Quintrex 530 Freestyler: Review

One of the most versatile new Freestyler bowrider boats from Quintrex is the 530 model. Equipped with the ground-breaking new Apex series hull, the mid-sized Freestyler in the range is a modern looking boat with a soft ride, excellent stability, plenty of seating and ample storage space. Rigged with an Evinrude E-TEC 115hp HO two-stroke outboard, packaged on a Quintrex aluminium trailer, the 530 Freestyler is an attractive and affordable family boating package with great performance.

OVERVIEW
- Mid-sized Quintrex 530 Freestyler ticks plenty of boxes
Earlier this year, Quintrex stole the march on its aluminium-trailerboat competitors with the release of its remarkable new Apex series hull (review).

With a wide beam, flared and concave running shape, and a very fine entry and very wide chines carried well forward, this unique forked-bow boat has redefined the Australian aluminium production-boat market.

The new hull shape has been coupled with the Frontier range of side and centre console fishing layouts, and the Freestyler family bowriders and sportsboats.

The Frontier and Freestyler models are both available in 510, 530, 550, 590, and 630 model lengths.

For a mix of family boating, bay cruising, tow-sports and social bay fishing, the Freestylers are the craft of choice. We tested the flagship 630 Freestyler (our review) a month or so ago. Now we have a model at the other end of the range: the 530 Freestyler.

This 530 is one size up from the smallest model in the Freestyler line-up and arguably the most versatile. It is small and light enough to be towed easily behind a family car or SUV, yet big enough to provide ample comfort, seating and storage space for comfortable bay and coastal outings with family and friends.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- $50k BMT package for family boating, bay fishing and social tow-sports
The 530 Freestyler is priced within reach of most family boaters. Gold Coast Quintrex dealer Surf Coast Marine has entry packages starting at around $45k complete with a 90hp Evinrude E-TEC longshaft (20in) outboard, Quintrex single-axle aluminum braked trailer, boat and trailer registrations, and an inshore safety-gear pack.

The package also come with plenty of factory fitted features and equipment including: a forward anchor well with hatch, comfy bow seating compartment with storage underneath, deluxe pedestal helm chairs, folding rear bench seat, black-framed sports windscreen, moulded-plastic helm consoles and side pocket storage panels, outdoor carpet throughout, cockpit-water drainage scuppers, new 80mm higher raised side decks, boarding platforms, boarding ladder, moulded underfloor ski/storage locker and more.

Our test boat was rigged with a few extras which lift the price to just over $50k. The options included painted hull sides, bimini top with envelope, bait board and ski-pole insert, plus a VHF radio.

For a little more performance, the test rig was also paired with a slightly larger 115hp HO Evinrude E-TEC two-stroke outboard engine.

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- Apex hull allows for roomy interior with ample seating and storage
Like most bowrider boats, the Freestyler has bow and stern seating areas separated by a centre opening, walk-through windscreen and dash.

However, the bow compartment in the 530 Freestyler is bigger and more spacious than you would normally expect from a 5.30m boat. This can be attributed to the design of the Apex hull, which carries the beam of the boat right forward to the bow. This, in turn, allows for a wider, more comfortable seating area.

The bow compartment can also be converted into a casting deck with the addition of an optional infill cushion and board.

Alternatively, and in dead calm conditions only, you could stand right up forward on the foredeck near the large anchor well, which has a hatch cover in this model.

Other bow features include comfortable, two-tone-coloured seat backrests, cup holders, pop-up cleats amidships on each side (in addition to the bow cleat), and under-berth storage lockers for safety gear.

You could also stow safety gear in a substantial-sized, roto-moulded polyethylene locker under the floor between the deluxe swiveling helm seats, but this space is best utilised as a ski/fender locker.

For the storage of smaller items there are two compartments behind Sopac-style hatches beneath both the port and starboard side helm consoles.

The port-side console also has an open key shelf and a lockable glove compartment, beneath the strongly tinted, black-framed acrylic windscreen.

The helm console opposite, also made with a roto-moulded poly plastic insert, is compact in size with provision only for a bracket-mounted electronics display, along with the sport steering wheel, a single radio, switch panel, etc.

The throttle was side-mounted to starboard, well situated for a seated driver.

The standard helm chairs are removable and swivel 360 degrees. They also have a front bolster which you can flip back out of the way to drive the boat while standing up. That said, the windscreen is quite low-set so it is still most comfortable to operate the boat from a seated helm position.

Alongside the two helm chairs, the moulded plastic side panels stretch from the windscreen aft to the transom. While they are functional, these side panels may not be to everyone's taste as they protrude inboard of the gunwales into the cockpit and make it more difficult to stand and lean against the internal sides.

Features built-into the moulded side panels include two cup holders alongside the helm chairs, two more cup holders aft (alongside the folding and removable padded bench seat), storage bins, side storage pockets and provision for a large stereo speaker on each side.

Above the rear bench seat is a full wrap-around coaming bolster which makes for a comfortable backrest and provides security and comfort for anglers when fishing over the stern with the bench seat removed.

