Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Avalon Boat Models (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Avalon Boat Models (Ranked)
Avalon is a Michigan-built pontoon and tritoon brand that has spent more than four decades refining lounge-style entertainment platforms, watersports tritoons, and luxury fishing pontoons. This ranking is for buyers shopping the Avalon lineup who want to know which trims actually earn their premium, from the budget-friendly Venture up to the wide-beam Excalibur flagship.
We judged the field on build quality, on-water performance with realistic horsepower, real-world resale, layout versatility, and the price-to-feature ratio. Prices below reflect typical 2024-2025 MSRP and used-market figures for boats rigged with mid-range outboards, since how a pontoon is powered changes its value as much as the trim line does.
Direct Answer
The best overall Avalon is the 2024 Avalon Catalina Platinum Quad Lounger at roughly $78,000 well-equipped, thanks to its balanced luxury layout and strong resale. The best value is the 2023 Avalon Venture Cruise at about $33,000, which delivers Avalon's hull quality at an entry price.
Always confirm tube gauge, the actual engine, and trailer condition before you sign, because rigging swings the price by thousands.
How We Ranked
- Build quality — Avalon's all-welded aluminum tubes, deck framing, and furniture stitching vary by line; higher trims use heavier-gauge pontoons.
- Performance value — How well each model planes and tracks with a sensible engine, not just the maxed-out horsepower brochure number.
- Layout versatility — Seating count, lounge arrangement, watersports readiness, and how the floorplan serves families versus fishing crews.
- Resale and demand — Used-market liquidity, brand reputation, and how well each model holds value at three to five years.
- Price-to-feature ratio — What you actually get for the money against comparable Bennington, Manitou, and Sylvan rivals.
1. 2024 Avalon Catalina Platinum Quad Lounger 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Catalina Platinum sits in Avalon's upper-mid range and nails the balance most buyers actually want. At a typical 25-foot length with a 8.5-foot beam and triple-tube tritoon setup, it cruises confidently and turns sharply once you add the Performance Package lifting strakes.
The quad-lounger floorplan puts two facing chaise lounges forward and two aft, which works as well for sunbathing families as for evening cocktail cruises.
Rigged with a Mercury 150 or Yamaha 150, it planes quickly and tops out near 38-42 mph, and it steps up gracefully to a 300-horsepower rating if you want to tow skiers. Fit and finish, including vinyl-wrapped panels and powder-coated rails, is a clear notch above the entry lines, which is why it holds value so well.
- Price: ~$78,000
- Pros: Excellent layout balance, strong resale, tritoon performance
- Cons: Pricey once optioned, premium engines add quickly
Verdict: The Avalon to buy if you want one boat to do everything well.
2. 2023 Avalon Venture Cruise 💎 BEST VALUE
The Venture is Avalon's value line, and the Cruise floorplan is the sweet spot. You get the same welded aluminum construction and respectable furniture at a price that competes with mainstream brands. In a 20 to 22-foot twin-tube configuration with a 8-foot beam, it carries up to 10 to 11 passengers comfortably for lake days and sandbar hangs.
Power it sensibly with a Mercury 90 or 115 and it will cruise in the high-20s mph, plenty for casual use. You give up the heavier-gauge tubes and some plush touches of the higher lines, but the price-to-feature ratio is the best in the family. For first-time pontoon buyers, this is the smart entry point.
- Price: ~$33,000
- Pros: Lowest entry price, solid build, family-friendly
- Cons: Twin tube limits top speed, fewer premium options
Verdict: The most boat-per-dollar in the Avalon catalog.
3. 2024 Avalon Excalibur Quad Lounger
The Excalibur is Avalon's flagship luxury platform, and it shows in every panel. Built on a 27-foot hull with wide 27-inch tubes and a 8.5-foot beam, it feels like a floating lounge. The Quad Lounger arrangement, premium upholstery, and available ESP third-tube package give it both space and serious capability.
With a Mercury 250 Verado or larger, it pushes past 45 mph while staying composed. Expect to spend real money here, but the materials, the fiberglass console, and the standout fit and finish justify it for buyers who want the top of the line. Resale on Excaliburs is among the strongest in the brand.
- Price: ~$95,000
- Pros: Flagship luxury, wide tubes, top-tier finish
- Cons: Expensive, needs a big engine to shine
Verdict: The premium pick when budget is no object.
4. 2023 Avalon LSZ Cruise
The LSZ line slots between Venture and the luxury trims, and the Cruise floorplan is a value-conscious step up. At 22 to 24 feet with optional tritoon underpinnings, it adds heavier furniture and more refined helm details than the Venture without the flagship sticker.
Properly powered with a Mercury 150, the LSZ Cruise cruises easily in the mid-30s mph as a tritoon. The wraparound seating handles a full family, and the changing-room privacy enclosure is a frequently appreciated touch. It is the practical middle of the lineup and a strong used-market buy.
- Price: ~$48,000
- Pros: Great middle-tier value, tritoon option, comfortable
- Cons: Less prestige than Catalina, options add up
Verdict: A sensible step up from entry-level without overspending.
5. 2024 Avalon GS Quad Lounger
The GS (Grand Sport) line aims at performance-minded families. In the Quad Lounger layout it pairs four lounges with a tritoon hull tuned for watersports and higher speeds. A 24 to 25-foot length and aggressive lifting strakes make it a capable tow boat.
Hang a Mercury 200 or 250 and the GS planes fast and carves hard, hitting the low-to-mid 40s mph. The trade-off is that you pay for that capability, and the firmer ride is more sport than plush. For families who ski, wakeboard, and tube, the GS is the right Avalon.
