Boat Test Monday: Avalon 2785 Excalibur Elite

First Impression
We have undoubtedly crossed into the “dream boat” category with this 28-foot, 800hp beauty from Avalon, and it lived up to the high expectations we had heading into our test. However, this is more than just a go-fast pontoon: with the unique floorplan and thoughtful amenities, this Excalibur delivers the fun on many levels.

Highlights
Considerable weight has been removed from this boat by going with carbon fiber exterior walls as well as the carbon fiber tower. We love the look of the Custom Champagne wall color, and since it's not made of fiberglass, it's easier to repair if needed. The exterior also includes new badging as well as the updated Avalon logo that was redesigned for 2024 to provide a more modern look.

Up front the bow is unique-looking with long bench seating on the port side; directly across are two helm-like chairs that face each other. It's part of the new furniture redesign offering plenty of comfortable seats for everyone. Just beyond the bow are dual helm consoles with a full wraparound windshield that is tinted with a low profile and ties the two together nicely.



You won't find any analog gauges on this high-end model. The large Viper III touchscreen anchors the dash and provides the captain with all the key information. There is a second digital screen off-set to the right, which is your Garmin map. Also for the captain is optional Joystick Piloting, which we'd highly recommend for a boat this size because it makes docking and maneuvering so much easier.

Behind the dual helm chairs is an L-shaped seating area that transitions nicely to the extended swim deck through the stainless steel stern gate. Between the massive V10 outboards is a built-in step with a pullout ladder to help make boarding from the water easier. There is also a standard ski/tow pylon that will see plenty of action with this much horsepower on the back.

Closer Look
As part of the Waveglider High Performance package, the 27-inch diameter pontoons all have lifting strakes—on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the exterior ones, and a 150-gallon fuel tank. Above deck, the rail height varies from 24 inches tall in the bow to nearly 28 inches tall everywhere else. The aluminum-constructed seat frames for the suspension seating provide plenty of storage below, and the quarter-inch gap between the floor and side panels allows for quick drying and added ventilation.

Throttle Down
You better be holding on to your hat when you put the throttle down on twin 400hp Mercury outboards. We went from zero-to-20 mph in a blistering 3.3 seconds on our way to 65 mph at full throttle. This kind of power and performance will spoil you.

Why Buy
You have to credit the twin V10s for the exhilarating ride, but the addition of carbon fiber panels and tower that helps reduce the overall weight of the boat deserves some credit too. She'll put a big smile on your face, but it's the layout and key standard features that you'll truly appreciate once you're out on the water. 

Alma, Michigan
800-334-2913
www.avalonpontoons.com

Number Of Occupants                       10                   
Price As Tested With Power               $219K
Maximum Speed                                 65.2 mph                   
Wild Ponies                             800 hp
No. Of Gates                          2
0-20 MPH                               3.3 seconds   
Ladder Measurement             48” deep

Why we love this boat....A stock pontoon capable of speeds in the mid 60s – now that's impressive! A true dream boat loaded with amenities to make your time on the water count.

Just being picky...The charging pad and USB ports at the helm are nice, but we'd like to see additional places for passengers to be able to plug in, especially in the unique bow seating area.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Full Carbon Fiber Walls (painted) & Tower, Fusion Audio Premium XL Sound (RA-790, 8 RGB
Lit Speakers, 8 Channel Amp & Sub), Newly Designed Admiral III Helmstand Featuring Low-Pro Windshield & Automotive Design and a Viper III Touch Screen & Garmin 743 Map.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Custom Champagne Wall Color and Joystick Piloting.

VITAL STATS
LOA                  28’ 6”             
Beam                 8’ 6”
Hull Design     Triple 27” Waveglider
Dry Weight     4,800 lbs.
Fuel Capacity  150 gallons





TEST DRIVE
Engine                                                 Mercury 400
Cylinder Type                                     V10
Displacement/Horsepower                  5.7L/400hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio                       2.08:1
Propeller                                              Rev X 25

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
1000                6.7                   83.5
1500                11.4                 89
2000                18.4                 94.5
2500                23.2                 92
3000                27.9                 96.5
3500                33.3                 98.5
4000                39.6                 101
4500                45.1                 102.5
5000                51.8                 106
5500                55.9                 108.5
6000                65.2                 108.5

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $219,800
(Boat & Engine)

Base Price
(Boat Only)                             $168,500