Quintrex 490 Top Ender SC

Other changes included new names for the runabouts and bowriders, a new range of budget cuddy cabins (Sea Spirits) and the release of more models within each boat type.

In the Top Ender side console range, for example, buyers can now choose from seven different models between 4.5m and 6.1m in length. Specifically, Top Ender side consoles now come in 4.5, 4.81, 4.9, 5.1, 5.3, 5.7, and 6.1m lengths. With this broad choice of models, Quintrex has most fishing applications covered.

During the past six months, we have tested a number of the new Quintrex models, including the 570 Top Ender side console. For this test we have opted for one of the smaller, mid-sized Top Enders, the versatile 490 model.

Inside the boat there is plenty of open deck space, a number of underfloor storage lockers with roto-moulded inserts, cockpit carpet throughout, deluxe sports side console, rear battery locker, drink holders, cockpit and navigation lights, and three standard lift-out (and folding) seats.

You can fish out of the standard boat as it has a live-bait tank in the port side transom corner, very wide side coamings, four standard rod holders, a Lowrance Mark 5X Fish Finder and GME GX600 VHF radio.

Most anglers will want to customise their new Top Ender with a selection of gear from the extensive options list. Some of the good gear available includes a live fish well built into the forward casting deck, electric trolling motor plate on the bow, a variety of cutting/bait boards, electronic and steering upgrades (mechanical to hydraulic), lean seat, berley bucket, two-tone painted hull, custom vinyl hull wrap, EPIRB and fire extinguisher bins, transom door, extra fuel tank, twin batteries and more.

The test rig was fitted with just the single option, the overhead bimini and envelope. With a 90hp Evinrude E-Tec Outboard and Quintrex aluminium trailer, the test boat is priced at $37,430 at Springwood Marine in Brisbane.

The moulded plastic dash is neat and functional; it has provision for standard engine gauges, a bracket-mounted fish finder, and a flush-fitted radio.

The sports-style steering wheel is offset to the left of the dash, while the throttle is side-mounted and within a comfortable reach of the skipper.

As noted earlier, the stern and rear transom design on the Top Ender (and most other models) has been re-jigged to provide 180mm more cockpit space, whilst providing more outboard powerhead space in the outboard well.

Transom features also include boarding steps and a port side ladder, a non-feedback scupper drainage system, and a sub-floor battery compartment.

The rear coamings are very wide so there is ample space for the flush fitted live bait tank on the port side. The coaming tops also make for pretty comfortable seats to perch on while fishing.

Stern cleats grace the transom corners while the fuel filter and battery master switch are easily accessed under the starboard corner coaming.

There are plenty of storage areas for fishing and safety gear. Three big roto-moulded storage bins under the forward casting deck cater for clothing, safety and wet weather gear.

A sub-floor bin next to the console provides space for storage, but will likely be used as a fish box or ice chest.

Side storage pockets flank the cockpit and these are good for stowing small items and fishing gear like hand-lines, terminal tackle boxes, tools, etc.

The rear cockpit is 2.4m long by 1.72m wide. It has 600mm of freeboard aft, reducing to 340mm up on the forward casting deck.

Three folding removable chairs are included with the Top Ender and they can be moved into four different positions around the boat – including one floor-slot up on the casting deck.

Low, short rails surround the bow area and flank the cockpit at the stern. Side rails that stretch the full length of the boat are optional.

The decent sized anchor well (with roto-moulded plastic insert) is situated on the foredeck, along with the accompanying bow roller and welded cleat.  

In choppy Gold Coast Broadwater conditions the variable deadrise Quintrex Blade hull performed well. The ride in the Top Ender actually felt a bit softer than the previous runabout Quintrex we tested, and this would be due to the helm being positioned further aft in the side console boat.

Underway, the Top Ender was reasonably dry, stable and predictable. At rest it felt solid with enough stability to fish two big guys over one side.

Priced from $36,540 (std. boat) with Evinrude E-Tec 90hp
Length overall: 5.21m
Hull length: 5.13m
Beam: 2.25m
Depth: 1.12mm
Deadrise: Variable
Hull weight: 450kg
Towing weight: Approx. 850kg
Bottom alloy: 3mm
Topside alloy: 2mm
Maximum power: 90hp
Maximum engine weight: 184kg
Engine as tested: Evinrude E-Tec 90hp
Fuel: 70 litres
Maximum Persons: Five