With its bold, two-tone, retro-inspired exterior panels, elegant vinyl coverings, and interior composite wall covering, the 2585 Catalina Elite definitely stands out from the crowd.
Those exterior panels are uninterrupted by traditional pontoon fencing, giving the Catalina’s exterior a sleek, clean appearance. The optional Blackout package covered the pontoon tops in an attractive matte coating, a choice that tied in well with the boat’s matte finish Suzuki outboard. External forward vents add more style points while providing air flow to the storage below the bow passenger lounges. LED docking lights, set into black trim pieces, complete the exterior.
Within the confines of that sleek perimeter, find a versatile mix of seating. Forward, traditional bow lounges stretch a full 6 feet 6 inches. Opposite the helm, a loveseat awaits with an additional rear-facing backrest. Aft, an inviting, 3-by-3-foot L-lounge provides space for multiple passengers to gather around the kidney-shaped pedestal table. Seatbacks feature unique, pillow-top inserts with a contrasting texture and finish. Abundant stowage is found below nearly every seat cushion. Lift one of those cushions and note seat bases aren’t the roto-molded plastic norm, but instead welded aluminum frames which Avalon notes increase storage space and offer superior drainage and ventilation.
Settle into the helm seat and you’ll find an attractive black dash, with dual multi-purpose gauges on center and sound system head unit and optional Garmin 53cv GPS flanking the steering wheel. Below, two useful nooks feature padding for cell phones and other items.
Pushing the throttle forward engaged our test boat’s Suzuki 200 and resulted in an almost instantaneous plane. The 30-mph threshold was reached in under 8 seconds; top speed edged just over the 39-mph mark. Below deck, Avalon’s Sport Performance package featured triple 25-inch pontoons with inboard lifting fins that gave the boat a touch of inside lean. In addition, the package includes a full-length wave shield, integrated motor pod and fuel tank, and SeaStar hydraulic steering.
High Points
- Ensign II fiberglass helm with soft-touch dash and removable windshield.
- Infinity PRV315 sound system with Bluetooth, four Infinity chrome-grilled speakers, USB and auxiliary input.
- Quick-release Bimini top with anodized aluminum frame.
- Extended 2-foot 6-inch rear deck area with four-step, stainless-steel boarding ladder.
Price: $61,945
How We Tested
Engine: Suzuki 200
Prop: Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.50:1
Fuel Load: 30 gal.
Crew Weight: 330 lb.
Avalon Pontoon Boats – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; avalonpontoons.com
