StillFloats
Probationary User
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2023
- Messages
- 4
- Points
- 3
New old guy here,
I'm about to turn 52 and have found the things in life that I like are really not widely popular anymore. I don't feel left out, but it means that the things I usually end up wanting are in short supply. I have always wanted to live on the water and finally have a home with a dock in Northern California in a little hidden pocket between the freezing pit of fog and wind that is San Francisco and the hot wine country of Sonoma and Napa. I have been reading about boats for about six-months now and am really interested in XS-2003 Allison GrandSport. Please feel free to comment and help me learn from your experience.
I like that GrandSports have beautiful architectural lines that are sexy and the boat seems to be about nuance rather than overblown "look at me" insecurities. I love that the designers were interested in providing for extreme efficiency rather than compensating for lack of refinement with outrageous horsepower. I love to go fast, but I like that the evolution of the boat over time didn't seem to be impacted by passing design fads. When many were painting boats with bright neon colors or obnoxious graphics, the Allison GrandSports continued with more simple, traditional stripes and color combinations. The direction of Paul and Darris Allison seemed to be refine from within through technological advances in high quality building materials and further understanding of fluid dynamics. Since the boats were extremely strong, light, and efficient, they were fast ...... even with smaller powerplants. I admire a boat that is fast rather than looking fast; one that is built for longevity rather than being the flavor of the moment. I have always admired people that don't talk a big game and run their mouth, but let their results speak for them. Integrity and results over flash and showmanship is preferable.
I was sad when I learned that the XS-2003 Allison GrandSport is no longer in production. I guess the market for the small single engine family boat is not economically viable for manufacturers. This probably means that I will have to be patient and become a student of the boat and make a smart purchase. I welcome all pointers and recommendations on where to look for potential boats and how I can learn to be a better operator. I am open to suggestions on what I should do to gain experience and learn how to handle fast, nimble boats better. Previously, I have operated 1950's Chris Crafts, 1970's and 80's Ski Natiques, and small sailboats. I look forward to learning from the community here.
Thanks for reading my ramblings,
I'm about to turn 52 and have found the things in life that I like are really not widely popular anymore. I don't feel left out, but it means that the things I usually end up wanting are in short supply. I have always wanted to live on the water and finally have a home with a dock in Northern California in a little hidden pocket between the freezing pit of fog and wind that is San Francisco and the hot wine country of Sonoma and Napa. I have been reading about boats for about six-months now and am really interested in XS-2003 Allison GrandSport. Please feel free to comment and help me learn from your experience.
I like that GrandSports have beautiful architectural lines that are sexy and the boat seems to be about nuance rather than overblown "look at me" insecurities. I love that the designers were interested in providing for extreme efficiency rather than compensating for lack of refinement with outrageous horsepower. I love to go fast, but I like that the evolution of the boat over time didn't seem to be impacted by passing design fads. When many were painting boats with bright neon colors or obnoxious graphics, the Allison GrandSports continued with more simple, traditional stripes and color combinations. The direction of Paul and Darris Allison seemed to be refine from within through technological advances in high quality building materials and further understanding of fluid dynamics. Since the boats were extremely strong, light, and efficient, they were fast ...... even with smaller powerplants. I admire a boat that is fast rather than looking fast; one that is built for longevity rather than being the flavor of the moment. I have always admired people that don't talk a big game and run their mouth, but let their results speak for them. Integrity and results over flash and showmanship is preferable.
I was sad when I learned that the XS-2003 Allison GrandSport is no longer in production. I guess the market for the small single engine family boat is not economically viable for manufacturers. This probably means that I will have to be patient and become a student of the boat and make a smart purchase. I welcome all pointers and recommendations on where to look for potential boats and how I can learn to be a better operator. I am open to suggestions on what I should do to gain experience and learn how to handle fast, nimble boats better. Previously, I have operated 1950's Chris Crafts, 1970's and 80's Ski Natiques, and small sailboats. I look forward to learning from the community here.
Thanks for reading my ramblings,
That would be a good place for you to see an Allison model from the XB2002, XB2003, and a few 21'ers .