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.
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