QUINTREX has launched nine revamped models for 2009. Rather than introduce new “from the ground up” boats to the market, these redesigned models have been engineered and built to a price point to be more attractive to buyers. At the recent launch of the 2009 range, the Quintrex leg of the Telwater boat building empire – which now has the Savage brand under its umbrella as well as Stacer – showed off a number of “new” models – most seen previously in one guise or another.
Quintrex’s director of marketing and sales, Damien Duncan told Fishing World the 2009 models are the result of the company taking stock of the state of the market and from consultation with its dealer network.
Sure to be of interest to keen fishos are the 610 Tournament – a revamped 590 Top Ender – and the 430 Top Ender TS, 440 Top Ender CV and the 520 Classic centre Console and 460 Classic side console.
The 610 Top Ender Tournament
Interestingly, Quintrex has added its proven Millenium hull design to some of the 2009 range. These boats include the 430 Top Ender TS and the 430, 450 and 470 Escape Runabouts – previously badged as CV (Customer Value) runabouts.
Duncan says feedback from dealers had led to the introduction of the 430/450/470 Escape Runabouts. “What we saw [after discussion with dealers] was that we were missing the market at under 4.7m in runabouts.”
The 460 Classic side console could prove a popular seller for Quintrex as it features much of the basic fit-out anglers these days expect straight from the showroom – maximum power rating is 60hp and fitted with a standard 40hp Mariner two-stroke outboard buyers can be on the water for just over $20,000.
The 520 Classic centre console is basically a “bare bones” fishing craft, with much potential for owner add ons – ala Stacer’s Northern Fisher, also launched in recent times. The 520 Classic carries a handy 70 litres of fuel, which should see good mileage between trips especially with the standard spec 60hp four-stroke engine fitted. The 520 also features a dual battery tray design – although this seems to come at the expense of a transom bait tank – fully carpeted deck, four rod holders, bow casting platform, transom cutting board mount, rear deck storage side pockets and a splashwell transom design. The 520 is rated to 75hp and fitted with the standard spec Mercury four-stroke 60hp sells for a RRP of $20,190.
520 Classic centre console
Duncan told Fisho a 2008 Quintrex dealer conference had led to other changes across the 2009 range, especially amongst the smaller models. Some of these changes included renaming models such as the CV the Escape and in some cases reclassifying size designations to give a truer reflection of overall size and deck space.
Grades of flotation too have been downgraded in some cases from level to basic to make manufacture more cost effective and the end product more affordable. Duncan also says all Quintrexs above 4.7m will now come standard with aluminium, rather than steel trailers, to keep production and selling prices down.
The 610 Top Ender Tournament may be a revamped 590 but it attracted plenty of media attention at the 2009 launch. The flagship Top Ender appears to be a serious fishing craft that has good crossover potential for both inshore and offshore use. With a length overall of 6.16m and a beam of 2.38m, the 610 also features 4mm alloy bottom and sides and 3mm top sides. While rated to a maximum of 150hp the 610 had power to spare fitted with a 115hp Mercury four-stroke on launch day. A 50 litre transom live well, loads of storage and large bow casting deck were notable standard features, as were electronics including Lowrance sounder and GME radio and hydraulic steering. The 610 Top Ender Tournament is available with basic or level flotation and a number of options. As reviewed, it came in at $48,522.
For more on the 610 see accompanying video footage and upcoming review in Fishing World magazine.
