First Glance
Like a ’58 Oldsmobile or a ’57 Chevy, the retro look of this Catalina was built to never go out of style. It gives you that high-end conservative yet classy look, without breaking the bank.
Details
The “RL” in the model name stands for rear lounger and the engineers made sure these two seats would be the most sought-after. Like the rest of the furniture, the loungers are plush and very comfortable and include thick Matrix 50 (as in 50-ounce) Soft Touch seat vinyl, so fighting off stains has never been easier. Avalon hand-makes an estimated 85 percent of each boat in-house including the bench seats and with the aluminum seat bases you gain a lot of extra storage space below. There are also two chaise lounges located in the bow with a pop-up changing room hidden below the portside lounger that stands over five feet tall when open.
Centered and easy for the captain to see, two large multi-function gauges provide a lot of key engine information and just to the left is the Infinity stereo unit with a full display of lighted rocker switches below. There are even a couple of places to set your phone that are built into the fiberglass helmstand with an MP3/iPod jack close by and a 12-volt outlet located down low above the captain’s drink holder. Speaking of cupholders, there are over a dozen spread out throughout the boat, ranging from permanent to removable.
The helm chair slides, swivels and reclines and directly across is an identical one for the first mate. Other favorite features that we noted include the Deco 3 external multi-panel retro walls and the built-in chrome docking lights with an LED accent that provides a classy and distinctive look. One quick note on the stereo: we really like the location of the rear speakers that are part of the rear loungers so they’re up higher for better sound quality.
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Closer Look
The splash fins are not an afterthought; instead they’re integrated into the nosecones, and other added touches we can appreciate are the double reinforced motor pod as well as the side keels and corner castings. One of the few options is the Express center pontoon, which not only improves the handling, but also helps create a smoother ride.
For added durability, the hat-channel style cross members provide added strength and the full aluminum splash skin ensures the boat will glide across the water. Up top there is more than 18 feet of deck space from inside the gates and the overall rail height varies from 24 to 26 inches throughout the boat.
Throttle Down
When you can go from zero-to-20 mph in less than four seconds, that’s beyond notable. The Evinrude 135 HO E-TEC is a great fit for this 23-footer that comfortably reached speeds in the mid 30s at full throttle. She turns flat and handles well; in fact, you could make a strong case for why a ski/tow bar should come standard on this model. It’s of course available as an option, but if we’re being picky we feel customers shouldn’t have to ask for it on a pepping boat like this one.
Why Buy
In order for the pontoon industry to continue to grow, we need great all-around models such as this Catalina RL that offer a lot of nice features while still coming in at a budget-friendly price. It’s extremely comfortable and designed to be an excellent cruiser.
Alma, Mich.
800-334-2913
www.avalonpontoons.com
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Specifications
Number of Occupants 10
Price As Tested With Power $59.7 K
Maximum Speed 34.8 mph
Wild Ponies 135 hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 3.93 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3’ 9” deep
Why we love this boat…Inviting is the best way to describe the furniture. This is a very comfortable pontoon that has a lot going for it.
Just being picky…We know pulling tubers isn’t for everyone, but based on how well this pontoon performed, we don’t understand why a ski/tow bar doesn’t come standard.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Ensign 2 fiberglass helmstand, GPS speedometer gauge, twin wide rear lounge seat, Commander reclining driver’s chair, Infinity PRV 315 BT stereo, tilt steering, Deco 3 external multi-panel retro walls, interior composite wall covering, docklights/nav light combo, courtesy light on helmstand, Greywood table, privacy station w/curtain, exclusive Matrix 50 Soft Touch seat vinyl, suspension seating, lounge arms w/storage, lifetime aluminum seat frames w/flow-through ventilation, decorative color-matched seat frames base cladding, moveable stainless steel cupholders, stainless steel telescoping rear ladder, and 29-gallon fuel remote fill transom.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Express center pontoon, ATD vinyl floor upgrade, built-in chrome dock lights w/LED accent, polished deck corners, side protector keels, mooring cover, four pull-up stainless steel cleats, and stainless steel insert vents for seat bases.
VITAL STATS
LOA 23’ 3”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design Triple Express Pontoons
Dry Weight 2,450 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 29 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Evinrude 135 H.O. E-TEC
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 158ci/135hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.86:1
Propeller 15 7/8 X 13 SST
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
600 2.2 73
1000 3.7 73
1500 5.7 82
2000 7.5 81
2500 10.7 90
3000 14.2 91
3500 18.1 93
4000 21.4 99
4500 24.7 100
5000 29.3 102
5500 32.1 103
5600 34.8 105
PRICE
Price As Tested $59,689
(Boat and Motor)
Price As Tested $43,407
(Boat Only)
