Avalon & Tahoe Platinum Edition Pontoons: What's Included in Every Package?

Rob's Boat Buyer's Guide | Special Edition

By Rob Brown, Master Marine Technician | Over 45 Years in the Boating Industry

There are a lot of things I believe you can live without on a pontoon boat.

My family will happily confirm that I have some very strong opinions about which features are worth having, which ones are unnecessary, and which ones I wouldn't put on my own boat if you paid me.

But there's one package that consistently gets my approval.

The Platinum Edition.

At Clark Marine, we choose Platinum Edition packages for our Avalon pontoons because we believe they bring an already beautiful boat to life.

Now, I'm not suggesting you need every bell and whistle in the manufacturer's catalog. Quite the opposite, actually.

I believe in ordering boats thoughtfully. I want the right construction, the right horsepower, the right layout, and then the features that make the boat especially enjoyable to own.

And that's what I appreciate about these packages.

They combine upgrades to seating, electronics, lighting, upholstery, and finishing details in a way that makes the entire boat feel more complete.

Avalon and Tahoe are sister pontoon brands built by Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing in Michigan. While their individual models and equipment may differ, both names share a long history in pontoon manufacturing.

If you're researching an Avalon or Tahoe Platinum Edition, here's what the 2027 packages include and why those features are worth understanding.

Quick Guide: 2027 Platinum Edition Packages

The upgrades depend on the model or series you're considering.

Catalina / Cascade: Premium upholstery, reclining helm seating, Simrad electronics, and upgraded lighting.
LSZ / LTZ: Ultrafine Touch upholstery, reclining captain's seating, Garmin electronics, stainless hardware, and convenience upgrades.
Venture / Sport 8.5': Upgraded helm seating, Garmin electronics, dock lighting, and accent lighting.
Venture / Sport 7.5' and 8': An improved helm chair, Garmin electronics, lighting, and exterior finishing details.
Aura Premium Package: Upgraded seating, Garmin electronics, steering-wheel details, and distinctive wall treatments.

Let's take a closer look at each one.

Catalina & Cascade Platinum Edition: Premium Comfort With a Little Extra Personality

If you're shopping the Avalon Catalina or Tahoe Cascade series, you're already looking at a pontoon designed with comfort and appearance in mind.

The Platinum Edition builds on that foundation with some particularly nice upgrades.

What's Included in the 2027 Catalina / Cascade Platinum Edition?

Ultrafine Touch vinyl upgrade
Admiral high-back reclining captain's chair
Simrad NSX7 display
Blue Ice lighting package
Stainless-steel vent covers for seat cladding
Platinum Edition special badging

Why I Like This Package

First, let's talk about the upholstery.

I'm a big believer in quality boat furniture. After 45 years around boats, I've seen what happens to seats that don't age particularly well.

That's why I appreciate the Ultrafine Touch vinyl upgrade. Comfort is wonderful, but durability is what interests me over the long term.

The Admiral high-back reclining captain's chair is another feature I like.

Somebody is going to be operating this boat, and that person deserves to be comfortable.

If you're spending several hours cruising Great Pond, Cobbosseecontee, or one of Maine's other beautiful lakes, a supportive helm chair is something you'll appreciate.

The Simrad NSX7 adds a more sophisticated electronics experience, with features depending on the system's installation and connected equipment.

And then there's the Blue Ice lighting.

I'll admit, I'm usually the first one to tell people that decorative features aren't the most important part of a boat.

But a little thoughtfully placed lighting can make a beautiful pontoon look downright spectacular.

My take: The Catalina and Cascade Platinum Edition packages are great examples of how comfort, useful technology, and finishing details can work together.

It's not just one feature. It's the overall experience.

LSZ & LTZ Platinum Edition: My Favorite Middle Ground Gets Even Better

If you've read the first installment of Rob's Boat Buyer's Guide, you know I have a soft spot for the Avalon LSZ.

It's our best-selling pontoon at Clark Marine.

And if a family comes in not knowing which Avalon to consider, the LSZ is frequently where I suggest starting.

It's a great mid-range boat that offers a balance of comfort, features, and versatility.

The Platinum Edition adds some thoughtful upgrades that complement that balance.

What's Included in the 2027 LSZ / LTZ Platinum Edition?

Ultrafine Touch vinyl upgrade
Sport high-back reclining captain's chair
Garmin Striker 52CV display
Stainless-steel pull-up cleats
Two movable cupholders
Polished corner caps
Stainless-steel vent covers for seat cladding
Platinum Edition special badging

Why I Like This Package

Let's start with the Sport high-back reclining chair.

I'm a big believer in making the helm comfortable. A boat should be enjoyable to drive, and a good captain's chair is part of that.

