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Hawg Dawg.
My brother is looking at a 98 XB-2003 ProSport. Looks to be in excellent condition. Married up with a 94 150 Johnson Carb motor. Can you guys give me any feedback about known issues or just some info about the Allisons in general of that era? His little brother owns a BassCat (me) so of course he refuses to look at Basscat because that would be too much pride to swallow. Since they were built for speed, I assume some comfort and fish ability issues may be sacrificed. Appearance is excellent for the age and the trailer looks almost brand new. Asking 9500.00. Not looking for anyone to dog Allison, just a few opinions about what he might look for or expect to have with that boat. Ive never been in one and neither has he. Of course he would have that motor checked out by a trusted wrench.If he buys it Ill be able to more easily explain why I need to trade my Sabre for a PII. As if I really need an excuse.
That will be a nice ride, though not riding as well as those BCB models due to the weight. The XB 2003 is a pretty good rig. They have not issues we know of however the amount of Allisons is very limited. Thus you dont know or hear of many issues. They do a fine job and your big brother will enjoy it we feel. That 94 carb 150 is one of the best engines ever made. Just tell him to strip the VRO pump and go pre mix on the fuel. That is our only concern on it and you are right in that the fishing is secondary on those Allison models. If he doesnt pick it up let us know as we may have someone interested in one. BCB
Allison is a small family type company as well. I think there are a couple of Allison guys that post on here, you may send them an instant message if they dont see the post.I think “Traybird” has an Allison. Then there is Rob Shaw, who is running an Allison and ran BassCat previously. Rob posts over on BassBoatCentral, so you may check out the Allison board over there as well.Hard to say what value would be placed, you could try to spec out according to the NADA guidelines, found in the “boats for sale” section here.Good luck!96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
Well the xb-03 has some of the best wind protection due to the layout and design. With their proprietary constructing an d impeccable gel work he will be quite happy with that package. Did the previous owner leave the OMC lower unit stock? Not that you have to worry about handling issues with a 150, however with Allyson efficient Hull design he will see over 70mph at full boogie. Their is a ally board on allisonboats.com, the Eagle trailers usually rust from the inside out so double check those center beams for rust. If the VRO pump is a 5 wire system then dont worry about taking it off, they may have already handled that, BCB most VRO fissures were back n the mid to late 80s starting in 85. Have him get used to the 150 then strap on a fire breathing Merc 280 racing motor and let her bust into Triple Digits. Brannon
Great boat, their trailers are not so great. They will be the first to tell you they dont build their own trailers. Check that out real good. The only problem I have with the CC Allisons is getting on the front deck. By time you stack your rods down one side that only leaves one path to the front deck and when you have size 13 broggans you are an accident waiting to happen in rough water or at night getting on or off the front deck. If you end up fishing with him let him know when he hollers for the net it may take a second to get up there with him.They fixed this issue when they went with the standard topcap design with the Pro Sport. Driving one with a 150 shouldnt be a big challenge if he knows how to drive a HP bass boat. Anything over 80 MPH and its a dance. With Allison they dont call it chinewalk, they call it washing the rub rails. The first time I experienced this and realized I was running in the mid 80s when it happened I think I pulled the stitching loose from the outstanding supportive drivers seat with my hiney.
85 was the first year for VRO. I bought one – had to have it. Same year horsepower was measured at the propeller shaft.OMC had a recall on the early VRO. All burned up if you ran it very much. VRO II enriched oil and added alarms. The extra wires were for alarms If I recall correctly.I had problems with every oil tank sucking air where the hose goes into the tank. Make sure the hose is fastened in a way so there is no push-pull on the hose when turning or triming the motor up and down.I personally like BCB recommendation. Mix oil on the old carbed loopers. They really have the capability of building power if you know what to do, and it is a shame to burn on up. OMC had some special edition race stuff. I dont recall the years though but they were loopers and could run.
Very well built boat. Center Console model (Unique). Not really in love with the seating layout or rod storage, but hey, that would be in the eyes of the beholder. Again, good boats.
The first time I experienced this and realized I was running in the mid 80s when it happened I think I pulled the stitching loose from the outstanding supportive drivers seat with my hiney. LMFAO!!!!!
Thanks for info guys. I knew I could get solid info from this group without having to wade through a bunch of smack. Love this board!
tswanson wrote: 85 was the first year for VRO. I bought one – had to have it. Same year horsepower was measured at the propeller shaft.OMC had a recall on the early VRO. All burned up if you ran it very much. VRO II enriched oil and added alarms. The extra wires were for alarms If I recall correctly.I had problems with every oil tank sucking air where the hose goes into the tank. Make sure the hose is fastened in a way so there is no push-pull on the hose when turning or triming the motor up and down.I personally like BCB recommendation. Mix oil on the old carbed loopers. They really have the capability of building power if you know what to do, and it is a shame to burn on up. OMC had some special edition race stuff. I dont recall the years though but they were loopers and could run.Actually, 1984 was the first year of the VRO. I had a XP150 Evinrude on a Skeeter Starfire. The pump VRO had a fuel pump on one side and a oil pump on the other. I had problems with the fuel pump side going out. The rig was radared at 62 mph, which was fast for that time. Not trying to steal this post. I am just an OFG with a little history.
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