Show Us Your Boat | “Gotimon” — Sportsman 17

Dave Granville’s Sportsman Reef 17 Centre Console – “Gotimon”

Presented by Jacob Oxlade

Today we’re going to be looking at a pretty special centre console. Owned by a member of Coastwatch, Dave Granville : his Sportsman 17.  Like some of Dave’s previous boats, this one is also dubbed, “Gotimon”.  Dave tackles all elements of fishing — from estuary through to offshore—and you can see that through the fit-out of his boat, including an awesome customised bait board.

A Practical Choice

Dave Granville’s 2022 Sportsman Island Reef 17 is a compact centre console designed for versatility. At 5.2 metres long with a 2.13-metre beam, it’s easy to tow and launch, yet capable enough for offshore runs.

“I fish a lot solo, so I like centre consoles,” Dave says. “Everything is within arm’s reach, and the layout suits the way I fish.”

Performance and Range

Powered by a 90hp Yamaha four-stroke, the boat reaches about 30 knots. “It sounds like not a lot of horsepower for this size boat, but surprisingly it gets up around the 30-knot mark, which is plenty for me,” Dave explains.

The 150-litre underfloor fuel tank is another highlight. “For a 90 horsepower, you know, really good range—which is awesome. I’m not at the servo every day.”

Electronics Setup

Dave’s helm is tech-heavy:

• 12-inch Garmin on the dash
• 9-inch flush-mounted Garmin
• 16-inch Garmin up front (removable for offshore, used for LiveScope in dams and estuaries)

“I’ve got everything set up so I can mark bait and fish offshore, then swap to LiveScope when I’m chasing barra,” he says.

Storage and Fit-Out

• Dry storage hatch up front (rare in boats this size)
• Garmin Kraken electric motor with Spot-Lock
• Rod storage: three rods each side of the console, plus gunnel-mounted holders
• Twin rear hatches: one livewell, one general storage

Dave also uses SeaSucker mounts for accessories: “They’re awesome because you don’t have to screw into your boat.”

Custom Touches

One standout is the custom alloy bait board. “It’s unusual on a fibreglass boat, but it works. The beauty of custom fabrication is you can put everything where you want it.”

He also added trim tabs early on. “In my opinion, every boat needs trim tabs. They make a huge difference in a head sea or following sea—just a couple of taps can change the boat.”

Fishing for Tuna

On the day we filmed, Dave chased longtail and mack tuna off Caloundra Headland. His approach:

• Look for birds and surface activity
• Cast long with stickbaits or metal slugs
• Stay mobile—schools move fast

“You don’t have to go far to catch fish around here,” Dave says after landing a mack tuna on a hard-bodied lure. The Sportsman 17’s electronics made it easy to stay on the action, economically.

Specs Table

Final Word

While Dave’s Sportsman Reef 17 is about function, it has plenty of style, great lines and an excellent finish. For anglers who want a compact, capable centre console with great range and smart storage, it’s a platform that delivers.

“It’s actually a really good hull. I’ve owned a lot of boats, and this one just works for what I do.”

— Dave Granville

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