Avalon brings a lot to the party. The Catalina 2585 Platinum Quad Lounge does its job maintaining that mantel with a big Mercury Verado 250. With that much power, the 3,100-pound 27-footer scoots from a dead idle to 30 mph in under 6 seconds, and tops out at 47 mph. If you’re more into a sedate cruise, the Catalina likes it best at 13 mph, where the Verado turns 2,500 rpm and sips fuel at just 3.2 gph, reaching 4.2 mpg. At that speed, the 58-gallon tank allows for a 218-mile range with 10 percent of the fuel left to get home.
New this year are the perimeter walls, smooth on the outside, with no ribbing or visible rails. They’re sleek and make the boat easy to clean. The optional Waveglider triple 27-inch pontoons are mated to the deck with heavy-duty, double-bolted hat-channel crossbeams, with an aluminum underdeck Wave Shield to improve airflow and efficiency. The deck is ¾-inch PTP marine flooring that has a lifetime warranty, with optional in-floor storage. A 3-inch-tall perimeter rub rail caps the deck, with a black rubber insert to cushion docking.
Seat frames are all-aluminum, which gives excellent storage room underneath, along with ventilation to minimize moisture. In the bow, twin facing loungers are outfitted with new Matrix 50 Ultrafine Touch vinyl, with detailed embossing on the center cushions, a tri-tone color match, and a smooth surface on the outer skins. The result is a modern, clean look that’s well-executed. The pilot and co-pilot chairs use a combination of sleek framework and two-tone smooth and embossed vinyl; a departure from the seating on most pontoons, they look thin but are actually supportive and comfortable. The Ensign 2 console features full instrumentation with a Humminbird 5 CV graph and Gold Plus Fusion sound system, including a five-channel amp and six Fusion XS lighted speakers. SeaStar hydraulic tilt steering keeps the big Verado 250 in line. A Bimini top with heavy-duty black aluminum frame and quick-release mounts comes standard, as does Deco built-in docking lights. A 10-year bow-to-stern warranty and a lifetime hull-and-floor warranty keep the worries away while you enjoy outings on the Catalina.
High Points
- Low-profile, futuristic driver’s console looks like it belongs in a sleek SUV.
- Sculpted admiral chairs for the pilot and first mate offer outstanding comfort and a commanding feel.
- Matrix Ultrafine vinyl upgrade on our test boat features a subtle two-tone patterned look that’s soft and durable.
- Mercury Verado provides more than enough low-end punch for watersports and a deck load of friends.
Specs
LOA: 26′6″
Beam: 8′6″
Draft: 1′6″
Dry Weight: 3,100 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 12/2,580 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 58 gal.
Price: $83,062
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado FourStroke 250 hp
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 43 gal.
Crew Weight: 250 lb.
More Information
Avalon Pontoon Boats – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; avalonpontoons.com
