The Avalon GeoFish CLX is not a pontoon boat adapted for fishing; it’s a fishing boat with pontoons instead of a hull. It boasts so many great angling features that this one-page format doesn’t allow discussing them all.
Performance-wise, it runs out at 43 mph with a Suzuki 250 outboard, accelerating briskly to plane in 3.2 seconds and to 30 mph in 8.1 seconds. Its most economical cruising speed of 20.7 mph yields 3.2 mpg, for a 166-mile range from its 58-gallon fuel tank (leaving 10 percent in reserve). This range allows exploring large lakes for an entire weekend without refueling. It handles wind chop and passing boat wakes well. We found that the GeoFish CLX cut sharp turns with mild banking and delivered a sure-footed ride thanks to triple 25-inch-diameter pontoons with lifting strakes. The aluminum wave shield under the deck also enhances speed and efficiency.
Twin facing love seats in the bow provide a small conversation pit. These feature aluminum seat frames with flow-through ventilation to keep gear from getting wet. Along the sides of the cockpit, long storage cabinets provide ample room for more gear.
The interior layout is dominated by the center console, which features a stainless-steel T-top to provide shade. The console is packed with tilt-out storage cabinets and slide-out drawers at the front for easy access to tackle and gear. Behind the low molded windscreen, high and low molded footrests provide choices in seating positions. The doublewide helm seat sits on a dampened suspension mechanism for a smooth ride in the rough. The helm features hydraulic tilt steering, a Garmin 72sv digital color graph and digital gauges, and a Fusion RA-210 sound system with four speakers. The aft end of the helm station features twin built-in aft-facing seats.
Swiveling fishing chairs are bolted securely to the deck aft, where a large fishing center complete with rod holders and a recirculating livewell is stationed. The aft deck features a folding stainless-steel boarding ladder and standard ski tow bar. There’s more, so be sure to see the video.
High Points
- Creative deck layout with loads of fishing amenities makes this family boat double as an angler’s platform.
- Great top provides shade and storage.
- Excellent handling and performance with a 250 Suzuki outboard.
How We Tested
- Engine: Suzuki 250 four-stroke outboard
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.27:1 Fuel Load: 49 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $149,900 (as tested); $69,800 (base) |
| LOA: | 26’6″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 3,000 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 14/2,877 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 58 gal. |
