AUSTRALIA’S largest alloy boat manufacturer, Quintrex, this week launched its latest line-up of models for 2011, and revealed its new Millennium Blade hull, probably the most significant development since launching a new hull design over a decade ago.
At its media conference on the Gold Coast, Quintrex revealed to Australia’s boating media the new Millennium Blade hull, which will now be a major feature of all of the manufacturer’s 610, 650 and 690 models. Quintrex’s R&D manager Craig Madam said the new generation Millennium Blade hull is the result of state-of-the-art computer modelling. He said his team’s brief was to design a hull that would deliver further enhanced ride and efficient performance. To achieve this, Blade hulls feature a sharper bow entry than predecessor hulls with the trademark Flared Bow undergoing modification that now sees it extend further aft for increased sea-keeping ability. The hulls also feature increased deadrise.
Quintrex director of sales & marketing Damien Duncan told Fisho the new Millennium Blade hull design was well received during last month’s dealer conference and is confident consumer interest will follow when the new range are shown at this year’s boat show circuit.
“Given the fact that we spent a lot of time and money on research and development, we are happy with the Blade design. We tallied all the dealers’ ideas and there were 330 suggested for changes – we completed all but 12,” said Duncan.
“We are very excited about the new Blade hull. It makes a big difference to the handling … it’s as big a development as the Millennium Hull,” he said.
Fishing World had a short stint on board a bright red Spirit 610 featuring the Millennium Blade hull. Our initial impression of the boat’s ride on a very busy Gold Coast Broadwater was very favourable. As well as a good ride the boat appears to deliver most things desired in an offshore capable cabin boat, including walkthrough to bow – the cabin height has been raised from predecessor models. It also sported a rocket launcher for overhead rod storage, perhaps in the absence of more fishing-friendly deep side pockets as seen on other boatls on the day. The Spirit, in perhaps keeping with a more “cross over” family market instead sports moulded side panelling, and a lift-up rear lounge.
Quintrex has made quite a few structural changes to some of its well known boats, notably the ever popular Hornet range. Arguably Australia’s most well known inshore/impoundment sportfishing tinny, the Hornet has now grown a little wider and deeper. Beam on the Hornets has increased by around 40mm, while more noticeable is the approximately 80mm of added freeboard. No doubt taking its lead from the tournament boat market, Quintrex has also added a deep portside rod locker to its Hornet Trophy. Integrated into the gunwale, via a hinged alloy door, the new optional Deluxe Rod Locker is sure to be welcomed by serios fishos and comp anglers alike. Added “bling” was on show on a couple of Hornet Trophies at the media conference which sported colourful wraps featuring fishing themes – these will be available as an option.
The company also revealed its revamping of the popular Classic model, which has morphed into the Renegade. Basically an uprated Classic with Millennium hull, sans Flared Bow, the Renegades come in 460 and 520 models and have the makings of capable budget priced inshore fishing boats, with plenty of scope for owner customising.
Quintrex hopes the new line-up and hull design changes will breathe some life back into to the slow Queensland marine market, which was affected by recent floods and cyclones.
Stay tuned to the website for further updates on Quintrex’s new range and video outlining the new Blade hull design.
