Quintrex 510 Coast Runner

How many boatbuilding companies in this country can boast a diamond anniversary? Quintrex is one of the few that has made the 60-year goal post and is still going strong; especially so in recent years, as the company is booming amid the buoyant boat market we are experiencing at the moment. Based in the Gold Coast in Queensland, Quintrex annually produces over 15,000 aluminium boats in 60 models.

Its recent media day on the Gold Coast showcased 10 of the current models for your Trailer Boat scribes to scrutinise and one of them, the 510 Coast Runner, was just begging for a run.

GOLD-CLASS VALUE
There is a lot of value to be found in this boat for a broad section of the fishing and boating community. At 5.1m in length, typically beamy and with a full floating pod/transom, the Coast Runner has the stability that you want when fishing and family boating.

A new style vacuum-moulded inner cockpit lining on each side gives the rig a really racy appearance. Fishing features include built-in rodholders, drinkholders, plenty of toe room under the liners, and a cockpit light sitting under a brow that allows night-time use without the associated glare. Flotation fills most of the cavity behind to offer positive buoyancy, a safety aspect that Quintrex proudly touts. Due to the flotation, sidepockets are high off the floor within easier reach when standing and fishing.

Broad helm and passenger seats feature oversize plush upholstery and are swivel-mounted, but to retain the comfort factor, the seats also have swinging back rests to alleviate the need to fully spin around to face aft.

A rear lounge base is removable for the serious fisho, leaving a padded inner coaming on the transom bulkhead on which to lean. This base is also collapsible but the leading edge will contact the floor and not allow the feet under.

FAMILY OR FISHING
A drop-down ladder is secured when strapped to the transom and beach goers will have plenty of grabrails to hang onto when in transit.

 Vacuum-moulded helm and passenger dash inserts look quite smart and a small cabinet Lowrance depth sounder sits neatly amongst other instrumentation. The stowage compartment in the passenger insert is enormous and will hold a reasonable-sized beach bag. Below each module the profile is rebated to allow the feet to rest comfortably.

Lifejackets are stowed forward of the foot room and retained by elastic webbing, which is sensible positioning to allow for easy drying should they become wet - and they're easy to reach.

A neat wraparound windscreen has an open centre leading to a short companionway under a flip-back hatch that gives easy and practical access to the open anchor well.

For fishos, leverage when working stuck ground tackle is vital. The Coast Runner is very nicely designed for this, offering stability and safety if you have to fish in the rough. The deck around the anchor well is well-appointed with a non-slip finish.

A low profile bowrail will allow the family to lounge safely out here to soak up the sun and when they've had enough, slip under the compact bimini for some shade. A solid grabrail runs around the rim of the windscreen.

 The 510 nipped along nicely with a 90hp Mercury on the back. Holeshot was quick, direct and acceleration rapid to 65.5kmh on our hand-held GPS. Manoeuvrability at speed was awesome and hard locks at full throttle were easy at the helm with no ventilation.

This boat caters for five people and is aimed at the family market. It would make a good fishing rig and has all the hallmarks for plain fun boating.

HIGHS

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