Although it’s been around for eons, Queensland-based Quintrex continues to produce new models and fine-tune proven designs. The Renegade range tested here is a good example of a cleverly designed, well-priced package. The newly designed Renegade has added a wider beam, flat sides and additional “standard” inclusions.
Boat Fishing recently attended a media day on the Gold Coast’s busy Broadwater, not far from where Quintrex builds these tinnies. The entire Renegade range was sampled while we targeted some local flatties – or at least we tried.
The unveiling of the Renegade range coincided with the launch of a new offshore model, the Trident, which we’ll cover in more detail in the February edition.
The Renegade is suited to estuary sportfishing and comes in a range of five models: 420, 440, 460, 490 and 520. This range caters to a large portion of Australia’s estuary and light offshore fishos.
Quintrex launched the Renegade as an affordable option for keen anglers seeking a small “plate style” tinny. While the Renegade isn’t technically constructed like a traditional plate aluminium boat, the “slab sided” design is part of Quintrex’s plan to return to its roots and recapture the serious fishing market. The Renegade range features alloy construction with 2mm sides and 3mm bottoms.
The Renegade’s design gives all the models in the range the appearance of being bigger than they actually are. Actually, the 490 and 520 models rigged up with the max horsepower of 90hp would be ideally suited to fishing the Top End’s massive river systems or for heading offshore on a good day targeting reds and kings. The smaller end of the range is better suited to southern estuary or impoundment fishos who would appreciate the fishing space and well laid-out carpeted decks that come standard on these boats.
The range is available with a number of console configurations including tiller, side and centre console. The tiller steer format would obviously be ideal for the smaller models, while the side console would suit the mid-range sizes. The centre console would be my pick for the 520. That said, console design is largely a matter of personal preference. Side consoles are very popular on this size and style of boat but the fact that the Renegade can cater to all requirements adds significant appeal.
I found the new Renegades to be beamy and very stable boats. Fishing three on board the 460 was too easy. We found walking around and casting lures presented no problem. The larger centre console 520 could easily fish four or three very comfortably and featured loads of space forward of the console.
Quintrex offers the Renegades unpainted as standard. The company says this approach suits its practical and versatile style. Options to paint or even add wraps to the boats are available. The wraps in blue, bright red, and orange look awesome!
The optional bow electric mount is definitely worth it if you plan on using your new Renegade for estuary sportfishing. Interestingly, while paint and the electric mount are optional, the Renegades featured an array of “standard” features most other boats in this class don’t offer. Features such as live wells, extruded decks, carpet and underfloor fuel tanks are all standard. Someone on a tight budget could easily take the standard boat and go fishing without a need to upgrade.
The larger two models feature the option of two different style transoms: a full motor well transom (as favoured by Top End fishos) or a standard splashwell with rear casting platform for the southerners.
The transom on the splash well models feature a small livewell and tackle box tray on the rear port side casting platform. Tournament anglers will appreciate the much larger plumbed area under the forward casting platform which can be converted into a large “comp compliant” livewell.
The console, whether you opt for centre or side, is relatively compact while leaving enough space for essential accessories such as electronics, gauges, switches and rod holders.
Quintrex offers a Lowrance Mark 5X sounder as an option and there’s space for a slightly larger unit, depending on which boat you’ve selected.
Further forward, there’s a roomy casting platform with plenty of storage underneath in the form of plastic tubs. The tubs do a great job of keeping things dry inside, although they do take up some space compared to a more basic tinny fit-out. As mentioned, underneath the larger casting platform hatch there’s a multiple function space for either storage or a livewell.
The Renegade range features Quintrex’s popular Millennium hull design, introduced more than a decade ago. The Millennium hull uses a steeper bow entry point to create a smoother ride, Quintrex says. There’s also a reverse chine to direct spray away. The Millennium hull’s greatest accomplishment, according to the Quintrex designers, is that the boat’s stability at rest isn’t compromised by the deeper than average deadrise.
Anyone who’s fished from a “tippy” deep vee tinny can attest that a smooth ride compromises stability at rest. Quintrex has gone a long way in providing that smooth dry ride while ensuring the boat remains stable while you’re actually fishing.
In the lower end of the range – 420, 440, and 460 – the Renegade would ideally suit an entry level buyer, or perhaps someone looking for a functional estuary rig. The larger models – 490 and 520 – would open up access to larger waterways and light offshore work, not to mention Top End rivers.
If you’d like to find out more, check out the contact details listed in the fact box below
Scott Thomas
FACT BOX:
Length: 4.2 to 5.2 m
Beam: 2.06 to 2.25 m
HULL THICKNESS:
2mm sides; 3mm bottoms
PRICE: Contact local dealer
Contact: www.quintrex.com.au
