New Quintrex Outback Explorer range

Quintrex has released a brand-new range of Outback Explorer tinnies via three handy-sized models —  the 350, 370, and the 390.

For outback, river and creek, and estuary fishing, the new Outback Explorer hulls are bigger, more capable, and fish-worthy than before. Considerable design input has helped shape the improved new hulls.

The 350 can be used as a cartopper perfect for open-road adventures,
while the 370 and 390 can be optioned up with casting platform for serious
sportfishing for bass, barra and bream, crabbing and big river and
estuary exploration.

Quintrex Account Manager Drew Jackson said the Quintrex small-boat factory and research-and-development team worked jointly to produce an improved Explorer range that answered the needs of dealers and customers.

"The [new] Outback Explorers offer increased internal room plus a bigger beam. But one of the real selling points is the massively increased freeboard on these boats," Jackson said.

MORE FREEBOARD, STABILITY AND DEADRISE
The Outback Explorer features greatly increased depth across the range — and by up to 230mm — with higher side sheets worked into the hull design.

Wider beams ensure plenty of stability, while increased deadrise has been added with the intention of creating a softer ride.

All models feature the F-Series bow section, which is designed to increase internal volume, as well as improve stability up front, and a drier ride when underway.

There are three new hulls to consider: the 350, 370 and 390. Each is made from 1.6mm aluminium, but a 2mm option is
available for extra-tough duty.

The 370 and 390 comes in long shaft or
20in outboard variations. The 350 is a 15in short-shaft boat, and you can order the 370 that way, too.

350 OUTBACK EXPLORER
Perfect as a cartopper for your next camping trip, the 350 weighs in at 81kg. It’s rated for an 8-15hp maximum outboard in short shaft. The boat can carry four people or a maximum load of 418kg.

While it’s the smallest Outback Explorer in the range, the wider
F-Series bow and increased side sheets by 80mm mean there is plenty of
internal space. The beam is 1.53m and the hull depth is
0.76m.

Among the standard features are a glove box, drink holder, bow and transom carry handles, rowlocks, solid hull corners or gussets, rib tape to reduce sound vibration, two bench seats with foam flotation, and a five-year warranty.

Various rails, wraps, a carpeted floor, 2mm bottom upgrade, rod holders and transducer bracket are among the options.

As for price, Surf Coast Marine in Labrador, Queensland, had three 350 Outback Explorer packages on offer: one with a trailer and some options, another basic boat on trailer, and a third package without trailer.

The optioned-up BMT with a 15hp Evinrude, flat floor, fuel-tank rack, registration, and safety gear was selling for $7890 drive away. The basic BMT with a 15hp Evinrude, trailer, safety gear and regos was priced at $7290. Without the trailer, it’s a $5490 cartopper rig. Flip it on your box trailer and hit the trail.

At-a-Glance: 350 Outback Explorer
LOA 3.58m
Beam: 1.53m
Depth: 0.76m
Length on Trailer: 4.63m
Height on Trailer: 1.40m
Hull Material: 1.6mm alloy all round
Transom Shaft Length: S/S 15in
Weight: 81kg hull only
Engine: 8-15hp
Engine Max Weight: 58kg
People: 4
Max Load: 418kg

370 OUTBACK EXPLORER
With greater deadrise, the 370 Outback Explorer has been designed as a capable 12-foot tinny that can dash about while generating a smoother ride.

The topsides have been raised by 135mm for added space and security compared with past models, while the beam has been widened by 230mm for increased stability at rest and underway. The 370 is a good 20mm wider than the 350 model above.

There are two variants: the S/S for a short shaft outboard of 15in, and the L/S for a 20in outboard. The standard inclusions and options are as detailed with the 350 sister ship above, but the boat can run up to 20hp and it weighs a bit more at 92kg.

Surf Coast Marine had a 370 Outback Explorer S/S BMT package with 15hp Evinrude, trailer, rego and safety gear for $7490. An upgraded 370 Outback Explorer L/S BMT package with 15hp Evinrude, optional flat floor and fuel tank rack, rego and safety gear was selling for $7990.

At-a-Glance: 370 Outback Explorer S/S or L/S
LOA 3.75m
Beam: 1.73m
Depth: 0.87m
Length on Trailer: 4.63m
Height on Trailer: 1.42m
Hull Material: 1.6mm alloy all round
Transom Shaft Length: S/S 15in, L/S 20in
Weight: 92kg hull only
Engine: 15hp-20hp
Engine Max Weight: 58kg
People: 4
Max Load: 418kg

390 OUTBACK EXPLORER
Perfect for Australian big rivers, dams, estuaries and creeks, the flagship 390 Outback Explorer can be powered with outboards up to 30hp and optioned with goodies like a bow-mounted electric-motor mounting plate, flat floor front, back and midships, Quintrex angler seats, side console, extruded side decks, side pocket, bimini, and more.

With extra flotation to carry up to five people or a maximum load of 555kg, plus 100mm higher topsides, and an increased deadrise, the 390 has plenty of scope for serious fishing.

The new 30mm wider beam and the full flat floor with fore and aft casting platforms means you can comfortably pitch lures while standing on your feet. And when it’s time to call it a day, a maximum 30hp outboard will get you scooting back home from your fishing spot.

Surf Coast Marine had an upgraded 390 Outback Explorer BMT package with two-cylinder 30hp Evinrude E30DTSL, trailer, bow-mount plate for electric motor, front casting platform, hand rails, low midships floor, fuel tank rack, paint, wrap, rego and safety gear for $14,990.

At-a-Glance: 390 Outback Explorer
LOA: 3.95m
Beam: 1.82m
Depth: 0.87m
Length on Trailer: 5.20m
Height on Trailer: 1.40m
Hull Material: 1.6mm alloy all round
Transom Shaft Length: L/S 20in
Weight: 116kg hull only
Engine: 20hp-30hp
Engine Max Weight: 105kg
People: 5
Max Load: 555kg

Quintrex, the big Queensland boatbuilder, says whether it’s fishing, camping or cruising with your mates, the Outback Explorer tinny can do it all. Any improvement to freeboard, stability and fishing space on a small boat gets our tick of approval, too.

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