Allison Vista 21

Australia has a proud tradition of family boatbuilders. Names such as Whittley, Haines and Savage are some that immediately spring to mind. Perhaps less well known, but contributing just as strongly to this tradition is the Allison family, which operates out of Queensland as the Allison Boat Company.

Col Allison is held in high regard throughout the industry and both his son, Bruce, and daughter, Susan, work in the business, which produces a dozen models from top-end fishing craft to a 19ft ski boat.

Given the family nature of the business, it's no surprise the Allison Boat Company focuses its attention on building boats that boaties of all ages can enjoy, as highlighted by the boat TrailerBoat tested recently, the Allison Vista 21.

A GOOD MATCH
We took the helm of the Vista 21 at the BRP Club E-Tec event on the Gold Coast late in 2006 and put the boat through its paces around the Broadwater. In a light chop with half a tank of fuel, two passengers and safety gear, the Vista 21, powered by an E-Tec 150, reached a speed of 73km/h (5750rpm) at WOT. A comfortable cruising speed of 18km/h (2500rpm) should suit the whole family, while other speeds through the rev range included 45km/h (3500rpm) and 60km/h (4500rpm). The 150hp E-Tec was spinning a 15-inch stainless steel BRP Rebel prop.

So with the 150 mounted on the back proving a good match for this hull, let's take a look at what else this boat has to offer. While at the back end, we should mention the stainless steel boarding ladder and grabrail on the port side of the transom. Having recently found myself taking a dip in Port Phillip Bay out of a boat that did not have these features, I can attest to how valuable this simple hardware is. In a boat like this, where kids may be aboard for a day's cruising and will definitely want to take a dip in warmer northern waters, they are a must. There's also a beaut saltwater deckwash that'll come in handy for keeping things clean.

There are two rodholders at the transom, while the long lounge folds down to create extra fishing space in this area of the boat.

 The lounge folds down to a nice height that will allow you to hook in should you have a feisty fish on the go while the backrest provides a comfortable pad for the transom. There's also good access to the battery and oil bottle, which are both located under the lounge.

There are stainless steel cleats on both the port and starboard side of the transom, and there's a further two spring cleats that can be found amidships. The cockpit-length storage pockets will hold much of your fishing and safety gear.

The rocket launcher and bimini/targa combo provides good shelter for the cockpit, which houses two chairs mounted on large storage boxes. As well as the main storage bin aft of each seat, there's an accessory storage portal under the passenger seat housing a tackle drawer. There's also a glovebox, stainless steel grabrail and a footrest in the passenger's vicinity.

At the control centre, which is a simple design, the BRP throttle sits at an accessible height and the gauges sit immediately forward of the skipper, while switches are mounted on the starboard side of the dash. There's plenty of room here to install a GPS and other electronics, while a compass would not go astray either.

 Access to the bow is via the cabin hatch. This provides access to the large anchor and accessories and the mooring bollard. I'd like to see provision for an anchor winch on this boat, to make the anchoring process a little easier.

The cabin itself is big enough for two bodies to bunk down and there is plenty of storage options under the cabin bunk. The parcel shelves surrounding the cabin provide additional storage options and there's a porta potti which is needed on a boat of this nature. The bunk cushions are blue with a splash of red. These colours go nicely with the overall blue-and-white combination of the cockpit upholstery and the hull.

The Allison Vista 21 offers you the best of both worlds and is Australian built, with a design and structure that caters to Australian conditions. The test boat was pretty much what you get for $72,995. The only options fitted were the stainless steel targa top/bimini with launchers and the test boat also carried clears.

The Vista 21 is a neat option for anyone looking for a boat that can cater to both family cruising as well as hardcore fishing.

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