powered by a Volvo Penta Forward Drive (starting at $121,130).

Four Winns provides options for the tow point, including a removable ­pylon that raises the towline above the outboard. Two wakeboard tower options are also offered. The base tower folds by gas ­assist, and the upgrade folds electronically.

The backrest of the port helm seat adjusts to face aft for the designated tow-sports spotter. Many outboard swim platforms offer limited use. However, Four Winns cleverly designed a swim platform that extends farther aft to provide plenty of space to put on a ski or a board. The swim platform offers an optional synthetic material on the platform, also ideal for putting on your ski or board.

Power comes from either a Mercury outboard from 200 to 250 hp or a Yamaha from 150 to 200 hp for ample acceleration and top-end speed. Trimmed down, it creates a small, smooth wake ideal for ­slalom-skiing and barefoot water-skiing. The H2 OB comes with fly-by-wire throttle and ­hydraulic steering to make throttle and steering smooth and easy for the driver. These features help the driver provide a smoother, consistent pull for the skier or rider behind the boat. The dash sports a touchscreen that provides information such as GPS speed and water depth. To design a perfect outboard-powered tow-sports boat, just add an ­aftermarket mirror to give the driver visual awareness of the person in tow.

Chaparral 23 SSi

Powered with either a Volvo Penta or a MerCruiser sterndrive, this 23-foot boat includes a variety of tow-sports features as standard or optional. Chaparral includes a tow eye mounted on the transom, with an optional wakeboard tower with a swivel tow point. The swivel tow point helps keep the line from fraying. Board racks are available for the tower also.

Sterndrive power allows for a spacious swim platform on the 23 SSi; however, Chaparral smartly includes an add-on section to extend the swim platform aft by an additional 25 inches as an option. An ­optional synthetic surface along with the ample space make putting on a wakeboard or a ski easy.

The helm features a touchscreen that provides GPS, water depth and other features. The digital throttle control and optional power steering both enhance the tow-sports driving experience for the driver and the person in tow.

Chaparral also offers the 23 Surf, which features a Volvo Penta or a MerCruiser forward-facing sterndrive ($93,895 nationally advertised price). The Malibu Surf Gate system is a paddlelike device located at the transom of the 23 Surf that converts the wake into a wave for wakesurfing by redirecting water flow past the stern of the boat. The Surf Gate is controlled electronically from the helm, allowing the surfer to transfer from one side of the wake to the other without stopping the boat.

The 23 Surf also features a ballast bladder that stows in the midship ski locker to increase the size of the wake for wakeboarding and wakesurfing.

The 23 SSi and the 23 Surf are perfect choices for those who want more from their boat than just cruising.

Yamaha 222XD

The 2023 Yamaha 222XD is ideal for families who love the handling characteristics of a sport jet boat but also want to have fun behind the boat. Yamaha designed the 222XD with multiple tow-sports features, including a wakeboard tower with board racks. The solid, raised tow point makes starts on a ski or a wakeboard easier and allows wakeboard riders to get more air time.

For the wakeboarder and surfer, Yamaha includes ballast bladders in belowdecks storage compartments to increase the size of the wake. The Wakebooster is a Yamaha feature that attaches quickly and easily to the transom of the boat to redirect the flow of water past the stern of the boat to convert the wake into a wave for wakesurfers.

Yamaha features a synthetic deck surface that covers the swim platform. This provides added traction when walking with wet feet, and the soft surface protects the bottom of the board or ski from scratches when putting on bindings. The swim platform rides low to the water, making getting in and out easier.

The 222XD includes multiple high-end features to enhance driving for tow sports. The boat boasts a wide-angle PTM mirror on the windshield, giving the driver improved visual awareness around the boat.

The 12.3-inch Connext touchscreen offers a menu of critical information, such as water depth and GPS speed. With a touch of the Connext screen, the driver can program acceleration, target speed and wake shape to accommodate various levels of rider or surfer experience. These settings can be saved for each individual.

The 222XD features fly-by-wire throttle for easy shifting, ensuring the person in tow a smooth pull-out when starting. Steering is designed to be easy and precise. Controls on the steering wheel allow the driver to maneuver the boat at slow speeds without relying on the throttle.

The new Yamaha 222XD is an excellent choice for families who love tow sports and the agility of a sport jet. 

