Horse play, Allison or STV?

[ozarkguns]

I've saved up some of my Iraqi tax free combat pay and am ready to buy a new boat. Which boat is more fun to drive and cut up in? I've never been in either boat but I like the speed. (GSXR750, YZ250, Corvette.) A couple boats ago I had a twin engine Sea Doo. It was a good little horse around foo foo boat that didn't go very fast. So my question is, which boat makes for a better play boat? Thanks, Bob

[et07757]

If this is your first true high performance boat, I would suggest an stv. My brother inlaw who never drove a boat faster than 35 mph took my stv to 102 in less than a mile. It is the one of the few fast boats that won't get you in trouble. Allisons are fast 1/4 mi. boats but there is a lot of set up time involved with them and you have to learn how to drive it. Hope this info helps.

[350cavi]

if you want to drive a boat fast have have fun while driving it, get a allison. V bottom boats are the funnest to drive, and once you learn how to drive a V bottom, you can drive anything else. just my 2 cents

[V8astrovan]

seat time seat time seat time and more seat time in a allison.. i have a allison xb2003 for sale its easy 2 drive up to 75 then you have to start driving it after that.. let me know if you want more info..

[Tango]

Love My STV and you couldn't get me to trade for an Allison any day. Come to Houston and I'll let you drive it.

What was your MOS? My bro is w/ 3ID.

[Big Johnson V8]

Drive both, once you drive a cat you will never go back!

[Cp]

NOthing like a flying a V on the pad. Nothing.

0 to 90-100, no question about it. V.

Driver input required.

This is good.

[et07757]

Try stringing an allison at 125 mph for 5 miles it will never happen. What kind of hull on this site made a 151 mph pass and the driver is still alive (stv)

[Fish]

Awesome choices, but IMHO, being new to the sport the stv is the better choice. They are totally different handling and the tunnel guys for the most part like the tunnels and the v bottoms like the v's, but I think all would agree that the allison requires more skill and continual attention to drive fast. I believe the allison will also be quicker out of the hole, the stv faster on the top end. The Stv is a more forgiving boat, without sacrificing speed.

[Ospreyproduction]

Hell, I won't even ride in an Allison!!!

[Mark Lundgren]

what brand holds more WORLD records hummmmm.

[VectorPat]

I dont think this is question of what is fastest. He has never been in either boat. I dont think he's going to be breaking any records anytime soon.

[Slider]

As far as safety, I was always under the impression that an air entrapment hull would get you in trouble quicker than a pad-V. The pad-V will let you know you are doing something wrong before you get wet.

It all depends on what you want out of the boat and how much HP you are going to put on it. Are you going to use hydraulic sterring or cable? Do you want a relaxing ride or one that will put you to sleep at night knowing you had a good workout? I prefer the satisfaction of driving on a pad, but it gets tiring after a long day. There is also nothing like running WOT, holding your favorite beverage in 1 hand, and the steering wheel in the other. I would say try them both if you can.

[rock]

I've had both and both are a blast. Started with a Hydrostream then went to an STV then back to a Stream then an LTV and now an Allison. They are all fun but the tunnels are easier to drive at top end. If you want to run 110 or 120 you should go with a tunnel. If 80 to 100 is more you thing then it doesn't much matter. Either way you go you must be sure the boat is in top mechanical condition with all possible safety features in place. Don't want to get one of our heroes back and lose him to a boat. Not to change the subject, but thanks for your effort over there.
Rock

[Hot Shot Merc]

I think you should start off with an older Action or a Hydrostream V-King with a stock 200.You will be very impressed with either one and then with the seat time it takes to balance a V-Bottom on its pad at or near 100 mph then get the Allison or you could just dive rite in and get the STV or try a Quarter Shot T-3.:)

[Scott Gilmore]

I've saved up some of my Iraqi tax free combat pay and am ready to buy a new boat. Which boat is more fun to drive and cut up in? I've never been in either boat but I like the speed. (GSXR750, YZ250, Corvette.) A couple boats ago I had a twin engine Sea Doo. It was a good little horse around foo foo boat that didn't go very fast. So my question is, which boat makes for a better play boat? Thanks, Bob

The Allison would be more "fun to drive" , also if you're bashing your boat around in rough water I'd also pick the Allison. Both STV & Allison are super fast well made boats. A properly setup Allison(XB2002,XR2002,XR2001RR,SS2000) with the same power should be able to hang with the STV River Rocket or Pro Comp(or even be quicker) up until 110mph, after that if you need higher speed I'd go with the STV. I know of a very few Allisons that have hit the 125 to 130mph mark but VERY FEW. Either boat you pick you can't go wrong !! Good Luck, Scott :D

[Barefoot Bob]

Scott hit it right on the head. You can also fish out of the Allison and haul the fish back to the dock in the live well at high speed (xb2002, xb2003)
Oh ya, dont forget about the nice front deck to lay out on. Perfect all around boat if you ask me.

[msethsmile]

don't forget combat pay, THANK YOU

Ps.
the allison is also a better ski boat (with pole) and fishing already mentioned.

[David]

Q1 Its a lot easier for a newby to hit 100 in an STV but is it wise for a rookie to go so fast?

Q2 What about a TRIAD V21? The reputation is easier to drive than an Ally.

If you plan on carrying friends, a V bottom will generally carry the weight better. Although there is an STV/Green Merc evaluation on this site somewhere that was pretty impressive, over 100 mph with 4 aboard.

For what its worth my money went into an SS2000. Either an STV or an Allison or any number of boats would be a blast.

