It’s not surprising if you’re not quite easily able to choose between the Tahoe and Avalon pontoon boats. They’re very similar when it comes to price ranges, available models, features, and overall quality. Whichever you pick, you getting a terrific pontoon boat. That means your boat has the buoyant tubes (the pontoons) that keep the boat afloat no matter what. But with either Tahoe or Avalon.
Tahoe and Avalon Pontoon boats Brand History
The whole thing started in 1972, when the pontoon brand was named Playbuoy. Obviously, it was at the height of popularity for Hugh Hefner’s magazine, and the brand was associating its pontoon boats for a more clamorous lifestyle.
Of course, they soon found out that there were dealers out there which didn’t really want to get involved with a brand that sound so salacious. That’s why in 1994, Playbuoy added the Tahoe pontoons to its lineup, as its name is a lot more family-friendly and conservative. The Tahoe brand immediately became popular, and it has maintained a great reputation in the industry all these years.
By 2001, the new (and current ownership) took over and realized that the Playbuoy brand name was no longer working in these more “woke” times. Heck, even Playboy magazine closed shop. They then changed the name to Avalon, with its more high-minded Arthurian connotation.
So, basically, you have the two brands Tahoe and Avalon, owned by the same company. They both offer high quality pontoon boats, and they even have the same names for the various classes of pontoon boats they offer.
Boutique Collection
Both Tahoe and Avalon call their most affordable and smallest models as part of their Boutique Collection. If you’re new to pontoon boats and you have a more limited budget, you can start with this collection and get your money’s worth.
Tahoe’s pontoon boats include:
- Sport. This model comes in different available interiors, with lengths ranging from 14 to 18 feet. This is the compact option with just 7 feet for length, but Tahoe doesn’t skimp on luxury even then. You still get the plush interior along with the reliable rigid structure. With its Deco look, it sure is classy.
- LT. The LT comes with all the popular features, and the price sure is nice. You get plenty of space even for bigger groups, and there’s even a special model designed for fishing.
With Avalon, you have 3 choices in their Boutique Collection:
- VTX. This is their most affordable pontoon boat, and you get that classic design that defines the pontoon boat in general. You have 2 pontoon keeping the boat afloat, with each one measuring 25 inches. You’re able to pick from either the Cruise model or the Quad Fishing model.
- VLS. Its starting price is the same with the VTX, and this is limited to the Quad Lounger model. You have the classic radius wall design with really smooth panels, along with the two 25-inch pontoons.
- Venture. This is a bit more expensive, and you get to pick between the Cruise, Fish, and Quad Lounger models. It’s a bit bigger so you have more wiggle room, as your floor can either be 7.5 or 8 feet wide. These are still easy to operate and trailer.
Signature Collection
This is the midlevel option you want, if your budget is a bit larger and you prefer more amenities.
With Tahoe, the models to choose from include:
- GT. This is the smallest of the 3 available models, with sizes ranging from 14 to 22 feet. It’s very affordable, and you still get the practical features you need along with the premium quality construction you can rely on. The GT models include a compact cruise option along with a fishing model.
- LTZ. This sure is gorgeous with its Deco look, retro appeal, with special accents. It really looks a lot more expensive, and a ride here is quite fun and relaxing.
- Cascade. This time, the size options range from 20 to 26 feet. You can pick from several lounge style options, or go with the fishing model.
With Avalon, you also have 3 options to pick from. Even the names of the options are very similar to Tahoe’s.
- GS. It offers a sturdy build along with the classic designs, and your money still gets you the 25-inch pontoons, the tough external wall panels and furniture, and a simple design that’s easy to clean and maintain. You can pick from fishing and cruising designs, add your preferred features, and even opt for the performance package. The model options include the Cruise, Fish, Quad Lounger, and Elite Windshield options.
- LSZ. This time, you have 8 models in this class to pick from, among them the longer models, a fishing option, and even a special model for entertaining. The LSZ is Avalon’s most popular choice, with its variety of features and performance levels to pick from. You’re able to customize it to precisely suit your preferences.
- Catalina. Now this class has 9 different models to offer. You get the classy interiors among the core features, but you can add more amenities and choose your performance package. You’re even able to pick your favorite colors.
Master Collection
Now the Master Collection from both Tahoe and Avalon contain their lost luxurious and most powerful options. These are the most expensive of them all, but then you sure on the water in style.
Tahoe offers 3 options here:
- Cascade Platinum. This is perhaps the bestselling pontoon boat in the entire Tahoe lineup. Sizes range from 20 to 26 feet, and you have several lounge designs to choose from. There’s even a double-decker model, along with a fishing design.
- Vision. This comes with the latest styles and designs, and its great enough that it has won quite a few awards. Here you get retro aluminum walls that make you feel like you’re lounging in a large convertible, along with the 27-inch high-performance triple-pontoon system.
- Grand Tahoe. This is Tahoe’s flagship model, and it’s the best of them all. Everything here screams luxury, and its performance matches its elegant looks. Whether you want something relaxing or exciting, the Grand Tahoe will indulge your needs.
Avalon, on the other hand, has just 2 models in its Master Collection. But they’re both fantastic enough you’ll consider them as enjoyable works of art.
- Catalina Platinum. This offers 8 specific models to pick from, with different lounging designs to suit your needs. You can still use this for fishing, as in fact it even carries the Garmin color chart plotter that gives you the depth and fishing detection feature you need. Or you can just relax, with the Fusion Gold Plus sound system. With 8 models to pick from, you have lots of choices for your interior layout, color plans, and performance capabilities.
- Excalibur. The price here is more than double the price of the Catalina Platinum, with 3 models available. You’ve got all the amenities here, including an RGB lighting system for both the inside and outside, a terrific stereo system, a full touchscreen dash, and the Garmin Full GPS. You can get the three-pontoon system that you can use with twin engines, with each engine giving you 450 horsepower.
Conclusion
Sure, a pontoon boat isn’t exactly designed for racing other boats on the water. It’s also advisable that you avoid using it when the water conditions get rough and the winds become extreme. Its shape simply doesn’t roll over the waves like its V-shaped counterparts.
Yet you can get by fast enough that you can still have your friends water-skiing behind your pontoon boat. You have plenty of space for relaxed parties, or just for more private sunbathing.
A pontoon boat is usually very stable, which boosts the safety factor. You have plenty of space for people to walk around in, plus sofas and chairs for people to relax in with drinks in hand. You have plenty of luxurious amenities to pick from so you can customize your boat. Get a pontoon boat with a nice stereo system, and it’s perfect for a party.
A pontoon boat is especially well-suited for fishing. You can troll the waters at a nice relaxed speed, and your pontoon boat can have a fish finder setup that makes it a lot easier for you to find the fish. You’re able to use the space so that you can make your cast from each side of the boat.
The stability of the pontoon boat also helps with fishing, so you won’t scare off the fish as you move on the water. You can even use the boat for winter fishing on lakes, as you can enclose the boat fully to keep the chilly air out and keep you warm inside.
Pick Tahoe or Avalon, and you’re getting a fine boat even with the budget-friendly choices. Gather your friends or just go fishing, and you’re guaranteed a fine time!