Scout 195 Sport Dorado

The Scout 195 Sport Dorado is ideal for ­towing tubers, water-skiers, wakeboarders and barefoot water-skiers. The smaller size (19 1/2 feet in length) makes it maneuverable when pulling someone up or getting back to a fallen skier or rider. A swim step on the portside transom eases getting in and out of the water, and the co-pilot seat swivels aft to ensure a seat for spotting.

Known for quality design and construction, Scout doesn’t skimp on the Sport D­orado’s powder-coated tow point. As an option, it features a sturdy ski tow that arches over the outboard and attaches to the transom and deck at four points.

The 195 comes standard with a Yamaha 115 hp outboard, with an optional 150 hp offered ($54,121). However, the extra power of the 150 hp outboard makes sense for tow-sports use, especially to provide better acceleration for adults getting up on a slalom ski.

Fly-by-wire throttle and hydraulic steering provide a smooth experience for the driver and person in tow. The 195 Sport ­Dorado is equipped with a 9-inch Garmin display showing GPS speed and water depth, important information for the tow-sports captain.

The moderate 19-degree deadrise, combined with trimming the outboard down, results in a small, easy-to-cross wake for slalom-skiers and barefooters. Just add an aftermarket tow-sports mirror to have a fun family tow-sports boat.

Avalon Waketoon

Avalon has proven you can combine ­pontoon and wakesurfing in the same sentence with its Waketoon, a pontoon designed specifically for wakesurfing and tow sports. The first pontoon with a specialized sterndrive, this 23-foot tri-toon comes standard with a 350 hp MerCruiser 6.2L Bravo Four S forward-facing sterndrive, enabling safer wakesurfing. 

The Waketoon’s 4,200 pounds of dry weight creates a wake sufficient to allow two to surf simultaneously, one on each side of the wake. Two hydraulic wake plates at the transom adjust electronically from the helm to fine-tune the wake or convert from wake to wave when wakesurfing.

Avalon includes a wakeboard tower with a Bimini top and optional wakeboard racks. The large in-floor ski locker accommodates skis and boards easily.

In addition to the high tow point for wakeboarding, Avalon offers an optional stern pylon for towing tubers. The roomy swim platform features a soft ­synthetic surface, making it an ideal space for ­putting on a board or a ski. 

The Waketoon features a plush, comfortable helm seat. The digital throttle-and-shift provides precise acceleration. The dash features a sophisticated design that includes GPS speed and a touchscreen information center. A rearview camera lets the driver monitor the action behind the boat. Where required, simply add an aftermarket tow-sports mirror specifically designed for pontoons and you have an awesome tow-sports machine.

Avalon intelligently redesigned the pontoon by combining features for wakesurfing and tow sports with a modern aesthetic. The Waketoon is clearly not your grandparents’ pontoon.

The post Six Family Boats Built for Tow Sports appeared first on Boating Mag.

Powered by a Suzuki DF250, Avalon’s Catalina Entertainer zipped from zero to 30 mph in a swift 6.8 seconds before topping out at 44 mph at wide-open throttle. And it was quiet; we recorded just 85.5 dB(A) at full bore, and a whispering 68 dB(A) at the most economical cruise speed of 16.5 mph for 3.9 mpg. Not only can you converse at normal conversation levels aboard the Catalina Entertainer, but you’ll also pass the gas dock. Quick, quiet and economical describe its performance.

Aft, there’s a massive extended deck that will draw the eye of boat buyers seeking space for watersports prep, swimming and lounging. A stainless-steel ski-tow pylon, telescoping boarding ladder and beefy transom supports dominate back there. A center-mounted locker houses the power-steering rigging, topped by a table with stainless-steel cup holders. The aft seating arrangement features a long L-shaped bench along the stern that extends up the starboard side. Just across is a cool bar with a solid-surface granite-look top, and twin reversible backrest seats fore and aft that seat two guests each. With the flip of the backrest, guests can watch the action off the transom or converse with others seated across the bar, a detail we thought was a nice touch. The bar console itself is well-designed in our view, featuring a drip channel around the tabletop’s perimeter to catch spills. Underneath, there’s ample storage for drinks, cellphones and gear.    

The driver’s console features a high-powered Fusion stereo with a subwoofer and amp, and the sounds are deep and clear as expected. The dash offers no fewer than three digital display screens, giving engine and boat information, and body-of-water depth and mapping. Amidships, an in-floor storage locker takes advantage of the center pontoon. The bow section features twin facing, curved lounges, with a longer starboard bench that extends back to the captain’s console. Seat frames are open aluminum.  

