The Avalon 16 ft. Catalina 2011 vs Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Avalon 16 ft. Catalina 2011 measures 16,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Avalon 16 ft. Catalina 2011 tips the scales at 138 lbs — 121 lbs more than the Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 at 17 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 100 hp, the Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 has a 50-hp advantage over the Avalon 16 ft. Catalina 2011's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 carries 36 gallons versus 12 gallons in the Avalon 16 ft. Catalina 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Avalon 16 ft. Catalina 2011 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 3 lbs per hp for the Avalon 16 ft. Catalina 2011. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Avalon Somerset - 20 Foot 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Avalon 16 ft. Catalina 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.