From the classifieds: Quintrex 560 Freedom Cruiser

Boats these days tend to have an outboard engine, but for a while Quintrex filled a niche with an inboard-engined sterndrive model called the Freedom Cruiser. An outboard-engined version was called the Freedom Sport.

Available in a range of lengths, the Quintrex 560 Freedom Cruiser slotted into a sweet spot in the market. Larger versions of this boat were powered with a 220hp 4.3-litre MerCruiser V6, but this version was powered using a smaller 130hp V6 that had another big advantage – it was less than 2000kg on the trailer, so easily towed behind the average mid-size family car.

The inboard option allowed Quintrex to fit this boat with an Alpha One outdrive, a feature that is still in production today – not surprising that it has a reputation for being almost bulletproof. The Alpha One leg is similar to an outboard engine in that it can tilt up so that you can bump the bow onto a beach without worrying about grounding the skeg.

The basic layout of the Quintrex 560 Freedom Cruiser is a bowrider with a split console providing access to a deep cockpit and a wide walk-over transom with an integrated bench seat that hides the engine compartment. Aft is a large swim platform that is built across the entire beam of the boat – something you can’t get with an outboard-engined model.

The design of the hull of this boat carries a lot of beam forward. It allows the Quintrex 560 Freedom Cruiser to have a quite deep and roomy bow lounge, making it a great space for children. At the forepeak is an anchor well that is easy to access.

The cockpit behind the helm is fairly open, which allowed Quintrex to fit the boat with a handy ski locker – a transom-mounted tow eye was fitted standard.

The split console has two bucket-style helm chairs that can spin around and face aft, with a lift-up bolster allowing the skipper to stand behind the helm.

The helm is fairly simple, with the starboard side dominated by the analogue gauges for the MerCruiser pushing the boat along. There is a flush surface on the plastic console top, but the rake of the split windscreen limits you to bracket-mounting a small chartplotter – not the best option in this age of ever-larger feature-packed units.

A glovebox on the portside console provided good small-item storage, while cargo nets below could handle other items such as shoes and towels. A three-quarter length carpeted door can close off the lower portion of the walkway to the bow lounge which, when combined with the closing portion of the windscreen, makes things more comfortable in the cockpit.

Other features include a handrail along the trailing edge of the wrap-around windscreen, deep, lined side pockets with rod holders, underfloor storage voids that are drained so you can stow wet gear, and – something you don’t need on an outboard-engined boat – a transom-mounted rubber fitting so that in the event of an engine fire you can insert the nozzle of a fire extinguisher. This boat is fitted with a blower that you will need to run before starting the engine to clear fumes and prevent the risk of an engine fire.

Being a Quintrex, strong seakeeping chops are a given.

Keen to take a look at this boat? We particularly like the look of this 2009 hull listed on the boatsales website which is a low engine-hour limited edition of the Quintrex 560 Freedom Cruiser.

It comes with bimini for shade and a full set of lifejackets for adults and kids, making it ready to hit the water as soon as you are handed the key.

We even like the colour.