Powered by a Suzuki DF250, Avalon’s Catalina Entertainer zipped from zero to 30 mph in a swift 6.8 seconds before topping out at 44 mph at wide-open throttle. And it was quiet; we recorded just 85.5 dB(A) at full bore, and a whispering 68 dB(A) at the most economical cruise speed of 16.5 mph for 3.9 mpg. Not only can you converse at normal conversation levels aboard the Catalina Entertainer, but you’ll also pass the gas dock. Quick, quiet and economical describe its performance.
Aft, there’s a massive extended deck that will draw the eye of boat buyers seeking space for watersports prep, swimming and lounging. A stainless-steel ski-tow pylon, telescoping boarding ladder and beefy transom supports dominate back there. A center-mounted locker houses the power-steering rigging, topped by a table with stainless-steel cup holders. The aft seating arrangement features a long L-shaped bench along the stern that extends up the starboard side. Just across is a cool bar with a solid-surface granite-look top, and twin reversible backrest seats fore and aft that seat two guests each. With the flip of the backrest, guests can watch the action off the transom or converse with others seated across the bar, a detail we thought was a nice touch. The bar console itself is well-designed in our view, featuring a drip channel around the tabletop’s perimeter to catch spills. Underneath, there’s ample storage for drinks, cellphones and gear.
The driver’s console features a high-powered Fusion stereo with a subwoofer and amp, and the sounds are deep and clear as expected. The dash offers no fewer than three digital display screens, giving engine and boat information, and body-of-water depth and mapping. Amidships, an in-floor storage locker takes advantage of the center pontoon. The bow section features twin facing, curved lounges, with a longer starboard bench that extends back to the captain’s console. Seat frames are open aluminum.
A 10-year bow-to-stern warranty and lifetime hull and floor warranty make for a strong offering. The appearance of this Avalon pontoon is clean and unique inside and out, with a perimeter enclosure in a crisp combination of navy and white in an art-deco style unique to Avalon.
High Points
- Standard power-assist hydraulic steering system.
- Bar table provides a great gathering place.
- Helm features three digital screens with information about the engine, boat, and body of water you’re on.
How We Tested
- Engine: Suzuki DF 250 APXW four-stroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 43 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $116,489 |
| LOA: | 26’6″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 3,100 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 14/2,015 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 58 gal. |
Avalon Pontoons – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; avalonpontoons.com
