Boats

2020 Aviara AV36

The AV36 is a wonderful mix of design and performance.

By Boating Tech Team

Updated: December 2, 2019

Few boats offer the luxury, innovation and air of exclusivity embodied in the Aviara AV36. The sleek angularity of the AV36’s lines captivate the eye. Step aboard the broad platform of the sterndrive version we tested—this boat also comes with outboard power—and the visual theme continues, as fittings, fixtures, cushions and even the design cut into the attractive surface covering the cockpit sole all echo this geometric theme.

The sleek angularity of the AV36’s lines captivate the eye. Courtesy Aviara Boats

Look closer. Details include the expansive transom lounge. This hides stowage underneath, but also conceals an innovative surprise: three bar stools that pop up to create instant seating. And where might the stereo speakers for the premium Klipsch audio system hide? Right behind the geometrically consistent brushed-aluminum grates, that’s where. Beauty truly goes beyond skin deep aboard the AV36.

A clean trio of screens places control of ships systems and accessories and all the intel you require at your fingertips. Courtesy Aviara Boats

Our tester boasted twin 430 hp Ilmor 6.2L GDI-S One Drive sterndrives. These engines develop 479 foot-pounds of torque. Mash the throttle and you can feel the boat respond to your every input on the controls. As such, our test boat rocketed onto plane in 6 seconds flat, posted a zero-to-30-mph time of 10.5 seconds, and zoomed to 46 mph at wide-open throttle.

At the dock, the One Touch joystick offers one-handed control. A hydraulic clutch means no clunking into gear. Notably, Ilmor offers a four-year standard warranty and a seven-year/1,000-hour optional corrosion warranty, thanks to a standard closed cooling system that includes the exhaust manifolds in the glycol loop.

Aft of the helm resides a standard bar with sink and wine-bottle stowage. Courtesy Aviara Boats

At the helm, the AV36 proves ultramodern and ultrachic. A clean trio of screens places control of ships systems and accessories and all the intel you require at your fingertips. Aft of the helm resides a standard bar with sink and wine-bottle stowage, but the optional Gourmet Bar offers twin reefers and one, or even two grills, with the option of a built-in cooler too. Super swank.

The optional Gourmet Bar offers twin reefers and one, or even two grills. Courtesy Aviara Boats

Belowdecks, the cabin provides a private retreat for an overnighting couple, with its TV and wide berth. The berth easily converts into seating: perfect when hosting a crowd and the cabin serves as a comfort station for guests instead.