Both the Avalon 27 ft. Excalibur 2012 and the Avalon CT Fish - 24 Foot 2008 are pontoon designs, both built in aluminium, so 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Avalon 27 ft. Excalibur 2012 at 27,0 ft versus Avalon CT Fish - 24 Foot 2008 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Avalon 27 ft. Excalibur 2012 tips the scales at 2 650 lbs - 476 lbs more than the Avalon CT Fish - 24 Foot 2008 at 2 174 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 175 hp, the Avalon 27 ft. Excalibur 2012 has a 60-hp advantage over the Avalon CT Fish - 24 Foot 2008's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 14 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Avalon 27 ft. Excalibur 2012 at 27,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Avalon CT Fish - 24 Foot 2008 at 24,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.