Innovative and Versatile.

Boat Test #1754

By: Tim Banse

In the old days, pontoon boats were unsophisticated lumbering beasts slapped together with sheets of plywood hooped to a series of 55-gallon drums. Not anymore. An apt example is Catalina’s fast-flying 25-foot tritoon founded on triple 27-inch pontoons. Lifting strakes and an under-deck Wave Shield improve aerodynamics, providing lift and jazzing-up performance. Preservative treated marine flooring attaches to heavy-duty, double-bolted crossbeams.

The payoff for this mindful construction is a rock-solid platform boasting superb handling manners. At the bow, twin-facing loungers with aluminum frames seat six friends and family in goodly comfort. Similarly, a heavy-duty aluminum-framed Bimini top stands overhead, shading the bow seating and companion pedestal table. The port side Ensign 2 console instrumentation package includes a Garmin 73cv chart plotter and sonar. A Fusion sound system powers a six-channel amplifier, driving six Fusion XS lighted speakers with enough oomph to easily hear while scorching the water at higher speeds. A refreshment center with a refrigerator and sink lies on the port side.

Port side seating is L-shaped. A full-length lounge with a power-sliding movable backrest smoothly converts the sofa to a sun lounge. Stem to stern slate teak flooring pleases the eye with the ancillary benefit of a no-hassle wash down. Deco built-in docking lights are a standard item. In-floor storage is optional.

Bolted to the transom is a fire-breathing warhorse. The Mercury Racing 450R four-stroke outboard accelerates the tritoon to 48 kmph in just 5.6 seconds. The top speed clocks in at 90 kmph. When cruising at 3,000 rpm, fuel mileage logs a respectable 2.4 mpg. With the 100-gallon tank, that calculates to a 216-mile range. The Mercury Racing exhaust allows choosing either a subdued murmuring or a growling, pulse-quickening, basso profundo voice.

Full aft, the extended deck offers ample room to dangle feet in the water or prep for water sports. Finally, the hull and floor warranty term run for ten years.

Specifications

LOA: 27’ 3”
Beam: 26’ 6”
Hull Weight: 3300 lbs
Log Length: 26’6”
Tube Diameter: 25”
Draft: N/A
Fuel Capacity: N/A
Max Horsepower: 300 hp
Max Persons: 16

MSRP: $216,677 CAD

For more information: www.avalonpontoons.com