Allison Vision 21

Allison Boats' spectrum - albeit only 15 models from four to seven metres - encompasses some of the most popular configurations on the market. The company has established a reputation for building solidly constructed boats at a competitive price.

While its range includes some superb fishing boats, the Allison Boat Company also manufactures a couple of family-oriented boats comprising comforts that enhance the social aspect of boating.

Allison's latest family boat, the Vision 21, has a spacious cabin, comfortable aft cockpit, and offers a pleasing ride.

LOUNGE LIZARDS
The first thing that caught my eye on the Vision 21 was the plush light-apricot rear lounge that spread across the transom of the boat. It's a comfortable three-to-four seater. There wouldn't be any trouble stretching out on this lounge with magazine in one hand and a refreshing drink in the other... With perhaps a cheese and biscuit platter on the table in the centre of the cockpit. It certainly sounds like an inviting form of relaxation.

For those not stretched out on the big rear lounge, matching helm and passenger seats offer a social environment for family and friends.

A round pedestal table is positioned in the centre of the cockpit. The pole simply screws into the cockpit floor with the tabletop affixed. When not in use the top and pole are kept inside the cabin.

Like the table, the rear lounge lower sections can be removed and stowed forward, thus increasing the size of the cockpit should you need more room (ie. for a spot of fishing).

The full-length moulded sidepockets offer a staggering amount of room for everything from lifejackets to towels and small tackle boxes. The sidepockets do not protrude out past the coamings - so what you keep in here is out of the way. With the pockets raised slightly off the floor you are still able to get your feet in underneath.

The rounded styling of the helm and dash is soft, smooth and aesthetic with no harsh corners to bump against. There is no flat section on top of the dash, thus electronics and gauges have to be flush-mounted. Designated areas have been created to ensure adequate space for this.

Moulded fibreglass footrests are provided for both driver and passenger. These are box-type footrests with hinged lids. While these are not huge storage areas, they are the perfect location for a few tools, short ropes and a can of WD40.

COMFORT ZONE
The helm and passenger seats are very comfy and the pedestals are gas sprung, which eliminates most of the jarring associated with bumps on the ocean. They are adjustable up and down and fore and aft.

The boater has a choice of canopies. Invariably with this style of boat, the main canopy is attached to stainless steel or aluminium framework to give a good shaded area. To this an optional 'storm cover' section can be clipped on, which runs right to the transom to fully-enclose the deck area. This storm cover keeps out the cold and the mozzies and increases privacy.

The bunk infills in the cabin provide superb sleeping quarters - with plenty of room for two to spread out for a good night's sleep. There is also provision for an optional porta-potti.

The stern is graced with a moulded pod, with boarding steps either side of the outboard. Both the pod and boarding steps are integrated smartly, complementing the overall appeal of the boat.

The 150hp EFI Mercury outboard fitted to the testboat provided excellent acceleration and had the Allison planing in no time. There would also be sufficient power and pick up with this engine to pull a couple of skiers out of the water.

FAMILY FUN
Skipping out through the leads of the harbour on the test day the small chop was only just noticeable, with the 19° deadrise hull delivering a ride that makes boating enjoyable for the whole family.

The stability and lift of this particular boat is enhanced by the planing strakes while on the run. Though only reversed a couple of degrees these strakes downturn the spray nicely. Once you stop, those big reversed chines on the Vision 21 aid stability while at rest.

The Vision 21 is an easy boat to drive; it doesn't take long to settle in behind the wheel and feel in control of the boat. With hydraulic steering, it's the type of boat the whole family can enjoy driving.

With high coamings and a full transom there are no worries about security with smaller children, as there is ample height to keep them safely inside the boat.

In terms of structural integrity, Col Allison takes pride in producing his full fibreglass stringer and deck. No timber is used. The hull also has a three-year warranty, completing an excellent family package.