Quintrex 500 Hornet Trophy

The Hornet's reputation has been, and still is, exemplary which, given that production-line models of aluminium boats tend to fall off the radar relatively quickly compared with fibreglass builds is, in this day and age, is a commercial feat.

The Hornet series has been on the boating scene in one form or another for at least seven years and the latest top dressing will launch it into the next seven. The design tag for the hull of all Hornet boats is now termed ‘Extreme’.

The paint on the hull was still drying when we reviewed this first new model Hornet off the production line and try as we did we could not get a handle on the retail price that could be expected. Once Quintrex’s dealer network has been consulted and potential numbers sorted out, pricing will be worked out from there. We'll keep you posted.

The Hornet comes with all the necessary features to get one started without any major structural upgrade. One of the two bow points is plated to receive the base of an electric motor and a pair of batteries may be installed on the standard fit trays under the foredeck. A plumbed live well is standard and installed in the rear casting deck and a Lowrance 5X depth sounder is included in the price.

Seemingly the sky is the limit when it comes to what options are available at factory level with choices across the board for any sort of accessory related to sportfishing. One of the options is hydraulic steering but as we found, the mechanical system worked without undue torque causing stress to the skipper.

Three flush-mounted hatches are installed in the rear deck. The central compartment is a plumbed live-fish tank made of a rotaform insert. Tournament boats require a minimum tank capacity of 60 litres for competition and this tank just scrapes it in.

On the starboard side, the cranking battery, isolation switch and engine oil reservoir are installed; while in the opposite corner the flat floor in the compartment will allow gear to be stored up out of bilge water.

The two supplied seats have a number of post positions including one on the forward casting deck. This is the usual place for a raised pedestal bum seat used for leaning against when standing and casting to fish; and those are an option.

The console to starboard is stylish in design and while but a mere shell, its form ensures rigidity. It was good to note more top space for mounting large cabinet electronics; something we found wanting when we tested a Hornet a couple of years back.

A sealed compartment was recessed into the console and provided a good place for car keys and mobile phones and a raised grab rail at the front of the console was clad in part with a tinted screen which acts as a wind deflector.

Evinrude ETEC instrumentation was installed along with Lowrance’s HDS7.

Moving forward to the front casting platform we found a lot of changes from the models of old.

The port side bow point has the addition of a mounting plact for an electric motor. The power supply for that may be strapped down in the purpose-built compartment aft of the large anchor well. Two aluminium trays come standard for that purpose.

The anchor well is constructed of a rotaform insert which takes a lot of the rattle and banging out of having ground tackle stowed there.

Across the aft of the platform three hatches open to the one compartment which is huge. It too has a carpeted floor raised off the bilge and with so many compartments in which to stow gear, little wonder the manufacturer didn’t bother with cockpit side pockets; rather the cockpit is neat and uncluttered.

As mentioned, steering was mechanical and worked well with the normal amount of torque experienced at the helm when turning with the motor not trimmed as it should be.

Gone are the pressed ribs with the manufacturer opting for a flat sheet finish which really makes a good base for any of the wraps that are available; theirs or one of your own design.

The bow shape has been changed to one that now has two bow points rather than the typical one and each represents the end of the now extended and raking chines that come well forward putting more forequarter in the water. This results in more planing surface hence quicker hole shot, but importantly greater stability in the fore end which can only be of beneficial to the standing angler. 

With so much planing area on the hull it was difficult to ascertain exactly when hole shot had occurred but the hull seemed to level itself at 10 knots with the engine running at 2400rpm and using nine litres per hour. Cruising at 20 knots it was using 17.6 lph at 3500rpm and WOT running at 5800rpm 37 knots was achieved for a fuel burn of 48 lph.

The wide forequarters definitely retard a lot more spray than the single-point hull on earlier models and hard turning at speed was direct with little side slip. Provided correct trim was set, there was no aeration at the propeller.

Quintrex continues to be on a winner with this Hornet Trophy. It is everything the avid sport fisher would want in a boat for sheltered and partially-smooth waters. The finish is excellent and overall the boat presents as one that has been custom built rather than one that has come out of one of the biggest production line facilites in the Southern Hemisphere.

Full marks go to this one!