A 10-year bow-to-stern warranty and lifetime hull and floor warranty make for a strong offering. The appearance of this Avalon pontoon is clean and unique inside and out, with a perimeter enclosure in a crisp combination of navy and white in an art-deco style unique to Avalon.

High Points

• Standard power-assist hydraulic steering system.
• Bar table provides a great gathering place. 
• Helm features three digital screens with information about the engine, boat, and body of water you’re on.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki DF 250 APXW four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 43 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Avalon Pontoons – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; avalonpontoons.com

The post 2023 Avalon Catalina Entertainer 2585 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Avalon’s sporty 2185 LSZ Elite paired with a torque-laden Suzuki DF175 outboard features 43 mph top-end performance and 4.7 mpg (3.2 gph) fuel-sipping economy at a most economical cruise speed of 15 mph at 3,000 rpm. With the 38-gallon tank full, expect a range of over 250 miles at cruise speed for this Avalon pontoon. It’s quick too; we clocked 7.3 seconds from a dead stop to 30 mph. The triple-toon hull with lift strakes is responsible for the competitive performance and dry, stable ride even in windblown chop. Test conditions were not friendly to most lake craft, but the Avalon cut off the wave tops like a boss, carving turns flat and stable. 

Avalon boats offer a unique look, harkening back to art deco designs popularized in the architecture, art and transportation of the early 20th century. Our test rig featured a subtle green and tan motif complemented by a two-tone tan and dark-gray interior, and a railing design resonant with echoes of the cubism that spawned art deco. Recessed chrome bow lights offer a custom look. 

In front, the 2185 LSZ Elite’s layout features facing lounges, which will seat two guests each, curving in at the bow to surround a broad entry gate. Amidships, the pilot’s console features a low windscreen made from Lexan, and a complete dash layout with a digital information screen, Fusion stereo and Garmin graph. A tilt helm, hydraulic steering and custom steering wheel complete a crisp, businesslike helm station, with plenty of legroom under the dash, even for taller pilots. A manual Bimini top is standard. In-floor storage provides room for water toys and vests. 

Aft, a portside love seat faces the tilting driver’s seat. Just behind in the stern, an L-shaped lounge dominates the layout, surrounded by the perimeter railing with a gate to provide access to the aft deck. Back there, the Suzuki 175 is well-rigged, with clean detailing and a beefy transom to hold it. This is a solid ride and a great value. At just under $82,000, the Avalon provides all the amenities, power, style and ride you’d expect.

High Points

• Optional Smart 80 touchscreen MFD.
• High-back, plush, reclining Sport captain’s chairs.
• Deluxe seat-frame underpinnings allow air circulation to reduce mold and mildew in storage.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki APX four-stroke 175 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 15 ¹/₄” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 34 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Avalon Pontoons – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; avalonpontoons.com

The post 2023 Avalon 2185 LSZ Elite appeared first on Boating Mag.

Powered by a Suzuki DF250, Avalon’s Catalina Entertainer zipped from zero to 30 mph in a swift 6.8 seconds before topping out at 44 mph at wide-open throttle. And it was quiet; we recorded just 85.5 dB(A) at full bore, and a whispering 68 dB(A) at the most economical cruise speed of 16.5 mph for 3.9 mpg. Not only can you converse at normal conversation levels aboard the Catalina Entertainer, but you’ll also pass the gas dock. Quick, quiet and economical describe its performance.

Aft, there’s a massive extended deck that will draw the eye of boat buyers seeking space for watersports prep, swimming and lounging. A stainless-steel ski-tow pylon, telescoping boarding ladder and beefy transom supports dominate back there. A center-mounted locker houses the power-steering rigging, topped by a table with stainless-steel cup holders. The aft seating arrangement features a long L-shaped bench along the stern that extends up the starboard side. Just across is a cool bar with a solid-surface granite-look top, and twin reversible backrest seats fore and aft that seat two guests each. With the flip of the backrest, guests can watch the action off the transom or converse with others seated across the bar, a detail we thought was a nice touch. The bar console itself is well-designed in our view, featuring a drip channel around the tabletop’s perimeter to catch spills. Underneath, there’s ample storage for drinks, cellphones and gear.    

