Quintrex Renegade 460 SC: Fishing Boat Review

While the 420 Renegade is the most popular model in the namesake side-console range, this mid-range 460 offers even more flat floor, fishing space and freeboard in a sub-$30k drive-away package.

OVERVIEW
- The-mid-range offering offers more
It's hardly surprising that there are legions of Renegade fans, tribal facebook pages and keen fishers jumping aboard these quintessential Quintrex boats. The entry-level 420 Renegade, which we hear is built and sold pretty much at cost price to get more bums on seats, is one of the most popular Australian-made boats. Full stop.

A couple of rungs up the ladder and you find this 460 model sitting nicely in the Side Console (SC) range that includes the 420, 440, 460, 490 and 520. Though not the best seller out of the five SC Renegades (there are three tiller and three centre console versions as well), this rig runs a close second in the model's popularity stakes.

What the 460 SC offers is more fishing space, greater stability, and some extra seaworthiness. But affordability remains and, with the F70 Yamaha four-stroke outboard in this test rig, we found a but of refinement, too. It's pretty much a case of more of a good thing!

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Sub-$30k for an easy trailerable inshore fishing rig
A not-so-princely sum of $28,990 gets you started in this Renegade and, for the price, one gets a great base on which to build for a lot of future fishing and boating leisure time.

The paintwork is included in the ticket (you won’t get a boat out of the Telwater factory without a lick of paint) and, although predominantly white, there are options for a two-tone finish.

One of the drawcards of the predominantly flat sheet (non-pressed) sides is the you can add a wrap and let your imagination run riot. Barra, bream, bass, flathead, kings, this boat would look good with in a dedicated wrap while chasing them all.

Down the track, when you want to improve your prowess with the carbon fibre wand, the inclusion of an electric motor will be made easy by the supplied motor base that forms part of the gunwale. There is also a battery box already correctly mounted over the centreline below the marine carpeted foredeck.

The usual battery isolation switch, bilge pump and fuel filter for the 77lt under-deck tank comes in the deal, along with a pair of multi-function gauges hooked into the loom on the Yamaha F70 four-stroke outboard.

The bonus part of this package is the trailer — it's constructed of aluminium which is a weight saver and a will keep rust in check.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT
- A side console of ideal proportions
Climbing aboard — over or between the low profile hand rails around the bow — one stands upon a good-sized casting platform traced by wide coamings. These helps keep the toes and weight inboard when moving around, thereby maximising stability while fishing.

A ground tackle tray — too shallow to be called a locker — sits in the top sheet at the bow with a cleat aft to secure any rope or chain. If you were in regular choppy conditions you might want to utilise the free space in the electric motor battery compartment to house anchors, rope and chain to prevent them falling over the side from the 'tray'.

As well as the battery locker below the casting deck there are three hatches running across the full beam stowage area, which features a false floor to keep the gear inside out of any bilge water.

These hatches are spray proof but not water proof, as there is no gutter system. So any gear inside should really be secured in containers or waterproof bags. The hatch lids do not swing far past vertical when opened, so invest a dollar or two in a strip of Velcro for each side and you will be able to keep them open without having to physically hold them while rummaging around for gear or airing out after wash down.

The side console is a simple frame designed in such a way that tackle boxes or small containers may be stored below. Any marine electronics will have to be gimbal-mounted on the flat top of the console, alongside the clear hatch-covered compartment for keys, phones and the like.

A short Perspex screen deflects wind over the skipper seated at the helm and it is supported in a frame that is designed as a grab rail when moving about the cockpit.

Short side pockets run between the forward and aft casting platform bulkheads. In the latter, we found a removable hatch (starboard side) in which the fuel filter is located, with a good amount of space to stow tackle boxes and the like. In the port aft corner, the carpeted top of the deck is interrupted by a hinged nylon hatch opening into a plumbed live-bait well and a second small hatch has a void for stowing tackle trays.

The central hatch back aft accesses the bilge with the pump for the live-bait tank and a main bilge pump, along with the engine cranking battery, which is low down where it at least reduces the centre of gravity.

ON THE WATER
- Sweet Yamaha performance in a reliable Renegade rig
Over the years we’ve come to expect a lot from Yamaha’s performance and we were not disappointed with the F70 four-stroke fitted on the transom of this Renegade. It had plenty of torque to jump the boat out of the hole and was responsive throughout the throttle range.

We thought the steering was a little stiff, even though we went through the trim range. Non Feed Back (NFB) steering is normally much easier to handle, so perhaps the engine height on the transom could be lifted one bolt hole to alleviate this.

Hard turns on glassed off water had the hull hanging in, but there was little rough stuff with which to check this rigs ride otherwise. It did handle substantial boat wash without any issues though.

The hull planed at 11 knots and 2900rpm. Another 100rpm got us to 13 knots, while 4000rpm pushed us along at a shade over 19 knots. Wide-open throttle peaked the revs at 5900rpm for a top speed of 31 knots.

VERDICT
- A great value rig with loads of potential
Considering the sub-$30k package price of this Renegade 460 SC, the rig really does represent excellent boating value for money. It's a good starting point for the young family of perhaps four — though it will take five people — and young anglers just setting out could do a lot worse that settle on the 460SC as their first boat.

We also like the fact that there is room for plenty of aftermarket customising to keep you content with this rig for many years to come. And with inshore fishing firing right around the country, this seaworthy 460 SC is raring to go and has a lot of potential for a backyard fitout down the track. Indeed, this could be all you need for your weekend fishing and family flings.

LIKES
>> Good value boating
>> Plenty of storage
>> Seaworthy performance
>> Yamaha refinement
>> In-demand brand and strong resale value

NOT SO MUCH
>> Shallow anchor stowage on bow could be deepened
>> Steering stiff underway and raising the engine might alleviate this

RATINGS
Overall: 4.4/5.0
Mechanical: 4.3/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.5/5.0
On water performance: 4.4/5.0
Value for money: 4.8/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0
Performance: 4.3/5.0

Specifications: Quintrex Renegade 460 SC
Packaged Price: $28,990
Length Overall: 4.65m
Beam: 2.22m
Hull Weight: 405kg
Towing Weight: 1100kg
Bottom Sides: 3mm
Topsides: 3mm
Maximum Power: 75hp
Maximum Engine Weight: 172kg
Engine as Tested: Yamaha F70 four stroke
Fuel:  77lt under deck
Maximum Person: 5

Supplied by:
Brisbane Yamaha
Telephone: (07) 3888 1727
Website: www.brisbaneyamaha.com.au