- Price: ~$72,000
- Pros: Strong watersports performance, sporty handling
- Cons: Firmer ride, premium engine recommended
Verdict: Best Avalon for active, watersports-focused families.
6. 2023 Avalon Catalina Rear Lounge
This Catalina variant swaps the quad arrangement for a large aft-facing rear lounge, which sun-seekers and sandbar regulars love. On the same quality 24 to 25-foot Catalina platform, it keeps the heavier-gauge tubes and refined materials that define the line.
With a Yamaha 150 it cruises in the mid-30s mph as a tritoon and stays planted in chop. The rear lounge eats into rear-bench seating, so it is best for couples and smaller families who prioritize lounging over maximum passenger count. Used examples are plentiful and hold value well.
- Price: ~$62,000
- Pros: Big sun lounge, Catalina build quality, good resale
- Cons: Less rear seating, niche layout
Verdict: The Catalina for sun-loungers over big crowds.
7. 2024 Avalon Venture Quad Fish
For anglers on a budget, the Venture Quad Fish brings four fishing stations, livewells, and rod storage on Avalon's value hull. At 20 to 23 feet with twin or tritoon tubes, it is an affordable way into a dedicated fishing pontoon.
A Mercury 115 moves it adequately at low-to-mid 20s mph, with tritoon power adding speed if you fish big water. You sacrifice luxury furniture, but the fishing functionality is genuine, with aerated wells and dedicated tackle storage. It is the Avalon to buy when fish, not finish, come first.
- Price: ~$38,000
- Pros: Real fishing features, low price, livewells included
- Cons: Basic furniture, modest speed on twin tube
Verdict: Budget fishing pontoon done right.
8. 2023 Avalon LSZ Versatile Rear Lounge
The LSZ Versatile Rear Lounge mixes a rear sun lounge with convertible seating that reconfigures for dining or lounging. On the mid-tier 22 to 24-foot LSZ hull, it delivers flexibility families value across changing trips.
Rigged as a tritoon with a Mercury 150, it cruises comfortably in the mid-30s mph. The convertible furniture is its standout feature, letting one boat serve cocktail cruises and kid-friendly afternoons. It is a smart used buy for buyers who want layout flexibility without flagship money.
- Price: ~$52,000
- Pros: Convertible layout, mid-tier build, flexible seating
- Cons: Convertible mechanisms add complexity, niche appeal
Verdict: Most flexible floorplan in the value-to-mid range.
9. 2024 Avalon GS Fish
The GS Fish marries the Grand Sport's performance hull with serious fishing stations, a rare and welcome combination. At 23 to 25 feet on a tuned tritoon, it can tow and troll, then sprint between spots quickly.
With a Mercury 200, it runs in the low-40s mph while still offering livewells and rod storage. You pay a premium for the dual-purpose capability, and the firmer sport ride is part of the deal. For anglers who also want speed and watersports, no other Avalon does both as well.
- Price: ~$70,000
- Pros: Fast and fishes, dual-purpose, strong hull
- Cons: Expensive, compromises pure-fishing space slightly
Verdict: The do-it-all sport-fishing Avalon.
10. 2023 Avalon Venture Rear Bench
The simplest Avalon on the list, the Venture Rear Bench is a no-frills family cruiser with a large rear bench and wraparound forward seating. On the 20 to 22-foot value hull, it maximizes passenger capacity for the money.
A Mercury 90 or 115 is plenty for relaxed cruising in the mid-20s mph. There is nothing fancy here, which is the point, low cost, easy ownership, and durable construction. For buyers who just want a reliable lake pontoon, it is hard to beat the entry price.
- Price: ~$31,000
- Pros: Lowest cost, high seating, simple ownership
- Cons: Basic features, modest performance
Verdict: The bare-essentials Avalon for budget cruising.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Tube gauge and tritoon: Heavier-gauge tubes and a third tube (tritoon) dramatically improve ride and capacity; confirm which you are getting.
- Engine match: A pontoon is only as good as its outboard; verify the actual horsepower and hours, and budget for repower if it is underpowered.
- Trailer and storage: Confirm a bunk trailer is included and inspect for corrosion; pontoons stored on lifts age better than those left in the water.
- Survey and welds: Inspect welds, deck soft spots, and furniture stitching, and consider a marine survey on any used boat over 24 feet.
FAQ
Are Avalon pontoons good quality? Yes. Avalon builds all-welded aluminum tubes and decks in Michigan and is widely regarded among the better mainstream pontoon brands, competing with Bennington and Manitou on fit and finish.
What is the difference between a pontoon and a tritoon Avalon? A standard pontoon rides on two tubes, while a tritoon adds a third center tube for more buoyancy, higher horsepower ratings, sharper handling, and better watersports performance, usually at a higher price.
How much does a new Avalon pontoon cost? Entry Venture models start around $31,000 to $38,000, mid-tier LSZ and GS trims run $48,000 to $72,000, and flagship Catalina and Excalibur builds reach $78,000 to $95,000-plus once fully optioned.
Which Avalon is best for watersports? The GS (Grand Sport) line, especially the GS Quad Lounger on a tritoon hull with a 200-plus horsepower outboard, is built for skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
Bottom Line
For most buyers, the 2024 Avalon Catalina Platinum Quad Lounger at about $78,000 is the best overall Avalon, balancing luxury, performance, and resale. Shoppers watching their wallets should start with the 2023 Avalon Venture Cruise near $33,000, the best value in the lineup.
Match the engine and tube setup to how you actually boat, and any of these ten will serve well.
Sources
- Discover Boating
- Boat Trader
- NADA Guides
- Boating Magazine
- NMMA
- Avalon Pontoons
- Mercury Marine
*Keywords: Best Avalon Boat Models (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*