Trade-A-Boat — January 2018

wind over tide chop on the best
days and putting this hull through
its paces and even punishing it at
times was no issue. This kind of ride
enables longer time spent on the
water and in harsher conditions if
need be. Pretty impressive to say
the least. Oh, and the big flared
bow keeps it pretty dry for a centre
console.

HUMDINGING
HORSEPOWER
With the hull coming across far
larger than what it is, I must say I
had my doubts and did not expect
anything wild out of the F115.

Interestingly, it also turns out to be

the maximum horsepower rating for

this boat.

Hole-shot would be the first tell-

tale if the F115 was sufficient or not,

and that turned out to be an instant

pass with flying colours. It’s instant,

responsive and quick off the draw

onto the plane – I was blown away.

Next the mid-range, and here the

Sportsman settles down to a gentle

four-stroke hum between 3500-

4000rpm, at a comfortable speed of

16-20kts, and definitely not being

overworked. Knocking the hammer

down to WOT the F115 is again

responsive and quick to get to its top

speed of 36kts at 6000rpm.

As for economy, unfortunately the

electronics were not set up yet with

fuel data, however on a similar-sized

and weighted alloy hull with the new

F115 the speeds were similar. That

boat produced impressive economy

of 3.5Lt/h at low troll speeds of 5kts,

12-13Lt/h at 3500rpm and 15kts, and

around 40Lt/h at 34.5kts (WOT).

The Island Reef 19 seems to be

efficient on the water and would no

doubt have similar or slightly better

economy in my opinion. Regardless,

the F115’s low economy means fewer

trips to the bowser and far lower

costs to run the boat.

OPPOSITE TOP Bill from Northside Marine enjoying the stability of the wide hull.
OPPOSITE BOTTOM The hull features defined strakes and reverse chines that help get the best out of the Yamaha F115.

86 trade aboat.com.au