Quintrex 490 CC

The nomenclature denotes the size of the boat in metres with the 490 tested here measuring 4.90 metres overall.

When we were recently introduced to the new boats, Quintrex National Account Manager Tony Kokolis (himself an avid fisherman we were to find out later) said that the company wanted to go back to “quintessential fishing” with the new range developed to service the needs of no-fuss fishos after a practical boating option.

Most of the range is available in centre-console, side-console or tiller-steer configuration so there should be something for most anglers.

Kokolis said that these no-frills fishing machines have all the fishing essentials but also the flexibility and options up to create a boat for specific angling needs, be it casting soft-plastics in the estuary or fly fishing for sports fish. 

Included in that price as standard equipment are front and rear casting platforms with the front having an 80-litre split livewell and the rear a fully-plumbed live-bait tank, built-in tackle tray, dual side pockets and your choice of transom -- either the splashwell type giving easier access over the transom and extra casting deck space or the full motorwell for a bit of added protection from waves.

The boat is also fully carpeted as standard and comes with navigation lights.

Our test boat was fitted a few extras including the two-tone paint, bow-mounted electric-motor plate and drink holders which brought the price up to $28,280.

We’re told that these new boats have increased beam and certainly there was a lot of cockpit area in this 490. The boat was fitted with three seats which are interchangeable around the mounting points in the boat or can be removed completely.

One thing we did like about the boat were the wide extruded decks that held the standard rod holders and could be used for mounting all manner of equipment... or even a couple more rod holders to supplement the four standard items.

The console is well placed, slightly forward, to give plenty of room for the angler(s) fishing aft. The gauges were neatly placed and easy to read and there’s room on the top of the console to mount some electronics and more storage options inside the console.

There is some dry storage under the foredeck in front of the casting platform which we used for lifejackets and the like. Above are the anchor well and bow roller for the ground tackle as well as a horn cleat to tie off to. There is no lid on the anchor well. If I had one of these boats, I’d have a lid fitted to stop the anchor rode flying around and potentially getting caught around the prop.

Another factor of the hull was the scuppers on each side of the transom so water can easily exit if you take a bit on board. If some does get to the bilge, it’ll be taken care of by the 1250gph pump. 

The bilge pump is located in the battery locker under the aft casting platform. The fitment of the battery box, isolator switch and bilge pump was first class with everything easily accessed and neat and tidy.

Power is supplied by a 75hp Evinrude E-Tec which was a good match for the 490. With three people and gear on board it didn’t struggle and got the boat up on the plane easily. It cruised happily at 4000rm for 26 knots (30 mph). Top speed is around 35 knots (40 mph).

Fuel consumption of the Evinrudes is pretty goo too. At the aforementioned 4000rpm you can expect consumption in the region of 19 litres per hour and at wide-open throttle you’ll be using around 26.5 litres per hour.

Standard fuel load is 77 litres in an underfloor tank fed by a filler on the port-side gunwale.

Construction of the hull is of 3mm alloy for the bottom, topsides and transom. 

The 490 was certainly up to the task and carried the three crew effortlessly. Although it was a glorious day with only a light nor’easter brushing the surface, the Renegade loved it. It is an easily-driven hull and the 75hp Evinrude seemed quite up to the job. Maximum horsepower is 90 but for inshore work, lakes and the like the 75 would be ample.

The Renegade is a comfortable boat whether you’re driving or a passenger. The three seats offer pleasant perches and I noted an ample selection of solid hand holds that are often missing from smaller fishing boats.

I did wonder about the longevity of the seats but Tony assured me he’s had the same seats on a previous boat and they lasted OK...

Stability at rest was great. While fishing we were moving around a bit, while shooting some of the accompanying video. But the boat stayed nice and stable -- a credit to the designers.

Our test boat was equipped with the all fishing gear we needed and we put it to the test. We had plenty of stowage areas for your fenders and safety equipment, plenty of rod stowage and even standard rod holders. There is a place for virtually everything including your tackle box tray.

The fitment of the fish and live wells was first class and it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into the layout.

Quintrex offers a long list of options that you can delve into to customise and/or personalise your boat. The value factor is there to be seen and as a BMT package the 490 Renegade represents a sound investment, as this is a boat that will last many years and should hold its value.

All round, we had a great day out on the Renegade. It’s a ripper that is sure sell well and be found on many of Australia’s lakes, bays and estuaries, even inshore grounds.

It’s just a shame that Big Tony’s lures didn’t work as well as the boat.