Allison Vision 21

All in the family

Cruising around the trailerboat scene are rigs that are fairly tricked up with all the bling from the word go and then there are models that cater for those that want to do the window dressing themselves at a later stage.

Let's face it, marine accessories aren't cheap and not all of them suit all people. So we have the option of looking at boats from bare, base hulls to the full monty and all those in between.

Allison's boats sit mostly in the middle of this sliding scale and are synonymous with the phrase 'honest glass boats' with the Vision 21 model fitting that bill well and truly.

We took this boat for a spin on a fairly flat Moreton Bay recently just to see if it has earned its reputation over the years.

HULL DYNAMICS
The hull on this model features a planing plank running from the transom, forward to about one-third of the way along the keel. Aggressive reverse chines give the rig stability at rest in the water and it has a deadrise that will offer soft riding through chop.

The topside of the Vision 21 slopes down to the bump pads where it joins the bottom hull and there is no walkaround prospect to access the anchorwell from outside. Rather, access is through the cabin roof hatch and once there, one has good purchase over the top of the well. There is enough room for a large amount of ground tackle which is fed over a bowsprit that is bolted to the bow point.

The rising profile of the cabin roof going aft matches nicely with the sweptback, wraparound windscreen that consists of five panes, the side two of Perspex and the front three, hardened glass.

The alloy frame-supported canvas bimini is collapsible for stowage under a low roof or for long-distance towing.

Over the stern, the transom is pod-style with a boarding platform either side, that on the port side featuring a telescoping folding boarding ladder. In the back of the transom, this side is a small hatch from which an extendable freshwater wash nozzle may be drawn.

We did notice at the ramp that the hydraulic ram touches the gelcoat at the top of the transom engine mount when at the tilt level to trailer the package. This was due to the heavy-duty transom being thicker than normal.

If the engine could be mounted a millimetre or two higher this would not then be an issue.

The other option would be to have extended points on the bull horn steering system fixed to the engine mount bracket. Both of these should be investigated before any changes are made to the hull mould as strength rules in this part of a boat and this is what Allison's are renowned for.

COCKPIT SEATING
At the aft end of the cockpit, a very robust lounge is installed and is hinged to swing upwards to access the bilge.

The test boat had the battery isolator switch installed on the fascia of the cockpit sidepockets, too close to the front edge of the lounge and these two items clashed making it impossible to lift the lounge.

Later in the test, we removed the switch to swing the lounge and access the bilge. Other than there being a physical incapability of the operator of the boat to lift the lounge, there's no reason the switch could not be installed under the transom bulkhead out of the way of those moving around the cockpit.

The lounge is superimposed over a hinged hatch that accesses the freshwater tank and aft of that is a bilge pump near the transom proper.

The fuel filler pipe and breathers run through this compartment from the filler cap outside in the engine well to the underdeck tank amidships in the cockpit.

The chairs are heavily padded and the skipper's is mounted on a pedestal, while the passenger sits on an elongated box, the aft end of which may be insulated for use as an icebox.

The helm bulkhead has a footrest for both seats installed, the lid of which is hinged to access dry stowage area. A contoured compartment and a grabrail are situated in front of the passenger and further stowage is available in the usual sidepockets that run down the length of each side of the cockpit.

CABIN COMFORTS
The cabin is fully lined in soft carpet and the V-berths are at the same level as the outside deck with a leg well in the centre. This lower-than-usual level for the berths allows one good head-height room while keeping the overall profile of the cabin roof sleek.

The usual stowage is found under the berths, the latter which may be optioned with an infill to make a double berth for two adults. A brass porthole mirror adds a nautical touch.

The spaghetti we often find behind the helm station bulkhead, in the form of looms and wires, is neatly stashed behind a moulded and carpet covered hatch.

Under throttle, the Vision performed well with the fitted Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboard. Holeshot was good with two adults, but if you want to ski with a family aboard, optioning up to the maximum of 200hp or a rating in-between would be advisable.

At WOT and 6000rpm we achieved 75kmh on the Yamaha speedometer and quietly so with the four-stroke.

Manoeuvring is good and the ride is soft with little spray emanating onto the screen or into the aft corners of the cockpit near the lounge.

All up, this is a comfortable day boat for a medium-sized family and it won't break the bank, being well priced against imported boats of this type.

LOWS