Avalon Windjammer 2585 ENT

Though the differences are subtle at times, Avalon, a top builder of pontoon boats, is known for breaking from the norm when it comes to the brand’s pontoon lineup. Start with the exterior appearance.

Aboard the Windjammer 2585 ENT, perimeter fencing is tucked inside the glossy, two-tone exterior panels, giving the boat a sleek, retro appearance that the company says is also easier to maintain. We’d agree. That perimeter enclosure is carried all the way forward, maximizing every last inch of interior space. Step inside, lift a seat cushion, and you’ll note that there are no roto-molded plastic bases. Instead Avalon welds its aluminum seat frames at the factory and touts the increased available space, obvious advantage in ventilation, and superior water drainage. Aft, fiberglass consoles separate the main deck from the aft platform. They include large stowage areas within, promising that nothing will get left behind.

Now check out the seating. Forward, there’s the traditional set of port and starboard couches, the latter running right up to the raised helm console. Ribbed accent panels, contrasting piping and raised thigh bolsters complete the look. Opposite the raised helm, you’ll find a stylish, curved dinette. The angular design allows for a larger table while it eases flow in and out of the side gate. The solid-surface top, recessed within a fiberglass base, adds additional style points, as well as provides a nook to secure small items. The aft dinette seat is uniquely shaped to accommodate multiple uses. Across, a love seat with forward and aft-facing backrests provides additional passenger space behind the helm.

Below the deck, Avalon’s Waveglider system features triple 25-inch-diameter pontoons with two full-length lifting strakes on each pontoon and an underdeck aluminum skin to reduce drag and deliver increased speed and performance. Paired with a fuel-efficient Mercury 150 outboard, we jumped onto plane instantly, reaching 30 mph in 9.5 seconds. Top speed was 35.7 mph. Perhaps most interesting, however, was that the boat cornered aggressively without banking or outside lean, maintaining a pontoon’s traditional flat ride.

High Points
*Standards include a high-back helm seat, underdeck LED lights and a Polk stereo with six Jensen speakers. *Center tube makes possible a deep, 6-foot-long storage locker, complete with an automatic bilge pump and protective rubber matting. *Convenient pop-up changing room is located within the forward portside lounge.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 150
Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.92:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 370 lb.

Price
$61,594 (with test power, Waveglider package)

Contact
Avalon Pontoon Boats Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; avalonpontoonboats.com