Campion Allante 505 Review and Specs [Video]

Marketed from 1996 through 2019, the Campion Allante 505 was the larger sibling of the entry-level 485. This tiny starter boat could be opted with either bowrider or closed deck architecture and outboard or sterndrive engine packages.

In this post, we’ll take a close look at this deservedly popular family boat and her factory specifications.

Campion Allante 505 Review

Hull and Top Deck

Campion offered the majority of their small runabouts with both closed deck and bowrider versions, and the 505 was just one of them.

The model names of these variants were 505 CD and 505 BR, respectively.

To make things even more complicated, the boat was available with both outboard and sterndrive engines.

Without taking into account the different cockpit layouts, the four main variants in this breed were as follows:

Model	505 BR	505 CD	505i BR	505i CD
Engine	Outboard	Outboard	Sterndrive	Sterndrive
Deck Type	Bowrider	Closed Deck	Bowrider	Closed Deck

Each of these shared the same 16-degree modified V fiberglass hull and high-performance deck design fitted with a full wraparound windshield and a racy helm with full instrumentation.

Over the years, the boat underwent several upgrades, during which her dimensions slightly changed.

As a rule of thumb, all versions and generations measured about 16.5-17 feet in length and 6.5-7 feet in width.

Depending on the year and the engine package, the claimed dry weight of the Allante 505 ranged between 1,700 and 2,000 pounds.

Fully loaded on a trailer, the gross weight of the rig averaged around 3,000 pounds.

Just like her competitors, the 505 was available with some different cockpit layouts, the standard and most popular layout featured a cozy aft bench seat and two swivel bucket seats.

The sterndrive variant was completed with a neat sun pad. Just like the seats, it was also filled with plush cushioning covered by high-quality upholstery.

Designed with easy boarding and more seating capacities in mind, the more practical BR version had a forward lounge with full wraparound seating.

In contrast, the CD version had a completely closed bow section for storage and more protection from the elements.

Standard features on all models included grab handles, beverage holders, a tow hook, bow rails, and a glovebox that doubled as an insulated draining ice box.

Unlike the 485, the 505 was designed with floor ski storage, and you could load smaller items into the side panel and under-seat storage units.

The boat could also be opted with some bells and whistles like a ski tripod, depth finder, Clarion audio system, and canvas packages.

Engines and Performance

In most model years, the heart of the Allante 505i was a 4-stroke 3.0L MerCruiser sterndrive engine rated at 135hp.

The key advantage of this engine was its great torque and smooth operation.

Also, the sterndrive architecture offered a full-beam swim platform and a sun pad above the engine compartment.

The outboard variant could be ordered with many different engine packages up to 125 or 130hp, depending on the year.

Fitted with 130hp, the Allante 505 topped out in the high-40s and cruised in the mid-20s.

Her well-designed hull proved to be predictable, offering a good overall performance.

Even though it ensured great stability while stationary, its shallow 16-degree deadrise couldn’t effectively cut through the wakes and chop.

So, this tiny runabout was intended for inland waterways rather than open seas and oceans.

Specifications

The factory specifications of the Campion Allante 505 and 505i were as follows (2010 model year):

Dimensions and Capacities

Model	505 (BR and CD)	505i (BR and CD)
Length Max	16’ 7”	16’ 7”
Centerline	16’ 6”	16’ 6”
Beam	6’ 7”	6’ 7”
Height	4’ 4”	4’ 3”
Deadrise	16° (Apex)	16° (Apex)
Draft Down	31”	34”
Draft Up	14”	17”
Weight	1,390 lb.	1,978 lb.
Max HP	125hp	150hp
Fuel	24.3 gal.	24.3 gal.
Max persons	6	6

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

Takeaways

Manufactured in Canada, the Allante 505 was an entry-level boat, but not with entry-level features.

Many boaters agree that the sporty design and the quality of her materials surpassed many American bowriders like Sea Ray, Four Winns, or Bayliner.

She was manufactured in bowrider and closed deck versions, and both could be opted with either an outboard or a sterndrive engine package up to 130hp.

This versatile 17-foot runabout could be used for many purposes like cruising or towing a wakeboarder or tuber.

Thanks to her small dimensions and lightweight construction, she was very manageable and easy to store.

Due to her affordability and great durability, used Allante 505s sell very quickly on the market.

Their asking prices range between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the condition, engine package, and features.

Some similar boats from the American market included the outboard-powered Bayliner 170, the sterndrive Bayliner 175, as well as Sea Ray 176 bowriders.