What You Need To Know
Even at 26 feet, we were still surprised by just how many amenities are packed into this Avalon. It has a great layout with a lot of unique and innovative features and when you throw in its performance capabilities, you’ve got a great all-around boat.
The Highlights
Way too many new and great features to list, but we’ll do our best here. Starting with the exterior, the two-tone Deco 2 walls help give the boat a high-end look and feel, plus we especially love the built-in light pod in the bow that includes LED lights, which is nice. The optional side keel is a great added touch as well as the anodized rubrail.
Inside the boat, we love the simplicity of the stainless positive gate latch that is easy to use and operate. The Matrix 50-ounce vinyl seating is durable and comfy and that includes the three chaise lounges with storage below. The aluminum seat bases with ventilation provide great storage room below the actual seats as well.
At the captain’s stand, the automotive-style console with stainless framed gauges help give it a high-end look and we really like having the optional GPS mounted in the center of the dash. The Bluetooth-capable stereo, as well as auxiliary port, ensures you can play your tunes. The large Infinity speakers and sub ensure you’ll enjoy them.
An added benefit to having the 45-gallon fuel tank built into the center pontoon instead of up top is all the additional storage space it frees up on the boat. Below the double rear sundeck we found great storage options, plus one of the easiest to use pop-up changing room enclosures.
Also worth noting is the vinyl deck flooring in the stern. The majority of the boat uses Avalon’s new Royal Sand carpet, but we love that after boarding the boat from the water using the wide, three-step ladder, there is just enough room to drip dry before coming inside the gate.
Inspection Notes
Avalon refers to its optional high-performance package as the Triple Waveglider. The 25-inch diameter pontoons have lifting strakes on both sides of all three tubes for a total of six, plus a side keel for added protection. From a design standpoint we like the look of the extended center pontoon, plus having the outboard a little further back helps improve the performance, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
As tested, this ‘toon seems to have everything you’d need for a great day on the water. Maybe a few more permanent cupholders would be nice, but nothing really stands out as missing from this Avalon. As far as construction and quality, we consider this to be a well-built boat with a safe family-friendly design.
Performance Evaluation
Paired with a Mercury Verado 250 Pro outboard, our blistering zero to 20 mph time of just over 4 1/2 seconds was impressive. Even at full throttle as we nearly hit the 40 mph mark, we were surprised at just how quiet this Mercury engine really is. The SeaStar hydraulic steering combined with the digital throttle help make this boat a dream to drive. It’s fun and sporty and it will ensure the ski/tow bar gets used a lot.
Final Thoughts
All pontoons are spacious, but Avalon takes it to another level with plenty of great storage options. But the highlights are the added touches of key amenities as well as the little things that will make your experience that much better. The Windjammer from Avalon is worthy of a closer look if you’re in the market for a quality boat.
Alma, Mich.
800-334-2913
avalonpontoons.com