The driver’s console features a high-powered Fusion stereo with a subwoofer and amp, and the sounds are deep and clear as expected. The dash offers no fewer than three digital display screens, giving engine and boat information, and body-of-water depth and mapping. Amidships, an in-floor storage locker takes advantage of the center pontoon. The bow section features twin facing, curved lounges, with a longer starboard bench that extends back to the captain’s console. Seat frames are open aluminum.  

A 10-year bow-to-stern warranty and lifetime hull and floor warranty make for a strong offering. The appearance of this Avalon pontoon is clean and unique inside and out, with a perimeter enclosure in a crisp combination of navy and white in an art-deco style unique to Avalon.

High Points

• Standard power-assist hydraulic steering system.
• Bar table provides a great gathering place. 
• Helm features three digital screens with information about the engine, boat, and body of water you’re on.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki DF 250 APXW four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 43 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Avalon Pontoons – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; avalonpontoons.com

The post 2023 Avalon Catalina Entertainer 2585 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Avalon’s sporty 2185 LSZ Elite paired with a torque-laden Suzuki DF175 outboard features 43 mph top-end performance and 4.7 mpg (3.2 gph) fuel-sipping economy at a most economical cruise speed of 15 mph at 3,000 rpm. With the 38-gallon tank full, expect a range of over 250 miles at cruise speed for this Avalon pontoon. It’s quick too; we clocked 7.3 seconds from a dead stop to 30 mph. The triple-toon hull with lift strakes is responsible for the competitive performance and dry, stable ride even in windblown chop. Test conditions were not friendly to most lake craft, but the Avalon cut off the wave tops like a boss, carving turns flat and stable. 

Avalon boats offer a unique look, harkening back to art deco designs popularized in the architecture, art and transportation of the early 20th century. Our test rig featured a subtle green and tan motif complemented by a two-tone tan and dark-gray interior, and a railing design resonant with echoes of the cubism that spawned art deco. Recessed chrome bow lights offer a custom look. 

In front, the 2185 LSZ Elite’s layout features facing lounges, which will seat two guests each, curving in at the bow to surround a broad entry gate. Amidships, the pilot’s console features a low windscreen made from Lexan, and a complete dash layout with a digital information screen, Fusion stereo and Garmin graph. A tilt helm, hydraulic steering and custom steering wheel complete a crisp, businesslike helm station, with plenty of legroom under the dash, even for taller pilots. A manual Bimini top is standard. In-floor storage provides room for water toys and vests. 

Aft, a portside love seat faces the tilting driver’s seat. Just behind in the stern, an L-shaped lounge dominates the layout, surrounded by the perimeter railing with a gate to provide access to the aft deck. Back there, the Suzuki 175 is well-rigged, with clean detailing and a beefy transom to hold it. This is a solid ride and a great value. At just under $82,000, the Avalon provides all the amenities, power, style and ride you’d expect.

High Points

• Optional Smart 80 touchscreen MFD.
• High-back, plush, reclining Sport captain’s chairs.
• Deluxe seat-frame underpinnings allow air circulation to reduce mold and mildew in storage.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki APX four-stroke 175 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 15 ¹/₄” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 34 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Avalon Pontoons – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; avalonpontoons.com

The post 2023 Avalon 2185 LSZ Elite appeared first on Boating Mag.

In this edition of a two-part series with our sibling brand Salt Water Sportsman, Randy Vance gets onboard an Avalon LSZ 2385 RL pontoon equipped with a Suzuki DF200AP, a powerful engine all about taking digital control of your systems. Want more? Check out Salt Water Sportsman’s trip to Cape Cod to see how the Suzuki DF300AP performs when out on the hunt for Albies.

The post Power Trip: Suzuki DF200AP appeared first on Boating Mag.

A bright, white Mercury Racing 450R outboard engine bolted to the 2785 Catalina Platinum’s transom powered this nearly 29-foot pontoon boat to 30 mph in just 5.6 seconds and topped it out at nearly 56 mph. At 3,000 rpm, the powerful outboard netted 2.4 mpg, making the range 216 miles from the 100-gallon tank.

It is built to perform too. Waveglider triple 27-inch pontoons are mated to the Avalon’s deck with heavy-duty, double-bolted hat-channel crossbeams. Together with the lifting strakes, an aluminum underdeck Wave Shield improves airflow and efficiency, and provides lift and performance. The deck, made of 3/4-inch PTP marine flooring, has a lifetime warranty and optional in-floor storage. A 3-inch-tall perimeter rub rail caps the deck, with a black rubber insert to cushion docking. All seat frames are aluminum, providing ample storage underneath and ventilation to minimize moisture. An aesthetic touch: The 2785 Catalina’s perimeter wall is smooth on the outside, with no ribbing or visible rails. It’s a sleek, modern look that also makes cleaning easier. 

