Quintrex 2002
Australia's biggest aluminium trailerboat manufacturer, Quintrex, recently released its 2002 model line-up to a contingent of the boating media at Sea World Nara Resort on the Gold CoastNot only have Quintrex launched a number of new models for 2002, but many of the current models have been modified to meet the demands of the discerning trailerboat buyer.
NAME CHANGES
With so many different models, it was always difficult to keep track of the names Quintrex had for all its boats, so to make identification easier for everyone, the company has grouped various models under individual names.
Small open boats from the 310 to 390 will be known as Darts. Large Open Boats from 420 to 520 are now Dorys. Open boats with a flared bow from the 420 to 600 will be called Fishseekers. V-nose punts from the 245 to the 370 will be called Travellers and the 600 Ocean River is now the 600 Top Ender.
Coast Runner is the new name for runabouts from the 455 to the 560, while centre-consoles in the same size bracket are called Legends. Cuddys from the 475 to the 560 are known as Spirits and the 600 Bluewater is now called the 600 Freestyler.
All the other names in the Quintrex range, such as Hornets, Top Enders and Explorers, remain unchanged.
MODIFICATIONS
The media were provided with a sneak preview of 10 models, which are either new boats or have received modifications for 2002. They were as follows:
- The 350 Traveller features wider benchseats that incorporate more flotation. This change is indicative of what Quintrex has done to all its open boats to ensure positive flotation is achieved. This additional buoyancy allows the boat to float on a level plane should it become swamped, which is an important safety feature.
- The 420 Estuary Angler is described by Quintrex as a deluxe open boat. It has a number of new features including a plastic anchorwell, carpeted fuel tank rack, transom step and rail and a wider floor section.
- The 445 Estuary Angler is the big brother to the 420 and incorporates all its features with the addition of a three-piece windscreen and forward controls.
- The are some very exciting developments in the ever-popular Hornet line-up. The 400 Hornet and Hornet Trophy now features an increased beam that should improve stability and provide more fishing room.
- The 445 Hornet Trophy and Hornet Wildfisher now comes standard with a new Maxi Transom. This pod configuration means the 445s can now be powered by 60hp four-stroke outboards. Other features include a rear livewell and a plastic storage compartment forward that can also be plumbed if required.
- The 475 and 500 Hornet Trophies and Hornet Wildfishers have also been given a Maxi Transom upgrade. These boats feature all the inclusions of the 445. However, the 500 has a 100hp maximum rating and Quintrex hope to provide the 475 with a 75hp maximum rating.
- The 455 Top Ender features a new roto-moulded storage compartment that can be plumbed as either a kill tank or livewell.
- Quintrex's popular bowrider, the 530 Freedom Sport, has been given a dashboard upgrade and is now available with two-tone paintwork. It is interesting to note that Quintrex now include a standard boat care pack on all its painted models.
- The 560 Spirit is a large cuddy that features new stylish cabin windows and can now be fitted with an optional transom door.
- The 600 Freestyler is a totally new concept for Quintrex. As the name suggests, it is a 6m centre-console. However, it features seating forward similar to that of a bowrider. A ply infill soon turns the bow seating into a casting deck if you spot a school of tuna on the way home.
All 6m models including the 600 Ocean Sport now feature a 5mm bottom sheet, which puts these maxi-trailerboats in a similar league to many plate-built boats.
There are some interesting concepts on the Quintrex drawing board also. We viewed a new inclusion that Quintrex call a Splash Deck. While its not a true self draining deck as such, the deck does feature large-diameter drains with non-return valves so any water on the deck will drain away rather than having to rely only on the bilge pump.
Quintrex are also experimenting with a number of products that may just see the demise of plywood floors. Yeehah! The product winning the race at the moment is a sandwich-celled aluminium product, which like all good things is expensive, but if it means no more rotten floors, then hey, its got to be worth a try.
NEW CAMPAIGN
Meeting the needs of the experienced boater is not the only item on the Quintrex agenda. The company recently ran a four-week marketing campaign in the greater Sydney area aimed specifically at first-time boat buyers. With the help of fishing identity Rex Hunt, the campaign was called Instant Boating and used just three boat packages, a 420 Dory, 420 Estuary Angler and 455 Escape - all powered by Yamaha outboards. Each package was designed to just hitch up and drive away, and even included boating tuition.
To say the campaign was a success is an understatement. Quintrex dealers sold around 100 boats in just four weeks to mostly first-time boat owners. With the success of the Sydney campaign, Quintrex intend doing the same thing right around the country in due course. This can only be good for the industry as a whole.
For more information, tel (07) 5585 9898 or visit www.quintrex.com.au.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
