Allison Boats - Interview with B.A.S.S. Pro Angler Grant Goldbeck

Interview

Shooting For The World’s Most Efficient 4-stroke Combo In Professional Bass Fishing : Interview with B.A.S.S. Tour Pro Grant Goldbeck and Yamaha’s Prostaff Manager, David Ittner

Date:	11/13/14
Interview:	Grant Goldbeck & David Ittner
Subject:	Allison Boats & Yamaha
Interviewer:	Team TackleTour

Introduction: Earlier this year BASSMASTER broke the story when Yamaha and ultra-performance boat company Allison teamed up. Bassmaster Elite Pro Grant Goldbeck was assigned to captain the ship while Yamaha’s SHO 225 became the power plant. While the Allison Bassport Pro looks like something right out of NASA’s space shuttle R&D department, greater excitement was heard from B.A.S.S. pro Goldbeck who had an opportunity to meet and work with the legendary man himself, Darris Allison. Allison has nearing 60 years of racing development. Their mark in the industry is shattering, having culminated more boat racing wins, championships and world records than all boat manufacturers together.

B.A.S.S. Pro Angler Grant Goldbeck is the first ever Allison sponsored Pro Angler on the Elite Tour

Their historical footprint is unprecedented, having more industry firsts than most factories acquire in a single lifetime. One example happened before 1954 when founder, Paul Allison invented the cupped prop; a big feat considering how many boats (world-wide) run a cupped prop today.

Allison boats is a world leader in pioneering designs and performance achievements in the outboard boating industry

Industry firsts for the company are too many to mention. But, it is true they invented the V-pad hull that now all bass boats run on. Understanding g-forces and control, Allison invented the first foot throttle for a boat in 1957. Hydraulic-trim, we are so dependent on was invented by Allison in 1958. Remember when live-wells became part of the tournament scene? Well maybe not but, it was Allison who invented the center live-well design all modern bass boat manufacturers depend on today. Positioning the live-well on the center-line actually made bass boats run more safely and protected fish better. Allison was the first bass boat company to use all composite construction including in the transom. The company was literally 10 years ahead of the bass boating world. “The list goes on…over a hundred innovations”, mentioned Goldbeck. The one link that tethers these inventions and innovations together is Allison’s knack for efficiency and versatility.

A look at Grant's Elite Series Rig

Team TackleTour: “Welcome gentlemen. We have to ask… how does a project like this get its legs?”

Grant Goldbeck: “…you’d be amazed what topics hit a coffee table when you are among good company. Several of us (friends) were just talking about the innovations, rising costs of fuel and the debate around emissions from outboards. We were discussing how this is going to affect the tour pro. We all agreed if we spent less on gas we would be doing something positive [laughing] selfishly for our pocket books. We also knew the 4-stroke technology was coming, good or bad and we loved what Yamaha had already done with 4-stroke technology. But then the brilliant statement was made, that we should meet with Mr. Allison… world’s most efficient hull designer Darris Allison …and the rest is history!”

Looking more like a spacecraft than a bass boat this is one very special project

David Ittner of Yamaha: “For Yamaha it really made sense, we knew our 4-stroke technology had knocked down many barriers. We were excited to give 4-stroke benefits to anglers while improving performance. Yamaha outboards touch nearly every brand of bass boat, so it was an honor to join up with this 60-year old company who dominates in hull efficiency. Allison also had the same goal about efficiency. Our curiosity peaked (together) when it came to fuel economy. The potential of contributing to a common goal of obtaining the most fuel-efficient 4-stroke platform in professional fishing is exciting.”

Grant with his Yamaha 4 Stroke powerplant

Team TackleTour: “Bassmaster mentioned your partnership is historic. Can you expand?”

Goldbeck: “In more ways then one! First I am rubbing elbows with a legend, Mr. Darris Allison and a legacy Allison Boats. There is not a man on the planet that has accomplished what he has accomplished in the boating industry. Second, Allison has never endorsed a race boat driver or bass angler, simply because they haven’t had to. This time “we” peaked their interest because it was about efficiency, not speed. In fact, Darris said he wasn’t interested if it was about speed (Allison owns a lot of the bass boat speed world records). He was only interested if it was about rough water handling and engine/ hull efficiency. Funny thing is that he already knew what we wanted to know. He believed our focus on make a 4 stroke performance rig would be an excellent project.”

This project is more than just speed, it is about handling and efficiency too

Team TackleTour: “David what do you believe the V MAX SHO® will contribute to the project?”

David Ittner of Yamaha: “Performance. The V MAX SHO® is lighter, faster, stronger and smarter. And most importantly it’s clean and efficient. up to 12% better fuel economy than previous 2-stroke V MAX® models.”

Grant Goldbeck: “Darris mentioned something that was very interesting. He said the weight factor in four-stroke engines will always kill the fuel economy and emissions. He purported with one of his hulls he could burn fewer emissions with a 2 -stroke motor. Efficiency is critical. He also mentioned Yamaha is the first company to do it correct. They were able to keep horsepower, and reduce four-stroke weight as much as 125 lbs.”

The dual console design is extremely aerodynamic

Next Section: Insight into the project