Avalon Pontoon Boats for Sale
Avalon builds pontoon boats in Alma, Michigan, and calls itself the fourth-largest pontoon builder in the country. Used Avalons are common across the Great Lakes states and the Southeast.
From DarVan to Avalon
The company traces back to DarVan Manufacturing, started in Mason, Michigan in 1972 by Cecil Darnell. It made paddle boats, pontoons and trailers. In the early 1980s it became Associated Recreational Products (ARP), added a houseboat, and for a few years built a fiberglass sport boat. It moved to Alma in 1984.
Around 1990 the company renamed itself Playbuoy Pontoons, since it no longer made paddle boats, and in 1994 it added the Tahoe brand to grow its dealer network. In 2000 the Wolf and Sawyer families bought Playbuoy. Jim Wolf, now CEO, says the new owners invested in automated CNC equipment and standard manufacturing processes. In 2004 they rebranded the company Avalon, partly to leave behind the Playbuoy name, which had a reputation for low cost and cheap construction.
The company now has about 450 employees and sells through roughly 200 to 250 dealers in the US and Canada.
Built in house
Avalon is vertically integrated. The Alma plant makes most of each boat itself, including the pontoon tubes, framing and furniture, rather than buying them in. New boats come with a limited lifetime structural warranty. Avalon and its sister brand Tahoe are built by the same company.
What to check on a used Avalon
Year matters. A boat built after the 2000 change of ownership, and especially after the 2004 rebrand, is a different product from an older Playbuoy. Check the hull ID number for the model year.
Tubes. Look along the pontoons for dents, cracks, corrosion and patched welds. Check the nose cones. If the boat sits low on one side, a tube may be taking on water.
Deck. Walk the whole deck and feel for soft spots, especially near the gates and helm. Pull back the vinyl or carpet where you can.
Furniture and vinyl. Sun-rotted seat bases and cracked vinyl are expensive to replace. Lift the seat cushions and check the storage underneath for mildew and water.
Fence and gates. Look at the rail mounts and gate latches. Loose rails are a sign of hard use.
Engine. Pontoons now carry anything from 25 hp up to big twin outboards. Get the hours and records, and look at the motor mounting and the transom bracket.
Bimini and covers. Raise and lower the bimini top and check the frame and fabric.
Trailer. Pontoon trailers need to support the tubes properly. Check the bunks, tires and lights.
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Frequently asked questions
Where are Avalon pontoons made?
Alma, Michigan.
Who owns Avalon pontoons?
Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing, owned by the Wolf and Sawyer families since 2000.
Are Avalon and Tahoe pontoons the same company?
Yes, both are built by Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing in Alma.
What was Avalon called before?
Playbuoy Pontoons. It was renamed Avalon in 2004.