In the bow, twin facing loungers feature Matrix 50 Ultrafine Touch vinyl embossed with detail on the center cushions, a tri-tone color match, and a smooth surface on the outer skins. Twin facing lounges provide generous seating for six, while the pilot, co-pilot and aft crew sit behind protective windscreens, similar to fiberglass runabouts. The portside seating behind the consoles is a full-length lounge in an L configuration, with a power-sliding movable backrest that creates a huge aft-facing sun lounge when in the forward position. Full slate teak flooring gives a crisp appearance with easy cleanup. The Ensign 2 console features full instrumentation, with a Garmin 73cv graph and Fusion sound system including a six-channel amp and six Fusion XS lighted speakers. A Bimini top with a heavy-duty aluminum frame is standard, as are Deco built-in docking lights. Out back, an extended deck gives ample room to sit and prep for watersports. A 10-year bow-to-stern warranty and a lifetime hull and floor warranty provide peace of mind.  

High Points

• Mercury Racing 450R outboard delivers exciting performance, and a selectable exhaust allows you to set the exhaust sound to either smooth and quiet or a growling, racy note.   
• Aft seating with power-sliding adjustable backrest is well-executed and works smoothly in converting between a sofa and a giant sun lounge. 
• Fusion stereo system with amplifier and subwoofer is easily heard, even while running this boat at higher speeds. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Racing 450R FourStroke 450 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 30 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Avalon Pontoon Boats – Alma, Michigan; 989-463-2112; avalonpontoons.com

The post 2022 Avalon 2785 Catalina Platinum appeared first on Boating Mag.

A bright, white Mercury Racing 450R outboard engine bolted to the 2785 Catalina Platinum’s transom powered this nearly 29-foot pontoon boat to 30 mph in just 5.6 seconds and topped it out at nearly 56 mph. At 3,000 rpm, the powerful outboard netted 2.4 mpg, making the range 216 miles from the 100-gallon tank.

It is built to perform too. Waveglider triple 27-inch pontoons are mated to the Avalon’s deck with heavy-duty, double-bolted hat-channel crossbeams. Together with the lifting strakes, an aluminum underdeck Wave Shield improves airflow and efficiency, and provides lift and performance. The deck, made of 3/4-inch PTP marine flooring, has a lifetime warranty and optional in-floor storage. A 3-inch-tall perimeter rub rail caps the deck, with a black rubber insert to cushion docking. All seat frames are aluminum, providing ample storage underneath and ventilation to minimize moisture. An aesthetic touch: The 2785 Catalina’s perimeter wall is smooth on the outside, with no ribbing or visible rails. It’s a sleek, modern look that also makes cleaning easier. 

In the bow, twin facing loungers feature Matrix 50 Ultrafine Touch vinyl embossed with detail on the center cushions, a tri-tone color match, and a smooth surface on the outer skins. Twin facing lounges provide generous seating for six, while the pilot, co-pilot and aft crew sit behind protective windscreens, similar to fiberglass runabouts. The portside seating behind the consoles is a full-length lounge in an L configuration, with a power-sliding movable backrest that creates a huge aft-facing sun lounge when in the forward position. Full slate teak flooring gives a crisp appearance with easy cleanup. The Ensign 2 console features full instrumentation, with a Garmin 73cv graph and Fusion sound system including a six-channel amp and six Fusion XS lighted speakers. A Bimini top with a heavy-duty aluminum frame is standard, as are Deco built-in docking lights. Out back, an extended deck gives ample room to sit and prep for watersports. A 10-year bow-to-stern warranty and a lifetime hull and floor warranty provide peace of mind.  

High Points

• Mercury Racing 450R outboard delivers exciting performance, and a selectable exhaust allows you to set the exhaust sound to either smooth and quiet or a growling, racy note.   
• Aft seating with power-sliding adjustable backrest is well-executed and works smoothly in converting between a sofa and a giant sun lounge. 
• Fusion stereo system with amplifier and subwoofer is easily heard, even while running this boat at higher speeds. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Racing 450R FourStroke 450 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 30 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Avalon Pontoon Boats – Alma, Michigan; 989-463-2112; avalonpontoons.com

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