Allusion Or Bullet Bass Boat: Which Is The Speedster?

Bass boats are small boats designed for bass fishing in freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They are usually propelled by two methods: an outboard motor and a trolling motor. The ability to hit high speeds is an advantage for anglers, allowing them to reach fishing spots faster. While some bass boats max out between 40 and 70 mph, others are built for greater speed. Two bass boat manufacturers that are often compared for their speed are Allison and Bullet. In this introduction, we will explore the features and performance of these two boats to determine which is faster and provide insights into their design, functionality, and overall user experience.

The Allison boat's speed and performance

Allison Boats is a well-known and respected name in the world of bass boats, with a long history of pushing the envelope in design and performance. With over 60 years of experience, Allison has been at the forefront of innovating and breaking speed records in the outboard boating industry.

The Allison XB-21 BasSport is hailed as the ultimate performance bass boat, with a patented hull design that delivers faster speeds, better fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride. This boat is designed to be versatile, efficient, comfortable, and fast. The combination of a bass boat interior and a world-record-holding hull design makes the ProSport 21 a top choice for anglers seeking speed and performance without compromising on comfort and efficiency.

The Allison ProSport Sport Utility Boat, or XB-21, is a prime example of Allison's expertise. It boasts a top speed of 116.7 mph, reaching the mid-80s with a 225 V6 outboard and blistering into the mid-90s with a 250R outboard. Anglers can rest assured that this boat has the speed and agility to get them to their fishing spots quickly and efficiently.

The XB-21's hull design is a key factor in its impressive performance. The patented design allows for faster speeds, improved fuel savings, and a more comfortable ride. Allison's extensive history in racing has been integrated into the hull's design, ensuring optimal performance. The spray comes cleanly off the hull, reducing drag and providing a smoother, faster ride.

In addition to speed and performance, the Allison XB-21 also offers exceptional fuel efficiency. It boasts double the average gas mileage of other big-name bass boats on the market, ensuring that anglers can stay out on the water for longer without worrying about refueling.

The Allison XB-21 BasSport is more than just a speed machine; it also provides a comfortable and convenient fishing experience. The boat features a spacious front deck, providing ample casting area, and a unique trolling motor foot pedal well for better visibility and aerodynamics. The rear deck is easily accessible and provides ample room for fishing, making it a versatile and functional choice for anglers.

The Allison XB-21 BasSport is an exceptional choice for anglers seeking a high-performance bass boat. With its impressive top speeds, innovative hull design, exceptional fuel efficiency, and comfortable fishing features, it offers a unique combination of speed, performance, and versatility that is hard to beat.

The Bullet boat's speed and performance

Bullet boats have been described as the "'Porsches of bass fishing". The 2023 Bullet 21XRS, for example, can reach speeds of up to 80 mph with a full load of fuel and over 500 pounds of passengers and gear. The boat's unique hull pad and overall design allow it to handle chop well, skimming over waves and minimising spray.

The Bullet 21XRS is also fuel-efficient, with a recorded cruise speed of just over 36 mph, achieving 4.1 mpg. The boat's sleek deck and sheerline profile, along with its powerful engine and high-quality finish, contribute to its impressive speed and performance.

Bullet boats are built with a focus on durability and performance, designed to outpace competitors in the market. The construction methods and materials used by the company result in a high-quality, hand-laid boat. The use of lightweight and durable materials, such as carbon fibre and fibreglass, further enhances the speed and manoeuvrability of their boats.

The design features of Bullet boats also contribute to their speed. They have sleek profiles, improved aerodynamics, and wider beams, which increase stability and improve casting and reeling for anglers. The refined hulls provide better handling in a variety of water conditions, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the environment.

In addition to speed, Bullet boats offer a range of features that make them well-suited for bass fishing. These include ample rod and tackle storage, comfortable seating, advanced electronics, and insulated coolers. The combination of speed, performance, and fishing-specific features makes Bullet boats a popular choice for anglers seeking a competitive edge.

The pros and cons of each boat

Bullet Boats have been manufacturing hand-built, high-quality bass boats for over 30 years. Their boats are designed for tournament anglers and are known for their durability. The construction methods and materials used by Bullet Boats do not allow for mass manufacturing, so production is limited. However, they produce a high-quality, hand-laid boat that is well-designed and constructed.

Some pros of Bullet Boats are:

• Durability: These boats are built to last and are made with high-quality materials and construction techniques.
• Tournament-ready: Bullet Boats are designed with tournament anglers in mind, offering features that cater to competitive fishing.
• Limited production: While this may be a con for some, the limited production ensures that each boat is given the attention to detail and craftsmanship it deserves.

