I didn't know allison made a legit open bow---very cool. Any perf #s w/ that 115?
As it sits, it's a mid 50s boat. Darris said "best conditions" it should bust 60 with that motor. Pretty amazing for a deep, 17ft bowrider with a ol 115 tower of power. It's got the same basic bottom under it as the GT20 so they can run. They ran over 80 with 200s and faster with bigger motors. The motor just finished double oiling the tank previous to the rally last week so it's all essentially "brand new" and untested. Whoever buys this beaut will essentially have the honor of breaking it all in "again" now for it's "second life".
I appreciate Kirk calling me back yesterday, guys this boat is THE best Alli bowrider left on the planet! He explained to me that Bill Scates told him they couldn't 100% verify via paperwork or files (long ago stored/tucked away who knows where and obviously before computers) but they are pretty sure they only built around 24-25 of these hulls between 1976 and 1983. Bill also said he remembered rigging this exact boat at the factory back in 1983. Bill was pretty sure in recalling that THIS BOAT was THE LAST bowrider built as well!!!
Darris sold the molds in the mid80s so THIS IS IT, NO MORE, come and get it and join perhaps THE most elite group of rare Allison owners. (Like many have said, they didn't even realize Darris ever built a boat like this! Most folks just have never heard of them before.)
I KNOW I'll regret this, but I'm going to pass on it for now as I simply don't have the time to justify getting it. :very sad My other 3 boats have been wet only 3-4 times each this year plus with my farm and kids I just don't have the time to use this beauty and I'd hate to relegate it to sitting, collecting dust in a corner of my garage. Someone needs to wheel this piece of history down the lake regularly and let folks know the Alli legacy is as awesome and strong as ever.
The boat is factory gel "cream and brown". Kirk found original Merc gages from that era so it all looks just like it would've when it left the plant. I'm sure as good as the pics show it, it's truly a work of art in person. :shock: Kirk and his dad were Allison dealers for many years in the Knoxville area and I believe he told me this was his 19th A-boat to rebuild as a hobby and past time. (Kirk's dad raced with Mr. Paul "way back in the day" as a matter of fact and is a "tower of power" authority.) Short of Darris redoing it, I doubt the boat could've been done ANY better by a more knowledgeable Allison person and the price sure doesn't reflect the manhours spent restoring this masterpiece.
SOMEONE please enjoy this beauty and hopefully bring it to Clifton in a few weeks so I can fondle her... :twisted evil
RA
