Avalon 2785 RL Windjammer

April 2015 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2015 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.

What You Need To Know

Not sure if Avalon was going for luxury or sporty with this Windjammer, but either way the manufacturer succeeded. It’s a great all-around pontoon with some impressive comfort and high-end features that you can’t truly appreciate until you spend some time onboard.

The Highlights

On this particular model, the fun really starts in the stern with the dual, rear-facing loungers. Getting comfortable is easy with the electric controls that take the lounger from a flat position to a comfortable reclined angle with a simple push of a button.

The majority of the boat is carpeted, but in the stern just outside the rear gate in the extended platform area is high-end faux wood grain decking as well as a deep four-step stainless steel boarding ladder with great handholds for easy boarding.

New for 2015, you will no longer see carpet on the seat bases. The new look across the board includes a high-end base with ventilation and a solid stereo speaker that helps complete the luxurious look Avalon is going for. Also impressive is the stylish mix of Deco 2 two-tone aluminum walls with a unique rail pattern that is extremely eye-catching.

At the helm you have everything you need right at your finger tips, including access to the Infinity stereo controls, auxiliary and USB ports, the built-in Garmin GPS, plus easy view of all the gauges. Included with the lighted switches is the control for the onboard mood lighting that turns on the LED lights around speaker covers and cup holders throughout the boat.

Besides looking elegant with the tan and red Matrix 50-ounce vinyl that is exclusive to the builder, it’s worth noting the seating is all made in-house and we’re a fan of the storage space below. The aluminum seat bases give you tremendous storage options and we love that the compartments are all ventilated. Speaking of storage and space-saving amenities, there is room to store items below the rear loungers and below the port seat is a pop-up changing room that includes a mesh floor. At just 5 feet, 2 inches tall, the number of users will be limited, but it’s nice to have one onboard when the kids need it.

Other key features worth noting include two chaise lounges in the bow, plus a third mini-chaise located across from the helm station, but it doesn’t give your first mate a lot of room to stretch out.

Inspection Notes

The three 25-inch diameter pontoons have high performance lifting fins on both sides, plus a side keel for added protection. The .190 hat-shaped cross members are also beefed up to add strength to the boat. Up top the rail height ranges from 24 inches tall in the bow to 26 inches throughout the remainder of the boat. There are three entries—all with solid easy-to-use latches—with the bow gate at 24 inches wide being the widest. Overall our inspection crew gave this Avalon a high score for being a well-built pontoon with a family-friendly design.

Performance Evaluation

With the Yamaha 250hp outboard, speeds over 40 miles per hour were easily reached. At a nice cruising RPM of 3000, the boat will use around 5.1 gallons of fuel per hour while averaging 3.29 miles per gallon. With the optional SeaStar hydraulic steering she handles with ease as we were able to turn with complete control.

Our Take

At 27 feet and a passenger rating of 17 people, there is room for everyone to get comfortable and come along for a great day on the water. It has just the right mix of high-end features and power to be both luxurious and sporty.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 17

Maximum Speed 44.2 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.72 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…The electric-powered rear loungers will be the two most popular seats onboard, no doubt about it. This is a high-end model with the right amount of power.

Just being picky…The first mate doesn’t have a lot of room to stretch out in the chaise lounge across from the helm, but as a bench seat it works just fine. A chair option is available too.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Deco 2 two-tone walls, dual electric rear recliner lounges, bimini w/ heavy-duty square anodized aluminum frame, flow-through ventilation, courtesy lights on helm stand and cup holders, interior mood lights, LED accent dock lights built into walls, navigation lights, privacy station curtain and frame, exclusive matrix 50 soft-touch seat vinyl, and high-flex bold chrome logos.