How does it rate?
Average
1 SUITABILITY FOR PURPOSE
2 INNOVATION
3 DESIGN AND LAYOUT
4 QUALITY OF FINISH
5 HANDLING AND RIDE
6 STABILITY AT REST
7 ERGONOMICS
8 STANDARD EQUIPMENT
9 VALUE FOR MONEY
10 X-FACTORSportsman Island Reef 19panel and seven-inch Simrad GPS/
Sounder. If larger electronics are
your whim, then a bracket mount
would be fi ne on the dash behind the
screen.
The console is also lower than
found on standard offshore boats
which may provide less protection,
but works well for lure fi shing as
it doesn’t restrict casting. A front
console seat with insulated storage
adds to the seating options.
A 2.3m beam is also a bonus as
it allows for wider seating options.
In this case the dual console seat is
positioned to suit seated or standing
atthehelmwhiledriving,andis
comfortableeitherway.Theopen
frame below also allows for an Esky
orlargetackleboxtobestrappedin–
andoutoftheway.HIGHS
- Stylish lines
- Nicely finished
- Awesome soft-riding hull and stable
- Above average performance out of F115
considering hull size - Alloy trailer
LOWS
- Rear seating could do with a decent
backrest - Gunwales could do with recessed/
moulded rod racks or extra stowage
built in as standard
Rod holders are generally an
issue on smaller centre consoles
but having the six-side rod holders
built into the console makes a big
difference to additional rod stowage.
Another four vertical holders
between the seats and the four fl ush-
mounts in the coamings gives a total
of 14 rod holders, and that’s far more
than standard.
In the stern the rear seats open up
to good-sized deep live wells and can
also be used as an elevated fi shing
platform, although they are not
great as dedicated seats at speed due
to having no backrest. Personally,
I would prefer a fl ip-up backrest,
especially when it comes to kids in
the boat.
Overall the layout might be simple,
but at the same time it’s clean and
spacious. Like any boat you could
take extra Eskys, add a bait board,
ski-pole or whatever works and suits
your style of boating or angling.EASY RIDER
One compromise I’m happy with on
a boat is a soft-riding hull in the chop
at speed over dryness or stability.
This hull is beamy and although it
only has a 16-degree deadrise, it’s
soft as they come in the chop for a
19f t boat.
The Sportsman is also above
averagewhenitcomestostability
underwayandatrestforitssize.
Moreton Bay produces some nastyMAIN Our man in Qld, Kev, reckons the
combo is right on the money and impressed
for ride and performance.
TOP Clever spot to add more rod storage.
ABOVE The console seat is super
comfortable and well made.
tradeboats.com.au 85Sportsman Island Reef 19