Aussie boating icon Quintrex turns 80

The brand, synonymous with owners who take their fishing seriously, can trace its roots back to the end of World War II when Terry Quantrill and Frank Newman registered a company in Sydney.

What started as a modest operation converting lightweight war surplus trucks into heavy lorries for the Australian market, and building semi-trailers to haul behind them, morphed into a boat-building concern in 1946. Two boats were initially manufactured, using steel plate welded over a steel frame, and Marine City was appointed as a dealer.

The name 'Quintrex' was coined in 1955 when the company was renamed Quintrex Australia Products Pty Ltd. By this time, boats were starting to dominate the production lines.

From the launch of the revolutionary Flared Bow in 1968, to the game-changing Millennium Hull in 2005, followed by the Blade Hull in 2013 and the cutting-edge Apex Hull, Quintrex has never stopped pushing the limits of what’s possible on the water. So much so that it’s grown into a household name, recognised and trusted by generations of Australian boaties and exported to over 15 countries.

“There wouldn’t be a boatie in Australia who doesn’t know the name Quintrex,” said Sam Heyes, General Manager at Quintrex owner, Telwater. “And that’s because for 80 years, we’ve consistently delivered quality, performance, and innovation that keeps people coming back to the brand.

“The last eight decades have been about more than just boats. They’ve been about building a lifestyle, creating memories, and supporting communities across Australia.”

In 2019, global powersports leader BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) acquired Telwater, bringing a new wave of international resources and innovation to the brand. Under BRP’s ownership, Quintrex continued to grow, benefiting from expanded R&D capabilities and global marine expertise.

Most recently, in 2025, Yamaha Motor Australia announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Telwater business from BRP, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.

Quintrex’s commitment to research-driven design and Australian manufacturing has earned the brand more than 10 Aluminium Boat of the Year awards.