Quintrex 400F Explorer Trophy: Review

In the new 2015 Quintrex Explorer range there are five models. The 400 Trophy that features in this test is the second smallest. The baby of the family is the 390, which also gets a mention here from our test-drive day. Both boats prove that good things come in small packages. They are nifty and nice estuary fishers for not too many bucks, improved casting platforms, agile and capable,

OVERVIEW
- Small boat with a big heart
With a hull tipping the scales at 265kg, the 400 Trophy will find favour with those of us running small four-cylinder cars and others who just don't have the luxury of a spacious hardstand or driveway.

But if 265kg still seems too much, there is always the compact 390 sister ship that tips the scales at just 105kg for the hull only. That's verging on a cartopper!

Now, don't get us wrong here. Despite their small dimensions, the 400 and 390 Explorer Trophys are full of features and great packages for the angler on a budget who wants to catch bass, bream and barra, flatties, harbour kings and more.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Great initial price and a host of options
The 390 is a bare-bones boat but one that has plenty of depth and, thus, security around the gunwales. It's the sort of boat you would love to chuck a swag and icebox aboard and drift down a croc-infested creek drowning lures.

The 400, on the other hand, is a nicely laid out mini-tournament boat with creature comforts to make a day on the river or lake pleasant to say the least.

Carpeted plywood timber decking, forward and rear casting decks and a pair of rod holders are standard. So, too, are the two comfy pedestal seats for any of the five seating positions.

The factory options' list would occupy an A4 sheet for both models — more so the 400 Trophy — and price-wise you will need to budget $14,600 for the 400 Trophy as a tested rig. The 390 Explorer costs just $4250 for the hull only.

INTERNAL LAYOUT
- 'Pickle-fork' bow gives more room and better stability
For a small boat, the 400 Trophy boasts a spacious layout ,which can be attributed to Quintrex’s new fork-bow design.

Twin bow points add strength to the fore quarters, but also add an 11 per cent increase to the internal deck space. The forward casting deck is the winner here, both in fishing area and internal hatch space. The chines come further forward than the old Explorer models and that means more internal room.

A short rail each side of the forward casting deck adds a little more security for those standing there and also double as man-handling aids and tie-down point (handy if you add a tarp and want to camp on deck). A single seat spigot is fitted into this forward deck, too.

A cleat fixed to the aft of the bow top sheet is the securing point for the anchor rope destined to swing between the fork points as the boat yaws. This would remove paint rapidly, so a bow roller system or perhaps just this section left unpainted at manufacture would keep it looking pristine for longer. Installation would be no problem at all, as a reinforced plate for installation of a bow roller is on the topside of the bow.

The forward hatch in the front casting deck opens to starboard and reveals a full rotoform tub liner for stowing ground tackle. Immediately aft is another large hatch, with a lid that opens forward and side wing lids that open outwards. This way, accessing the  full-beam compartment (with carpeted floor to keep gear out of a wet bilge) is a cinch.

There are no rubber seals or built-in drainage gutters around these hatch lids,  so if you take any water over the gunwales or get caught in rain the contents will need to be aired and dried before putting the boat to bed for any length of time.

At the aft end, a short casting platform runs abeam and features a hatch in front of the engine well that houses the crank battery as well as its isolating switch. A 20-litre fuel tank was sitting in the port side and there is room in the opposite corner for another. The central hatch is hinged while those port and starboard are removable panels.

The spigot for the helm seat is welded to the forward bulkhead of the casting deck and another three spigots are dotted about the cockpit or lower deck.

ON THE WATER
- Still sprightly with low horsepower
We like the extra deck space courtesy of the forked-bow configuration. These new-generation Explorers sure are roomier and give the impression one is aboard a much larger platform.

Fitted up with an 18hp Vortex two-stroke outboard, the 400 wasn’t the quietest performer of the day. But then it doesn’t command the higher prices either.

Power-to-weight ratio was good and hole-shot with two aboard was easy. There was plenty of torque through to WOT at which point we were running at around 18 knots.

If you are budget conscious or have no need for the nice trimmings and opted for the 390F Explorer you would have a top speed of approximately 17 knots with a 15hp Vortex.

VERDICT
- No-fuss boating that's upgradable ex-factory
The 400F Explorer Trophy will be a good fit for a broad range of anglers and boaters. It's capable and agile, defying its physical dimensions, and a great estuary fishing platform should you not be up to handling bigger boats.

Light enough to tow behind a small vehicle, it's also very easily stowed if you lack the driveway space to give a big boat a home.

Another thing: if you want to avoid the hassle of fitting aftermarket equipment there is an absolute myriad of extra kit available factory-fitted and at the time of purchase from your Quinnie dealer.

Given the new design, the extra space created by the forked bow, and the huge popularity of the Explorers in their previous form, we've got no doubt these new 390 and 400 variants will be best sellers.

Estuary, inshore and inland or impoundment fishing has also gained massive popularity right around the country in recent years. With better fish-finding electronics, irresistible soft-plastic lures and record stocking, you really need nothing more to head out on your weekend to score some trophy fish.

LIKES
>>Plenty of casting room on the decks
>> Nippy little performer with minimal horses
>> Good entry-level pricing

NOT SO MUCH
>> Would like to see a bow roller to complement the fitted cleat
>> A rubber seal under the aft foredeck stowage hatch would alleviate the hassle of having to dry gear out at the end of a trip

Ratings:
Overall: 4.5/5.0
Mechanical: 4.4/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.6/5.0
On water performance: 4.7: 5.0
Value for money: 4.4/5.0
X-factor 4.4/5.0
Performance: 4.4/5.0

Specifications:
Priced from: 400 Explorer Trophy as tested from $14,600 BMT with 18hp Vortex outboard on trailer. The 390 Explorer costs just $4250 for the hull only.
Length overall: 4.17m?
Beam: 1.88m?
Depth: 0.86m?
Hull weight: 265kg?
Bottom sides: 1.6mm?
Topsides: 1.6mm?
Maximum power: 30hp?
Maximum engine weight: 120kg?
Engine as tested: Vortex 18hp ?two-stroke
Maximum persons: 4

Supplied by:
Surf Coast Marine
50-54 Brisbane Road
Labrador, Qld. 4215
Telephone: (07) 5563 7733
Website: www.surfcoastmarine.com.au