High-angle side view of a sage green and charcoal Avalon pontoon boat cruising on the water. It features a large gray bimini top and a driver wearing a life vest at the helm.
Avalon
25 Catalina VRB
Alma, Mich.
800-334-2913
First Impression
Technically, the Catalina line of pontoons is referred to as a sophisticated mid-range offering, but with the same quality construction and style found in Avalon’s higher-end models, you might mistake it for a more expensive version. Available in 11 layouts, the Catalina Versatile Rear Bench (VRB) floorplan has so much to offer.
Highlights
The new exterior Sea Mist wall color quickly grabs your attention. It’s a fun and sporty look for this Avalon, especially when paired with the new EXP tower with panel inserts. Inside, the two-tone gray and off-white furniture welcomes you, but it’s the durable ULTRAFINE soft-to-the-touch vinyl that is truly impressive. Why? Because of its comfort.

Rated for up to 14 people, the long bench seats in the bow are a nice touch, with aluminum seat frames that provide plenty of storage below. Two of the three total chaise lounges on board are located in the bow, and the one built into the back of the port side features a unique space-saving design. Boat Outfitter’s fold-out table with a storage drawer below maximizes this space and adds to the boat’s versatility.

Speaking of versatility, the multi-position stern lounger is easy to use, and with the addition of the pop-up keeper rail, you can safely enjoy the rear-facing loungers while the boat is underway.

At the helm console is a dual Simrad touchscreen layout, and we love the staggered look, with the larger 9-inch touchscreen more centrally positioned, while the secondary 7-inch digital display is offset to the right. Also part of the dash console are lighted push buttons, access to the 8-speaker Fusion stereo controls, and a small cubby with a USB port and a wireless phone charger inside.

Other amenities worth noting include the 19-inch-deep in-floor ski locker with a mat inside, a Scanstrut ATMOS built-in air pump for your water toys, and a solid ski/tow bar.

Inspection
Below deck, the three 25-inch-diameter pontoons all have lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the exterior pontoons. Up top, the rail height ranges from 25 inches at the bow to 26 inches at the stern, ensuring a safe, family-friendly design.

From gate-to-gate, there is 22 feet of floor space inside the boat with a lot packed into this 25-footer. The only downside is that it doesn’t leave much deck space in the bow and stern. The swim deck is minimal, with just enough room to towel off after using the LilliPad Marine boarding ladder to enter the boat.

Performance
Besides the benefits of having an outboard with a zero-to-20 mph time of just over 5 seconds, the new Suzuki dual-prop 300hp four-stroke features integrated steering that makes it effortless to drive. We just reached 50 mph at full throttle, and the most noticeable was the Suzuki two-stage gear reduction, which provides solid torque.
Final Thoughts
As tested with a blend of standard features and key upgrades, this Catalina is built for summer fun and adventure. Well-constructed with plenty of horsepower to spare, its versatility makes it attractive to a wide variety of consumers who are sure to find features to love.
Close-up of the boat's stern featuring a black 300-horsepower Suzuki outboard motor. A stainless steel safety rail and a black four-step boarding ladder are mounted on the deck.
Detailed view of the helm station featuring two Simrad digital displays, a Fusion audio head unit, and a chrome-accented steering wheel with the Avalon logo.
Overhead drone view of the entire Avalon pontoon boat deck. The layout shows symmetrical bow loungers, a central helm area under a gray canopy, and a rear swim platform.
Close-up of a built-in utility panel on the side of a seat containing air pump ports labeled "Inflate" and "Deflate," alongside a digital control interface with a small screen.
View of the interior lounge seating upholstered in gray and white marine vinyl. The design includes diamond-stitched accents, integrated cup holders, and recessed speakers.
Notable Standards
Dual Battery System, Pop-Up Keeper Rail On Stern Lounger, 2 Wireless Phone Chargers, 3 (25” Diameter) Pontoons w/Lifting Strakes, Ski/Tow Bar, and REVO Boarding Ladder From LilliPad Marine.
Options On Test Boat
Dual (9” & 7”) Simrad NSX Touchscreens, EXP Tower w/Panel Inserts, Scanstrut ATMOS Built-In Air Pump, Upgraded Fusion Sound System, and Boat Outfitters Foldout Table w/Drawer.
Why we love this boat…Quality features such as the built-in air station, dual Simrad touchscreens, versatile lounger, and comfortable seating help make it stand out.
Stats
Number Of Occupants
14
Price As Tested With Power
$163K
Maximum Speed
50.1 mph
Wild Ponies
300hp
No. Of Gates
3
0-20 MPH
5.26 seconds
Ladder Measurement
48” deep
Vital Stats
LOA
25’ 6”
Beam
8’ 6”
Hull Design
Triple Pontoon
Dry Weight
3,100 lbs.
Fuel Capacity
58 gals.
Test Drive
Engine
Suzuki 300
Engine Type
V6
Displacement/Horsepower
4.4L/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio
2.29:1
Propeller
14 x 19R
RPM VS. SPEED VS. DB-A
650 1.5 71.5
1000 4.3 78.5
1500 5.8 82.5
2000 8.1 87.5
2500 10.9 90.5
3000 15.6 94.5
3500 18.1 98.5
4000 20.8 99
4500 25.5 97
5000 30.7 97
5500 36.9 100
6000 42.9 100.5
6200 50.1 103
Price
Price As Tested
(Boat & Engine)
$163,250
Base Price, No Options
(Boat Only)
$48,330
Just being picky…Truly a fully-loaded pontoon with a lot packed inside the gates, but we wish there was a little more room on the swim deck.