The Garmin Striker 52CV provides useful sonar and depth-finding capabilities when appropriately installed and equipped.

And if you're boating in Maine, having reliable depth information can be a particularly welcome feature.

Now, the stainless-steel pull-up cleats are a nice practical touch.

Cleats are something you use every time you secure the boat. I appreciate functional hardware that's thoughtfully incorporated into the design.

The movable cupholders are another good example of a small convenience that makes sense.

People like to rearrange how they sit and use the boat. Having a little flexibility is nice.

And the polished corner caps, stainless-steel vent covers, and special badging help complete the appearance.

None of those finishing touches is going to make the boat go faster.

But together, they contribute to a pontoon that looks and feels well equipped.

My take: If you're considering an Avalon LSZ or Tahoe LTZ, the Platinum Edition is a nice complement to the things I already value about these boats.

You get comfort, practical conveniences, useful electronics, and attractive finishing details without losing sight of what makes a good family pontoon.

And that's exactly the kind of balance I appreciate.

Venture & Sport 8.5' Platinum Edition: A Little More Comfort, A Lot More Character

The Venture and Sport series are appealing choices for buyers who want a practical pontoon that still feels well equipped.

And here's something I'd like people to understand:

You don't have to purchase the most luxurious boat in the lineup to enjoy a comfortable, attractive pontoon.

The 8.5-foot Platinum Edition package demonstrates that nicely.

What's Included in the 2027 Venture / Sport 8.5' Platinum Edition?

Commander mid-back captain's chair
Garmin Striker 52CV display
VS docklights
Bow accent lights
Polished corner caps
Platinum Edition special badging

Why I Like This Package

I'm particularly fond of improving the things people interact with every time they use their boat.

The captain's chair is one of them.

The Commander mid-back chair provides an upgraded seating experience at the helm.

And the Garmin Striker 52CV gives the operator useful depth and sonar information.

That's practical equipment.

The docklights are another feature that can be useful for visibility during appropriate low-light maneuvering, although they aren't a replacement for required navigation lights or safe nighttime operation.

The bow accent lights add some personality.

And the polished corner caps finish things off nicely.

One thing I've learned over the years is that a boat doesn't have to be extravagant to feel special.

Sometimes a handful of well-chosen features makes all the difference.

My take: For buyers considering a Venture or Sport with an 8.5-foot beam, this Platinum Edition adds a nice combination of everyday comfort, useful electronics, and appearance upgrades.

It's a thoughtfully equipped package without being unnecessarily complicated.

Venture & Sport 7.5' / 8' Platinum Edition: Small Boat, Thoughtful Details

I have a saying that my family has probably heard a thousand times:

A boat shrinks in the water.

But that doesn't mean everybody needs a great big pontoon.

For some people, a smaller or narrower boat is absolutely the right choice.

Maybe you're boating on a smaller pond. Maybe you have limited dock space. Maybe your landing is narrow or difficult to access.

We've helped families choose smaller pontoons for exactly those reasons.

And those boats deserve thoughtful equipment, too.

What's Included in the 2027 Venture / Sport 7.5' and 8' Platinum Edition?

Sport low-back captain's chair with arms
Garmin Striker 52CV display
VS docklights
Bow accent lights
Polished corner caps
Platinum Edition special badging

Why I Like This Package

This package focuses on some of the same qualities I appreciate in the larger boats: comfort, useful information at the helm, and attractive finishing details.

The Sport low-back chair with arms is a nice addition for the operator.

The Garmin display provides helpful depth and sonar information, depending on the installation.

And the lighting and polished corner caps help the boat feel finished.

Here's what I particularly like about this approach:

A smaller pontoon doesn't have to feel like an afterthought.

You can choose a boat that's appropriate for your waterway, landing, and family without automatically giving up the little features that make boating more enjoyable.

That's important to me.

Because the right boat isn't always the biggest boat.

It's the boat that works for your situation.

Aura Premium Package: A Different Approach to Finishing a Pontoon

The Aura has its own Premium Package rather than the same Platinum Edition naming used for the other series.

And it's worth discussing because it follows a similar philosophy: carefully selected upgrades that add comfort, functionality, and visual appeal.

What's Included in the 2027 Aura Premium Package?

Erie steering wheel
Garmin 52CV display
Sport high-back reclining captain's chair
Marine Mat graphics on the walls
Premium vinyl wall trim

Why I Like This Package

The Aura Premium Package is a little different.

Instead of focusing heavily on lighting and exterior hardware, it brings together helm upgrades and distinctive visual details.

The Sport high-back reclining chair improves the helm seating experience.

The Garmin display adds useful information for the operator.

And the Erie steering wheel, Marine Mat graphics, and premium vinyl wall trim give the boat a more distinctive appearance.

I particularly appreciate that the package creates a coordinated look.