Some cons of Bullet Boats may include:

• Limited availability: Due to their limited production, Bullet Boats may be harder to come by, and there might be a waiting list or longer lead times.
• Not mass-market: If you're looking for a more affordable, mass-market option, Bullet Boats may not be the best choice as they focus on custom, hand-built boats.

Allison Boats, on the other hand, are known for their speed, performance, and handling. They have a dedicated following, with some anglers swearing by them for tournament fishing.

Some pros of Allison Boats include:

• Speed: Allison Boats are renowned for their speed, making them ideal for anglers who need to quickly move from one fishing spot to another.
• Handling: Allison Boats are said to handle rough water well, providing a smooth ride for anglers.
• Fishing features: These boats are designed with fishing in mind, offering features such as elevated casting decks, swivel chairs, and ample storage for fishing gear.

Some cons of Allison Boats may include:

• Rocking: Some users have reported that Allison Boats tend to rock when standing on the sides, which can make fishing more challenging.
• Narrow beam: Allison Boats may have a narrower beam, which can contribute to the rocking issue and make the boat feel less stable, especially for larger anglers.
• Limited fishing deck space: While Allison Boats are designed for fishing, some anglers may find the fishing deck space to be limited, especially when compared to other boats in the same class.

In terms of speed, both Bullet and Allison Boats have their strengths. Bullet Boats are designed for durability and tournament performance, which likely includes a focus on speed. Allison Boats, on the other hand, are known for their speed and acceleration, with some models reaching impressive top speeds. Ultimately, the fastest boat would depend on various factors such as motor size, boat configuration, and water conditions.

The history of both boat manufacturers

Bullet Boats

In the fall of 1980, Bullet Boats was founded by a small group of craftsmen with expertise in the design, use, and construction of tournament bass boats. The company was established with a commitment to innovation in design and craftsmanship, quality, and integrity. Bullet Boats has been building hand-built, high-quality bass boats for over 30 years, with a mission to design and manufacture durable boats for tournaments that outperform any other bass boat on the market. Their construction methods and materials do not allow for mass manufacturing, so production is limited. However, they produce a high-quality, hand-laid boat that is well-designed and constructed for the tournament angler.

Illusion

Illusion is a superyacht built in 2013 at the Dutch Heesen Yachts shipyard. The yacht was initially launched as the Galactica Star with an original sale price of €65 million. In 2017, it was seized by the US government as part of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative from former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. It was then sold at auction in 2019 to Burgess Yachts, who refurbished it and renamed it Illusion. The yacht is owned by shell company Paxford Ltd. and operated by Burgess Yachts, where it is available for charter. Illusion has a maximum speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, and its Van Oosannen-designed hull was built for maximum efficiency, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The design and construction of both boats

Bullet Boats have been manufacturing hand-built, high-quality bass boats for over 30 years. Their boats are designed and constructed for tournament anglers, with a focus on durability and performance. The "hand lay-up" method, specifically the "sandwich core" construction technique, is used in the construction of Bullet Boats. This involves applying large, continuous layers of glass fabrics by hand, ensuring a distinct advantage in the boat's structural integrity. Resins are applied precisely, saturating the strands to prevent weakness and brittleness. The core material, which can vary in thickness, is then covered with additional glass fabric layers, resulting in a composite structure that is both strong and lightweight. Bullet Boats also utilise Kevlar fabrics and vinyl ester-based high-performance marine resins to further enhance the strength of their boats. The extended mould time of 7-8 days ensures a flawless finish and precise hull surface, improving handling and performance.

Allison Boats, on the other hand, have been in the industry since 1955, building custom high-performance bass boats, sport boats, and racing boats. Their XB-21 BasSport Tournament Edition is an all-composite, single or dual-console professional bass boat, offering both high quality and low total cost of ownership. Allison Boats are known for their patented hull design, which promises faster speeds, improved fuel efficiency, and a more comfortable ride. Their hulls are designed with over 60 years of racing experience, resulting in superior performance, efficiency, and handling. Allison's boats are handcrafted by highly trained and experienced craftsmen, ensuring the highest quality. They also focus on efficiency, maximum strength with minimum weight, and long-term durability in their engineering process.

Both Bullet and Allison Boats aim for superior performance, durability, and handling. While Bullet Boats utilise glass fabrics, Kevlar, and vinyl ester resins in their construction, Allison Boats emphasise their patented hull design and racing heritage. Allison Boats also offer customisation options, allowing customers to build their dream boat.

In terms of construction, both companies employ hand-built techniques, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Bullet Boats' "hand lay-up" method and Allison Boats' customisation and patented hull design set them apart in the industry.

Frequently asked questions