I went to the lake today, knowing the rain was coming. I just needed to get a line wet. Besides, I also wanted to let the boat eat!! As I promised Todd Morgan at C&O and Darris & Nancy Allison, I'm easing into learning how this boat performs. Each time I go out, I'm gradually going up on the jack plate and running it for a while and seeing how the various trim settings react and how the boat performs.
I'm running very conservative. Call me a chicken, but I'm taking my time getting to know this boat. Right now, I've got the plate low (shows below 1/2 on the gauge but a little bit above 1/4). I'm not over trimming the motor. Not going over 4.2 trim on the smartcraft. I've found that at just the right height and trim, it starts to eat.
Today, I busted 80.5 and I was wanting more. 80 going up and down the river. I can imagine 85 should be within easy grasp when I figure out the sweet spot. You don't realize you're going that fast. I didn't have to fight the boat at all and it wasn't hard to drive. I guess I'm getting the hang of it.
[Flashback to this past fall. . . I took Lance's BasSport Pro which had a 300XS on it at the time to the river and I could accelerate to 84, I just couldn't drive the boat and hold that speed. I think they call it "washing the decals" I could only hold it at 70 no more. I've come a long way I guess. Just a few hours of seat time (I have about 5hrs on this engine) and I'm unlearning all the things from my prior boats. ]
Today, the river was still full of trash and I could let off the throttle pretty quick, decellerate and dodge the trash. The boat doesn't slide, it bites. I'm sure when I learn to put her in the wind, I will know what I can and can't do with emergency avoidance maneuvers. The boat handles exceptionally well. By the way, I can't make it backwash. I tried.
Another thing, the consoles on these boats were designed to be aerodynamic. You're supposed to be able to wear your cap at full speed as the wind is diverted around you. Well, they're too good!
It rained steadily all afternoon. While I ran from spot to spot, I used my fish hedz to protect my eyes and rain would accumulate on the lens. The rain wouldn't blow off the lenses while I was running down the lake. I had to stick my head off to the side of the console to get the wind to hit the mask to make the rain blow off to the sides. I felt like I was driving down the highway with my head hanging out of the windows.
When I first got the 2+2 and was considering the Allisons, I had a "block" on the rod organizers. It's not your traditional rod organizer layout. Today, I found that I love the rod trays on each side of the boat. There are two tubes by the driver and two tubes by the passenger. Also, there is a rod strap on the front deck beside the console. They really keep the rods out of the way and the lay down out of the wind. If you can keep an open mind and let all the marketing hype go away, you develop a deep appreciation for the quality and the interior design of the boat.
Anyway, I'm stoked about this boat. I can't wait to get it out again. Thanks to everyone who has given me feedback and answered questions. Also, to Todd at C&O for working with me to put me in an Allison. I think he knew I was eventually going this direction. I love this boat.
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