The Allison Boat Company has addressed both priorities with the Allison Fisherman 21. This no-nonsense 6.55m cuddy cabin was designed specifically for practicality and purpose — not posing. However, the simple contours also add to the aesthetics when combined with the purposeful layout of this serious fishing platform.

With a maximum beam of 2.42m, the 21's cockpit is spacious to say the least. Underfloor there's a fueltank that holds 260lt. Also featured are full-length side drains that empty into a large underfloor killtank and full-length sidepockets. In addition, fibreglass seat boxes offer storage and there is also comfortable bucket-style seating plus rear-facing jump seats. Close at hand throughout the boat are well-placed recessed bollards and grabrails.

The wide, square transom offers a pair of plumbed livebait tanks and marlin boards are mounted either side of the pod arrangement. The maximum recommended powerplant is 200hp, but the maker says 150hp units offer enough grunt for most offshore work.

Below the helm, bulkheads lead to a large and useable cabin. The cabin gathers light from a large perspex hatch which also provides access to the self-draining anchor well and bow. A split bowrail accompanied by a moulded bowsprit is definitely an option worth considering. This set-up greatly aids in setting and retrieving anchor and the bowsprit reduces gelcoat chips and scratches by keeping the anchor well away from the hull proper.

Another option likely to fall into the must-have list for fishos is the stainless steel rocket launcher. It allows uncluttered rod storage along with the perfect foundation from which to mount any number of canopy arrangements.