QUEENSLAND tinny company Quintrex last week unveiled a series of major updates and modifications across its range of premium aluminum boats.
The unveiling also saw the release of the brand new 530 Sea Spirit cabin model and a new 420 Hornet Trophy. The entire range of boats now feature smooth sides, a sleeker look, new stripes, new wraps and all models 530 and above come with 4mm aluminium bottoms.
Other design changes include new transoms, new model names, a redesigned dash, top deck, and rear lounges.
Quintrex’s new 530 Sea Spirit is an entry level cabin fishing boat. Features include smooth “plate like” sides, 4mm bottom sheets and the new Blade hull. Quintrex has also included its versatile new two position rear folding lounge. Options on the Sea Spirit include a bimini, radio, berley bucket, live bait tank, sounder and more. The Sea Spirit carries up to seven people and has a starting package price of $41, 650 – an affordable entry level offshore boat. The boat/motor/trailer (BMT) package includes a 115hp E-TEC.
Last week’s unveiling also included the release of a new 420 Hornet Trophy. The 420 will sit between the existing 400 and 440 models. While an extra 200mm may not seem a lot, it really makes a huge difference to the amount of overall space when compared with the smaller model. The 420 would suit the space conscious estuary fisho who doesn’t want to sacrifice decent freeboard and a great ride. The 420 is 300mm deeper than the Hornet 400 and has a maximum horsepower rating of 50hp. Quintrex fitted a basic 40hp Vortex two-stroke for testing on the day. The beamy 420 handled nicely for such a small boat and the 40hp Vortex provided plenty of grunt. The 420 Hornet Trophy package as tested retails for $19,380.
Blade Hull
In a major announcement for the brand, Quintrex now offers the Blade hull across the entire range of boats. The Blade hull is 2013’s answer to Quintrex’s Millennium hull, which was first introduced over a decade ago. The new Blade Hull offers a sharper bow entry and the trademark flared bow which extends further aft for increased sea-keeping ability. The hulls also feature an increase in deadrise, and as a result, offers a noticeably softer ride.
“This is bigger than the Millennium Hull,” said Quintrex director of sales and marketing Damien Duncan.
Along with introducing the Blade hull, Quintrex also added an extra 180mm of interior space across the new range of boats and reconfigured the transom to optimist interior space. Self draining models feature faster draining outlets, and improved cable guides on the new boats eliminate any trip points at the transom.
New names
Quintrex saw major design changes across the range as a good opportunity to rename some of the models. These include the new Fishabout (previously Escape), Cruiseabout (previously Freedome Sport), Lazeabout (previously Coast Runner), and Ocean Spirit (previosuly Spirit).
Established names in the Quintrex range such as the Hornet, Explorer, and Top Enders remain unchanged.
Trailers
Quintrex’s new range of aluminum trailers are designed specifically for Quintrex hulls to ensure a proper fit. The new range of trailers are true drive-on trailers, and this was efficiently demonstrated last week with a Top Ender. The new trailers feature a few changes, which Quintrex says, improves overall strength and safety of the trailer. The trailers are available packaged with boat and motor through Quintrex’s dealer network.
On the water
While the short amount of time didn’t allow for any real boat testing, Fishing World jumped on board several fishing specific models for a brief drive. The Blade hull lived up to its hype and offered a soft and dry ride around the abundant boat wash and wind chop. The two Hornet Trophy models – 500 and 420 – along with the Top Ender performed well thanks to from the new design.
The new transom was another noteworthy addition and certainly increases the amount of interior space allowing more room for fishing.
The entire range looks now pretty smick with its smooth sides, sleek designs and new wraps. There’s no doubt added competition from US imports has given Quintrex reason to up the ante and deliver a better looking and better performing fishing boat.
Stay tuned to an upcoming issue of Fishing World for a full review of some of Quintrex’s new range of boats.
