The Avalon Catalina - 20 Foot 2006 vs Avalon Somerset 22 ft. 2009 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 Somerset 22 ft. 2009 measures 22,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 20,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Avalon Catalina - 20 Foot 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). At 158 lbs and 205 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 125 hp, the Avalon Somerset 22 ft. 2009 has a 35-hp advantage over the Avalon Catalina - 20 Foot 2006's 90-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 22 ft. 2009 carries 36 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Avalon Catalina - 20 Foot 2006. 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 22 ft. 2009 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Avalon Catalina - 20 Foot 2006 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Avalon Somerset 22 ft. 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Avalon Somerset 22 ft. 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Avalon Catalina - 20 Foot 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.