Any Allison owners in the central Mississippi area?

I am very interested in Allison boats and would like to ask many questions. If anyone is in this area I would really like to talk to you about these boats.

Not in Mississippi, but in Southern La., but if you have some questions, I will be happy to discuss - as would anyone on the forum.

Thanks for the reply. I am very interested in Allison boats. I have only been around two of them personally. The first one was a 2003 that belonged to a guy from south Ms that was fishing in a federation tournament about 13 years ago. I looked that boat over pretty good but didn't get much of a chance to discuss things with him. The 2nd was a race boat (don't have a clue the model) that the passenger sits behind the driver. Went for a ride in it and was very impressed. The model that really stands out for me is the xb2003.

My questions could go on for a very long time. I will keep this as short as I can, but would love for anyone that wouldn't mind spending some time on the phone or in person giving me solid advice.

Fishability and family friendly. I fish, I like to go fast (keep in mind I am the owner of a 150 pwrd ranger), I would like for my whole family (4) to enjoy a day on the water. My current boat is an 18 footer. I can get in and out of a lot of tight places with it. It is a very stable fishing platform. It rides good and has decent speed for what it is (60ish). I am not displeased with my ranger. It is a very good boat. When fishing is only thing I am doing, it would be hard to sway me from my rig. How well does the Allison fish?

My children always want to go boat riding. When the kids are involved the boss is always in tow. That makes 4. Not good with my current setup. Very limited with what I can do with it as a family boat. With just my wife, she doesn't like the ride or the wind, etc. How good is it as a family boat?

Performance. Me likey go fast! I have always been in to performance. I am very intrigued by the stuff I read here. I don't think I need an all out race motor, and it appears that isn't required. Needs to be reliable. What kind of performance and reliability can one expect from a non race motor powered Allison? What should be a mim hp to use as a fishing boat and family fun boat with the ability to scream hiding inside of it boat?

I know this is a long post (doesn't even scratch the surface) and I appriciate anyone that takes some time to enlighten me. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

I would be happy to meet up with you to go for a ride in my 2003. We could meet at the launch at Pass Manchac. It's about an hour for me and probably two and a half for you.

As for power, you need to stay with a 2.5 liter Mercury. If buying new, that is a 150 or 175. The Optimas 200 and 225 are 3 liter motors and too heavy. It can be done, but not without a lot of set up time and practice. There are plenty of used 225 Pro Max motors out there. With that motor, you would be high 80's or low 90's.

Let me know what you want to do. we can meet up or we can talk on the phone. If we meet up, I'm sure one or two more Allison owners would show up.

I sent you a PM.

I also will be happy to take you out.

For a family friendly fishing boat the xb2003t and the xb21 Prosport or 2+2 are hard to beat . The wind protection is amazing. As a passenger in a 2003 i could open and read a paper map at 80mph and drive mine at 90+ with my hat on facing forward. Iam 6'3" so i sat up pretty well . Your boss will love the wind protection and ride . Another huge plus is you sit in it instead of on it. It's a much more secure feeling and better for the kids. A 175pro xs is probably a mid to upper 70's boat depending on setup, load , and prop and be extremely thrifty on fuel. The older promax 2.5's are perfect for the 03 or the 200xs Merc. Some don't like the layout for fishing but for me it was fine. That is subject to personal taste. I think thats where a few hours on the water comes in to play.

Good luck!
Ron

I concur w/FASSBASS. I enjoyed talking to you and hope I helped some. Take care, I hope you find what you are looking for. If I can ever be of assistance, just let me know and you are always welcome to come out w/me on the water. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

Keep in mind contrary to some beliefs you don't NEED a Mercury on an Allison. That is the beauty of the 20' Allies, they will zoom with smaller HP.

If looking at new motors for a XB2003 your choices are limited. The hottest thing going would be to buy a Yammie 175 VMAX and have a Phase III installed. You keep warranty, reliablility and great performance.
If not a Yamaha guy Evinrude has a 200 ETEC and Mercs biggest smallblock is the 175xs. Today its pretty much "anything goes" if you want NEW power, especially in a small-block.


Modified by Darth VMAX at 9:57 AM 8/10/2009