Quintrex 435 Bass Pro Hornet

The new range of Hornets - now rolling out of the doors of Quintrex's new plant at Coomera (SE Qld) - are in the guise of the 'Eclipse' hull series.

The earlier models enjoyed huge popularity among estuary and impoundment fishers around Australia, and for those who have graced their decks the reason is elementary. But for the uninitiated, allow me to 'walk you through' the new model.

The 2001 model upgrade retains the same LOA measurement of 4.35m and is still called the Bass Pro Hornet.

ON THE BEAM
Externally, the big change is to the beam, which is brought further forward, with the chine following. Effectively, this allows the hull side to follow around the forward quarters, giving a fuller bow and rounded foredeck. And a slightly sharper entry of the keel into the waterline capitalises on what was already a winning feature of the superseded Hornet series.

The internal layout of the cockpit remains similar to the old model. After all - if it ain't broke, why fix it!

This layout revolves around the midships helm situated to starboard. The stylish steering console is directly aft of the forward casting which constitutes nearly half of the internal deck space. The entire inner-deck space is neatly carpeted.

The console includes a tinted wind deflector, moulded at the factory from UV-stabilised perspex, which serves the skipper who is provided with ample legroom underneath the console. A pair of padded vinyl-covered swivel pedestal seats, which have fold-down backrests, serve the skipper and passenger. A seat mount is fixed into the forward casting deck as an optional seating station for either seat.

Two large foredeck hatches feature flush catches and hinges. These open from the centre of the boat out to the port and starboard gunwales. The forward casting deck is approximately 75mm below the gunwale and will make life easier for the flyfisher in windy conditions - this feature prevents fly lines blowing over the side of the boat.

A smaller hatch, centrally located below the foredeck, opens to a cavernous livewell which is plumbed and ready to use with the flick of a switch on the console. The lining of this well is smooth with rounded corners, making it easy to clean. It is made from rotothane (a material produced at the Quintrex factory). It has a high resistance to petrol, impact and battery acid.

This is the larger of two livewells and its central position over the keel line and closeness to the longitudinal centre of balance means that the overall attitude of the boat hardly alters as the tank empties.

The optional 40lt underfloor fueltank is constructed of stainless steel and is hidden away under the main cockpit floor. It's fed by a filler with a snap-lock lid which sits atop the port gunwale. The tank's central location is also advantageous, in a similar fashion to that of the large live fish well. As the fueltank empties, there should be minimal variation to the attitude of the boat.

FLOOR SHOW
Aft of the cockpit seating, the floor is raised into a rear casting deck with carpeted side and top. Centrally located at the forward end of that deck is another livewell. Though not as large as that up front, it is sufficient for inland impoundment usage and features the easy-to-maintain rotothane moulded lining. A hinged, flush-mounted hatch keeps this deck foot-friendly.

The engine well is sufficient for the 50hp outboard (the maximum rating for this boat) and is lined with a rotothane insert. The rounded lines will minimise collection of grease and dirt in this section. The engine well separates two large hatches which wedge below a flange on the transom then push down flush with the remainder of the flooring. Nylon straps facilitate the lifting of these hatches.

Below the hatch in the aft port-side corner are two battery wells within the one rotothane mould. Drainage for these wells is into the bilge below. The liner is once again moulded rotothane. At a glance, I estimated both wells are capable of carrying a 90-115 amp hour battery (light truck/LandCruiser size). There is no way such a battery could tip over in these compartments, so any spillage (should it occur) would have to come from a cracked casing or via an inspection/breather cap that was inadvertently left off.

In the opposite aft corner another hatch of the same dimensions covers an area that sports a fueltank rack (should you decline the option of an underfloor tank or not desire to carry an extra 20lt of spare fuel).

The testboat was in fact the first of its type and final decisions on bollards and deck handrails had not been made. The main objective, though, is to free the foredeck of entangling features, such as bollards and the like, to make life easier for those utilising it - especially flyfishers. Hence, in all likelihood, two small handrails near the bow will be the extent of any protrusions.

The test was conducted on the Coomera River, which on the day had a small five-knot wind-generated chop and the odd large boat wash from a couple of larger craft using the waterway.

SPIN CONTROL
From the outset I was very surprised at the ease of which the mechanical steering operated. Trimming the 50hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard, the wheel could be comfortably spun with one finger. I am a devout hydraulic steering fan, however this is as close as it gets to hydraulic - even though the way the outboard is mounted does have a large bearing on this aspect of steering performance. This outboard was set-up to the maker's specifications, so as long as those rules are followed you should enjoy the same results.

With Quintrex Marketing and PR Manager, Damian Hoyle, aboard and a full 40lt fueltank, the 435 Hornet shot onto the plane effortlessly. At full throttle the outboard revved to 5800rpm with a top speed of around 50kmh. This outfit would easily lift four average adults (which is its maximum recommended rating).

Cutting through prop wash and bow waves, the Hornet performs like its ancestors - soft, clean, and slicing through small chop with no slamming; therefore greatly reducing noise and creating maximum comfort for those onboard.

With Hoyle at the helm and yours truly sitting forward on the casting deck, the soft entry into chop was still noticeable. Wide-open and windswept impoundments and estuaries is where this hull and its 'big brothers' will shine.

Hard cornering showed no vices, such as sideslip or turbulence causing cavitation.

Cutting across chop with the wind coming over the forward quarter indicated that the flared forward section of the hull was doing its job nicely, downturning the spray and water and pushing it clear of the hull.

A standard fitting on this boat is the Lowrance X28 sounder. This unit operated correctly at all speeds and showed only minor breaks in the on-screen transmission when ploughing through large boat wakes, which is to be expected with any unit.

Cosmetically, the boat had neat external welds and a two-pack paint job. For the price, this outfit represents good value and would undoubtedly provide its owner with a wide range of freshwater and saltwater fishing options.