Campion Allante 485 Review and Specs [Video]

The Canadian Campion Marine Inc. manufactured the Allante 485 runabout in both bowrider and closed deck configurations. This deservedly popular trailer motorboat built her reputation on outstanding quality and durability.

In this post, we’ll review this small dayboat and her factory specifications.

Campion Allante 485 Review

Hull and Top Deck

Marketed from 1996 through 2019, the simple yet practical Champion Allante 485 was offered in many different configurations.

As the name suggests, the 485 BR/S485 BR was the bowrider model while the 485 CD/S485 CD came with closed deck architecture.

The higher trim level Super Sport and Forster variants were only offered in certain years.

As a rule of thumb, each of these versions shared the same modified V fiberglass monohull with a 16-degree transom deadrise.

The centerline length of this shell was 16 feet while the overall length was only one inch longer.

Built with a 6.5-foot beam, the boat was very easy to store and handle on the ramp.

Her claimed dry weight averaged between 940 and 1020 pounds wituout the engine and 1,200 and 1,400 pounds with it.

Figuring in the weight of a single-axle trailer, liquids, and some basic gear, the the gross trailering weight remained in the neighborhood of 2,000-2,500 pounds.

Hence, she could be towed with a variety of family sedan models and be moved around by hand.

In terms of capacities, the 485 could carry 12.9 gallons of fuel, 5 people, and some gear.

The Bowrider and Closed Deck variants shared the same cockpit layout, which were slightly changed over time.

In certain years, the interior was fitted with two swivel bucket seats and a full wraparound stern seat surrounding the engine on both sides.

This configuration offered more free deck space but lacked a sunbathing area.

In other years, the cockpit of the 485 was offered with two back-to-back longers and two aft jump seats instead of a full-beam aft bench seat.

The windshield enjoyed a classic angular design, metal support bars, and a folding center walk-thru section.

Families appreciated the extra seating of the Bowrider model, designed with a U-shaped bow lounger with full wraparound seating.

In contrast, the Closed Deck (CD) variant came with a completely covered forward section. Due to its small size, this area was only used for storing equipment.

Standard features of the boat included stainless steel deck hardware, a pull-out swim ladder, cup holders, grab handles, stainless steel bow rails, a bilge pump, and a glove compartment that doubled as an ice box.

You could also find storage space under the stern seats, but due to the shallow hull deadrise, the floor lacked a ski locker.

A Clarion waterproof audio system, a stainless-steel ski tripod, a depth sounder, and canvas packages were also available as options.

Engines and Performance

As a rule of thumb, the Campion Allante 485 was sold exclusively with single outboard motor packages, utilizing both 2-stroke and 4-stroke powerheads.

Older generations were marketed with 60-90hp engines, while newer models enjoyed more powerful options up to 125hp.

Depending on the year, these engines were supplied by Suzuki, Mercury, Yamaha, or Bombardier.

Performance wise, the Allante 485 topped out at around 40 mph with a 60hp Evinrude, and close to 50 mph with a 90hp engine option.

You could expect her comfortable cruise speed to be in the mid-20s.

Her modified V hull design offered great stability while stationary and running at river speed. In return, it bounced quite a bit on the chop.

Specifications

The factory specifications of the Campion Allante 485 were as follows (2010 model year):

Dimensions and Capacities

Length Max	16’ 1”
Centerline	16’
Beam	6’ 6”
Height	4’ 2”
Deadrise	16° (Apex)
Draft Down	31”
Draft Up	14”
Weight	940 lb.
Max HP	90hp
Fuel	12.9 gal.
Max persons	5

Disclaimer: Specifications are provided for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

The Campion Allante 485 was a 16-foot motorboat featuring a 16-degree fiberglass hull and outboard engine.

She was available in both closed deck and bowrider versions and with many different engine packages.

Campion boats built their reputation on outstanding quality and superior finishes, and the Allante 485 was no exception.

Many boaters agreed that the quality of these boats surpassed Sea Ray boats and was somewhere on the level of Cobalt or Bryant.

Weighing less than 2,000 pounds on the trailer, the 485 was very easy to tow and handle on the ramp.

Furthermore, with an overall length of 16 feet and a beam of 6.5 feet, she even fit in a small garage.

Combined with her great price-per-value ratio and low running costs, these features made the model popular among beginner boaters.

Despite a large number of sales, the 485 appears rarely on the used market. But if it does, it sells out fairly quickly.

Based on our research, her larger siblings like the Allante 505, 535, and 545 are available more often.