When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Avalon 18 ft. Windjammer 2011 and the Avalon Windjammer RC - 24 Foot 2008 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Avalon Windjammer RC - 24 Foot 2008 measures 24,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Avalon 18 ft. Windjammer 2011 at 18,0 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Avalon Windjammer RC - 24 Foot 2008 tips the scales at 2 035 lbs — 1 870 lbs less than the Avalon 18 ft. Windjammer 2011 at 165 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 135 hp, the Avalon Windjammer RC - 24 Foot 2008 has a 45-hp advantage over the Avalon 18 ft. Windjammer 2011's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Avalon Windjammer RC - 24 Foot 2008 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Avalon 18 ft. Windjammer 2011 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Avalon Windjammer RC - 24 Foot 2008 could be the deciding factor.