The Avalon CT BF - 20 Foot 2006 vs Avalon LS 20 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Avalon CT BF - 20 Foot 2006 at 2,0 ft versus Avalon LS 20 ft. 2009 at 2,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Avalon CT BF - 20 Foot 2006 tips the scales at 158 lbs — 140 lbs more than the Avalon LS 20 ft. 2009 at 18 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 115 hp, the Avalon LS 20 ft. 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Avalon CT BF - 20 Foot 2006's 90-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 LS 20 ft. 2009 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Avalon CT BF - 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 LS 20 ft. 2009 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Avalon LS 20 ft. 2009 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 2 lbs per hp for the Avalon CT BF - 20 Foot 2006. 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 LS 20 ft. 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Avalon CT BF - 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.