[Corona Mike]

I like both but.....NEVER let it be said that a STV won't lure you into a false sence of security by how "easy" it drives! Yes Michael Dixion ran 151.??? in one but, Hank blew one over at 137.??? and is very lucky to still be with us! Learning to be cautious doesn't hurt a thing. If I were you, I would start with a Hydro Stream Vector or V-King once you get that to 100.?? then get either an Allison or a S.T.V. you will have a very good idea of how fast that is on water. BTW, the cost difference will allow you to spend some of your hard earned money on a good life jacket 1st!! Good luck Be CAREFULL!!

[skydog]

Allison all day!! FUN FUN FUN!!!!!!!!!

Skydog

[Ted Stryker]

I'm VERY HESITANT to recommend a high performance Allison to anyone that hasn't had some measurable experiance in fast outboards, preferably Vee hulls... The STV will be a more effortless fast ride with great quality and resale value... If you found that you wanted a Vee hull later, then maybe start with what these other fella's have recommended... Allison's can be very quirky, and I'd hate to see you spend a good amount of $$ just to end up frustrated or very sore if not broken ribs... I been around fast boats all my life, and I just don't think of an Allison as a beginners boat...

[skydog]

I just don't think of an Allison as a beginners boat.
Yea you are right man!! They are far from it!


Skydog

[Ron V]

I totally disagree with the notion that there is ANY 100+ boat that "won't get you in trouble".

Also a great observation was made about a rookie going so fast. 100 in a Vette isn't even worth talking about by comparison.

But, if you must, and insist on one of the two, I would get the Allison. Better to have a boat that scares the hell out of the driver and that won't let you get it opened up until you have some experience. The false sense of security that a tunnel provides could be your death warrant.

Personally, I think that an Allison with something like a 115 Intruder would be a good stepping stone.

[stokernick]

:D BEST SOLUTION: ride in each,drive each,try others the same way and make your decision!:D

[David]

Rather than a 115 Intruder, a 200 XS, with a small prop. May as well enjoy wicked acceleration.

[msethsmile]

allison w/ 115 intruder (actually fastrike) been there, and it was fun

[skydog]

allison w/ 115 intruder (actually fastrike) been there, and it was fun


Yea there you go!! That would be fun and i bet it would run faster than you think!!

SKydog:D

[AlanButts]

I think you should start out with a hydrostream Vandle with a 78 or 79 high ring 235 evenrude thats what taught me to drive i am sure itll work for u 2 . If U live thru it .

[brotherxb03]

I think you could get in trouble quick with either one if it's your first boat.

[WARLOCK]

First off...Welcome home and THANKS for you sacrefices over there!!! Any way, if you want to be safe at almost any speed and want to get rid of all that battle pay, give me a call and I'll sell you my 30ft Motion w/triples. In all seriousness, and in my opinion, the STV is easier to learn to drive but as someone else has said can also give you a false sense of security. Start off slow and don't get too carried away. Later, Dave

[skydog]

First off...Welcome home and THANKS for you sacrefices over there!!!


Yes THANK YOU MAN YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

Skydog

[Boz]

Why don't you be different and look into an HST. They look like nothing else and are a fun boat. Can be heavy but they are awesome looking. See if R-Tech still has his. You won't find a nicer one than his, in my opinion.

[V8astrovan]

lighting make the hst 2 also.. light boat also.. here is the link..

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97263

[jmc]

If your looking for a rig just for "hotdogging" and top end go with the STV. If you want to haul some friends with you check out the Ally XS or the SS hull. Both Brands have +'s and -'s. If your in big water much be ready for a wet ride in the STV and watch those swells! As far as construction goes I dont think there is any argument which one is stronger or wont get stress cracks in the gel.

[skydog]

Why don't you be different and look into an HST, Why i would stick with the best! Ally!! Never wonder about the boat!! Just the motor and that is enuff!!

Skydog

[ken medendorp]

STV you won't be sorry

[Boz]

Skydog, nice to see you're open minded.....;)

Nothing wrong with an STV/Allison. Be different and find a cherry HST to be a little different was my point.

[David]

I think the idea is to get a nice shiney new boat, not a starter boat.

A new Hydrostream Vegas XT with a 225 Ficht or a similarly powered SOB would run relatively safe mid 80's.

[Brad Zastrow]

I have driven and owned both an Allison and a 20' Riot which is a tunnel (like a STV). I have also been in a few STV's. The Allison can be a lot of fun for a pro driver, however they are tricky and command a lot of attention to drive. I personally did not like all the effort to drive one of those V's. I have witnessed a number of Allisons hook and spin out at high speed from lower unit blow out. I have also watched STV's go over at high speed. Drive both and you will buy a STV for ease of driving for a novice. I guarantee you will not be able to get the Allison past 65mph for a few weeks learning to drive it. The STV will take about 10 minutes. But I also caution any person from jumping into either boat with no high speed experience. Take baby steps before you do a sprint.

[BigRedAlli]

Learn'in to drive the Allison is 1/2 the fun of owning one !!!! You will learn to respect them your first trip out.;)

[rross]

Some pic's ozark...

[rross]

More....

[rross]

See...even the youngsters can drive a Hydrostream XT.........:)

[msethsmile]

v's and tunnels have their points. Which is worse, a 100 mph hook or a 100 mph blowover? Ouch!

[Scott Gilmore]

v's and tunnels have their points. Which is worse, a 100 mph hook or a 100 mph blowover? Ouch!

I'd take the 100mph hook !! Scott :D

[Ted Stryker]

Don't forget to take a serious look at the Triad V-21, as David mentioned... It's a top notch fast Lake/River boat up to 100 mph and a bit over @ 225 hp +, with great characteristics...

[rross]

Just remember that the v-21 is 7inches narrower in the beam vs. the new Vegas....that's got to be a full check:eek: we'll maybe not a full check for all of us:)