It would be interesting to collect everything about the SS-2000 in one thread:
- what hull it is derived from (if any)
None, it was a completely new boat and style that Darris came up with. Much of the shape and "tricks" you see in the XB-21 lineup originated with the SS. And much of the coming 24 will likewise be borrowed from the SS. Darris told me that while he knows the SS and 21s aren't as sexy or racy looking as the XB/XR boats the smooth, radiused curves are in fact more aerodynamic than the sharper corners/edges of the previous generation boats.
- history
Never really asked or heard him say but I think in some ways the SS was created to give those wanting XR02 like performance in a smaller lake boat than the GS offered. Up until the last couple of years he stated he'd never offer the XR2002 anymore so the SS was your only option along those lines. There is a DISTINCT difference in the driving and handling of the GS vs the SS. The GS is like a convertible Buick with alot of power. The SS is a convertible vette!
- versions (SS-R, Comp, Excel and one offs)
You listed them. The only specific "one off" that I've ever seen was the boat previously owned Propmanjay. (Was Mikes Medica's before that I believe) That boat ran 90-91 I think with a 115Ficht when Darris had it. It was light and perfect. It was at the factory during the very first Ally Rally in 2001. Darris called it "Nancy's Demo". But there's been several SS-Rs built that were lighter. Weight wise, again the owners would be much more reliable to quote that.
- changes/alterations
None that I know of but I'm no expert on the SS by any means, just don't remember any changes compared to other changes in other boats since the SS came along.
- fairings
Yes tail fairings have been used on them and are available.
- color schemes
IMHO the sharpest one was the gray/black/silver/gold SS that Darris built to test with a 90hp Honda 4 stroke. Darris had it in the shop a couple of rallies ago and pics exist of it on this site. DOUBLE BARREL SHARP IMHO. Everyone who saw it in person remarked about it. Otherwise, SSs have been built in just about anyother colors that Allison has offered. (I believe you can see a pic of Darris driving this boat on the Allisonboat site under the SS2000 section.)
- reviews and tests
A call to the factory can tell you this exactly (as well as anyother answers we're trying here) as they usually keep such information for their own use and reference. I think they still use in their advertising a test by Trailer Boats Magazine or someother publication a test with a SS with a V4 direct injection on it that yielded 12mpg at best cruise!!! Not sure I recall anyother tests but that don't mean anything, I simply don't keep up with boat/mag tests anymore.
- setups and speeds
I'll leave that for the members here with ownership experience. I will say that the 2nd easiest driving Allison that I've ever ran was Lou Jones' SS comp with a stock 260SS. Glenn Reynolds did the bottom on it and it handled like a DREAM into the upper 90s. Closest thing I've driven to the XR01s I've driven.
If there is such a thread, please delete.