The Avalon 29 ft. Excalibur 2012 vs Avalon Somerset - 22 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 29 ft. Excalibur 2012 measures 29,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Avalon Somerset - 22 Foot 2006 at 22,0 feet (2006). At 285 lbs and 185 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Avalon 29 ft. Excalibur 2012 has a 75-hp advantage over the Avalon Somerset - 22 Foot 2006's 125-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Avalon 29 ft. Excalibur 2012 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Avalon Somerset - 22 Foot 2006 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Avalon 29 ft. Excalibur 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Avalon 29 ft. Excalibur 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 29,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Avalon Somerset - 22 Foot 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 14 that costs less to run day-to-day.