(Boat and Motor)
(Boat Only)
(w/ 90hp Mercury)
Multi-purpose stern loungers are trending right now, yet we haven’t seen anything quite as impressive as this Electric Versatile Rear Bench Windshield (EVRBW) layout. Combine it with a sporty arch tower, a 450hp outboard and comfortable seating for up to 19 people, and you have a recipe for family fun.
Highlights
Clearly the electric rear bench – that can adjust to any point to dial in your comfort – was the talk of the dock when this fully-loaded Catalina Platinum arrived at our test. The large rear bench/bed includes an electric sliding seatback that slides fore or aft to any desired spot, creating front- or rear-facing lounging. You can even toggle it to somewhere in the middle. This interior design includes a full wraparound windshield which ties in perfectly with the white EX Wakeboard Tower that electronically raises and lowers and includes white Fusion canister speakers. Speaking of music, the impressive Gold Plus Fusion sound system is amazing with XS lighted speakers located all throughout the boat, and there is even a stereo remote in the stern to complement the main unit located at the dash.
Also at the helm console is a Medallion touchscreen plus a Garmin GPS which provides full access to engine data, RGB lighting controls and everything else a captain needs to pilot this 27-footer – and those screens are easily visible beyond the Mazzo tilt steering wheel. There is even a small ledge at the helmstand that is ideal for placing your phone with USB/Auxiliary ports nearby. Just behind the Admiral High Back reclining chair on an adjustable height seat pedestal is an entertainment area that includes a hidden sink and faucet with a 2-gallon freshwater tank and extra storage.
Other highlights include an in-floor ski locker that is 2 feet deep and over 7 feet long inside, a well-braced ski/tow bar and an extremely easy-to-use REVO boarding ladder from LilliPad Marine.
As part of the Waveglider High Performance upgrade, the 27-inch diameter pontoons all have lifting strakes—on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the exterior ones. Above deck, the rail height varies from 29 inches tall in the bow to nearly 26 inches in the stern. 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. The plush seats use an exclusive Matrix 50 ULTRAFINE touch seat vinyl that’s soft to the touch and extremely durable.
Performance
Based on how nimbly she handles, you’d never guess the dry weight on this boat was more than 3,000 pounds. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that she’s powered by a Mercury Racing 450hp outboard! Using Mercury’s own electric power-assist steering, the triple pontoon boat handles great: we reached speeds over the 50mph mark with a 0-to-20 mph time of just over 4 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Avalon makes it look effortless as its engineers were able to successfully blend high-end luxury and unique features into a sporty go-fast pontoon. While the price as tested (which includes a long list of standard features and impressive options) is not for every budget, the high-quality and well-built construction is an investment that will pay off in the long run.
Ensign 2 Fiberglass Helmstand, Garmin 73 CV GPS, Gold Plus Fusion Stereo, Fusion XS Lighted Speakers, 12-Volt Power Point, SeaStar Hydraulic Tilt, Mazzo Steering Wheel with Black Pearlwood, Courtesy Light on Helmstand, Admiral High Back Reclining Chair, Adjustable Height Seat Pedestal, Interior Composite Wall Panels, Riptide Full Vinyl Floor, Heavy-duty Greywood Table w/ Phone Storage, Large Trash Can Built in to Lounge Arm, Lifetime Aluminum Seat Frames w/ Flow-through Ventilation, Suspension Seating, Exclusive Matrix 50 ULTRAFINE Touch Primary Seat Vinyl, High Flex Bold Chrome Logos, DECO Built-in Dock Lights, Top Bimini with Heavy-duty Black Aluminum D Frame.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Waveglider Triple 27” High Performance Pontoons, Rough Water Package, 100-gallon Fuel System, Admirals Chair w/ Seat Bolster, Floor Storage in Center Tube, Premium Sound System w/ Fusion RA 770 Stereo, 6 Lighted SG Speakers, 6 Channel Amp, D Mono Block Digital Amp, 10” Sub, RGB Full Interior and Exterior Light Package, Full Slate Teak Flooring, Silver Interior Package, White EX Wakeboard Tower, White Fusion Canister Speakers, Storage Bag for Lounge Arm.