Additional features in the rear cockpit include storage shelves under the transom, an underfloor battery storage locker, two plastic rod holders, stern cleats, boarding platform and ladder, cockpit scupper-drainage system, and the optional bait board/ski pole fitted to the test rig.

ON THE WATER
- A smooth, sporty, safe hull with excellent handling and performance
We have extolled the virtues of the Apex hull (full review) in several articles since Quintrex debuted this innovative design on the Gold Coast earlier this year — and yet each time we step aboard an Apex-equipped Quinnie we are reminded anew of the capabilities of this remarkable hull shape.

The Apex hull really is a beauty, combining the rugged strength, stability and durability of a fine alloy boat with the ride comfort, handling and cornering prowess of a very good fibreglass boat.

We have noted previously that the Apex hull does seem to work best in the larger hull sizes, but the smaller boats still offer class-leading levels of handling, ride comfort, dryness and stability.

Our 530 Freestyler test rig felt very safe, soft and secure out in some moderate bay chop. It also cornered tightly with the limpet-like grip on the water surface we have come to expect from this hull.

With regard to performance, the 530 Freestyler accepts single longshaft (20in) outboard power between 75hp and 130hp.

Best power is arguably between 90hp and 115hp.

Our test boat was rigged with 115hp Evinrude E-TEC two-stroke DFI outboard and we never felt short on power or speed. From idle through to wide-open throttle, the test rig accelerated very strongly up to a top speed of 35.3 knots.

VERDICT
- A terrific family sportsboat, bay cruiser and general all-rounder
Quintrex has a huge range of boats on offer at present. While the standard Blade-hull equipped models are very fine craft, the new Apex hull models — available only with the Frontier and Freestyler layouts — are a step up again.

You do pay a little more for an Apex-equipped Quintrex, but these craft are the best production alloy boats in the small trailerboat market at present.

Our 530 Freestyler test boat certainly has plenty to offer boaters and fishermen, but not just withhandling and performance. The Freestyler is also well made, contemporary in appearance, nicely appointed and smartly designed for mixed water-sports, family cruising and bay fishing.

LIKES
>> Soft, stable Apex hull
>> Strong performance from Evinrude E-TEC 115hp
>> Lots of seating and storage
>> Easy handling
>> High cockpit freeboard
>> Versatile hull size and layout

NOT SO MUCH
>> Limited dash space for electronics
>> Underfloor battery location
>> Moulded side panels not to everyone's taste
>> Small standard fuel tank

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.80/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.8/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.8/5.0
On the water performance: 4.8/5.0
Value for money: 4.7/5.0
X-factor: 4.9/5.0

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
3.9kts (7.2km/h) @ 1000rpm
5.4kts (10.0km/h) @ 1500rpm
6.6kts (12.2km/h) @ 2000rpm
7.5kts (13.9km/h) @ 2500rpm
13.7kts (25.3km/h) @ 3000rpm
18.2kts (33.8km/h) @ 3500rpm
21.7kts (40.2km/h) @ 4000rpm
25.6kts (47.4km/h) @ 4500rpm
29.1kts (54.0km/h) @ 5000rpm
30.4kts (56.4km/h) @ 5500rpm
35.3kts (65.4km/h) @ 6000rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY
1.4 l/ph @ 1000rpm
2.8 l/ph @ 1500rpm
5.0 l/ph @ 2000rpm
8.7 l/ph @ 2500rpm
12.0 l/ph @ 3000rpm
19.7 l/ph @ 3500rpm
21.6 l/ph @ 4000rpm
27.1 l/ph @ 4500rpm
30.0 l/ph @ 5000rpm
33.7 l/ph @ 5500rpm
41.9 l/ph @ 6000rpm (WOT)

Specifications: Quintrex 530 Freestyler
Price as tested: $50,850 including Evinrude E-TEC 115hp DFI two-stroke longshaft (20in) outboard with non-feedback mechanical steering, two-tone paint, single-axle Quintrex alloy braked trailer, VHF radio, bait board/ski pole, bimini with envelope, 12 months' QLD boat and trailer registrations and an inshore safety gear pack.

Priced from: $45,250 including Evinrude E-TEC 90hp DFI two-stroke longshaft (20in) outboard with non-feedback mechanical steering, single-axle Quintrex alloy braked trailer, 12 months' QLD boat and trailer registrations and an inshore safety gear pack.

Length overall: 5.32m
Hull length: 5.22m
Beam: 2.28m
Depth: 1.20m
Deadrise: 13 degrees
Hull weight: 530kg
Weight on trailer: Approx 1,100kg
Bottom & transom alloy: 4.0mm
Topsides alloy: 3.0mm
Maximum power: 130hp
Maximum engine weight: 206kg
Maximum load: 836kg
Engine as tested: Evinrude E-TEC 115hp two-stroke
Fuel capacity: 95L
Flotation standard: Basic
Maximum persons: Seven

Supplied by:
Caloundra Marine
Phone: (07) 5401 1944
Email: steve@caloundramarine.com.au
More at Caloundra Marine.