There's something to be said for a boat that feels thoughtfully designed rather than simply decorated.

My take: The Aura Premium Package brings a little extra personality to the boat while preserving the functional upgrades that matter at the helm.

And sometimes, that combination is exactly what a buyer wants.

Why Does Clark Marine Choose Platinum Edition Packages?

After nearly three decades representing Avalon, we've developed a pretty good understanding of the boats we like to sell.

We know which features customers appreciate.

We know what it's like to operate these boats.

And, perhaps most importantly, we know what it's like to work on them years after they've left our showroom.

That experience influences how we order our inventory.

We want customers to have comfortable helm seating. We appreciate useful electronics. We like durable upholstery. And we enjoy the little details that make a boat feel special.

But the Platinum Edition isn't a substitute for getting the important things right.

Before we discuss decorative lighting or polished hardware, I want to know that the boat has the right tube configuration, horsepower, steering, and layout for the family buying it.

Those fundamentals come first.

Then we can have some fun.

Because while I'm fairly practical about what I recommend, I also believe buying a boat should be exciting.

And there's nothing wrong with wanting something beautiful.

Especially when that beauty comes with thoughtful equipment you'll enjoy using.

Which Avalon or Tahoe Platinum Edition Is Right for You?

The best package depends on the boat you're considering and what matters most to your family.

If you want a comfortable, versatile mid-range Avalon, I'd probably start by showing you the LSZ.

If you want more premium appointments, we can explore the Catalina and its Platinum Edition.

If you're shopping for a practical family pontoon, the Venture packages are worth considering.

And if you're comparing related Tahoe models such as the LTZ, Cascade, or Sport, understanding the corresponding Platinum Edition equipment can help you make a more informed decision.

Ultimately, I don't believe in choosing a boat based on a package name alone.

I want to know where you're going to use it, who's going to operate it, how many people are coming along, and what you actually plan to do.

Then we choose the right boat.

And after that?

We make sure it's equipped in a way you're going to love.

Come See Why We're So Particular About Our Avalons

Clark Marine has served Maine boaters since 1958, and we've represented Avalon pontoons since 1998.

We've spent decades helping families choose boats for Cobbosseecontee, the Belgrade Lakes, Winthrop, Monmouth, Sebago, Moosehead, and countless other Maine lakes and ponds.

And we've learned that it's often the little details that turn a nice boat into one you truly love.

We choose Platinum Edition packages because we believe they add something special to an already wonderful product.

Come see us in Manchester, Maine. We'll show you the different Avalon models, walk you through their equipment, and help you understand what makes each one different.

And don't worry.

I promise I won't spend the entire visit talking about side keels.

Well, I promise I'll try.

Explore Avalon pontoons at www.clarkmarinemaine.com and find the right boat for your family.

— Rob Brown, Master Marine Technician, Clark Marine

Frequently Asked Questions About Avalon & Tahoe Platinum Edition Pontoons

What is the Avalon Platinum Edition?

The Platinum Edition is an equipment package available on selected Avalon pontoon models. Depending on the series, it adds upgraded helm seating, electronics, upholstery, lighting, hardware, and decorative details.

Are Avalon and Tahoe pontoons made by the same company?

Yes. Avalon and Tahoe are separate pontoon brands manufactured by Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing in Alma, Michigan. Certain model families and equipment packages share similarities, but buyers should compare the specific specifications for each brand and model year.

What does the Avalon LSZ Platinum Edition include?

The 2027 LSZ Platinum Edition package includes Ultrafine Touch vinyl, a Sport high-back reclining captain's chair, Garmin Striker 52CV, stainless-steel pull-up cleats, two movable cupholders, polished corner caps, stainless-steel vent covers for seat cladding, and special Platinum Edition badging.

What's included in the Catalina or Cascade Platinum Edition?

The 2027 package includes Ultrafine Touch vinyl, an Admiral high-back reclining captain's chair, Simrad NSX7, Blue Ice lighting, stainless-steel vent covers for seat cladding, and Platinum Edition badging.

Does every Avalon Platinum Edition include the same features?

No. Equipment varies by series, beam width, and model year. For example, the Catalina/Cascade package includes a Simrad NSX7, while the 2027 LSZ/LTZ and Venture/Sport packages list Garmin Striker 52CV electronics.

Is the Aura Premium Package the same as Platinum Edition?

No. The Aura has its own Premium Package with a distinct set of upgrades. It follows a similar approach to improving comfort and appearance, but the included equipment is different.

Why does Clark Marine choose Platinum Edition packages?

Clark Marine prefers thoughtfully equipped Avalon pontoons that combine comfort, useful electronics, and attractive finishing details. The Platinum Edition packages help create the complete boating experience the dealership wants to offer its customers.