Quintrex Yellowfin 6200 Hardtop: Fishing Boat Review

With prices starting from around $60k, the Quintrex Yellowfin 6200 Hardtop is a great value heavy-duty plate-alloy sportfishing craft. Sitting between the entry 5800 model and flagship 7400 series models, the 6200 Yellowfin has an excellent combination of price, performance, features and equipment. We tested this very capable craft with the maximum power Evinrude ETEC G2 200hp DFI two-stroke outboard.

OVERVIEW
- Quintrex moves to capture growing plate-alloy trailerboat market
In recent years, Quintrex has pushed to expand its boat range at both ends of the spectrum. The launch of entry model lightweight car toppers and open boats has been offset with the introduction of larger heavily-built Quintrex models.

The expansion at the top end of the range commenced with the debut of the impressive Trident series of plate-alloy cabin boats (available in five models from 6.1 – 6.9m) and continues with the re-launch of the renowned Yellowfin brand of full plate-aluminium boats.

Since their debut, the big Yellowfins have proven popular with anglers. The boats are very well priced, packed with features, and built solid as a rock. The success of the new models, particularly the hardtop equipped boats, has enabled Quintrex to grow its share of the trailerable plate-alloy boat market — and this looks set to continue going forward.

Within the Quintrex Yellowfin range there are eight models built around four different hull sizes — 5800, 6200, 6700 and 7400. Each model size is available with a traditional cuddy/half cabin with soft-top bimini, or with a full hardtop and sheltered helm station.

For this test review we have secured one of the middle-sized models, the 6200 Hardtop powered by an Evinrude ETEC G2 200hp two-stroke outboard.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Remarkable value plate-alloy boats
When you consider that the Quintrex Yellowfins are manufactured to full plate-alloy specification (complete with an underfloor stringer bracing grid, heavy-duty plate-alloy exterior, and sealed, fully welded internal aluminium floor) the boats are exceptionally good value.

It is not as though they come with a basic, bare-bones fit-out either. You might expect a plain interior for a cheap price — but the Yellowfins are anything but plain or basic. Each model is loaded with convenience and fishing features to the extent that you can pretty much fit your preferred outboard engine and electronics and then launch the boat and go fishing.

Engine and electronics aside, the standard Yellowfins have everything you need to hit the water, including an elaborate cutting board/bait station, 60lt live bait tank with clear viewing window, multiple rod holders and rod racks, underfloor kill tank, massively wide side coamings, berley bucket, raw-water deck wash, and full-length side-storage pockets.

Of the four hardtop equipped Yellowfin models, the 6200 is arguably the best value of the lot. It has close to the safety and seaworthiness of the slightly larger 6700 model, but is a bit smaller and lighter so you can use a trailer with regular mechanical over-ride brakes, although this is on the proviso that the trailer is made of aluminium. The increased weight of a galvanised steel trailer will tip the BMT weight over 2000kg at which point the trailer will need to be fitted with an electric hydraulic break-away braking system.

With regard to pricing, you can order a Yellowfin 6200 Hardtop from Brisbane’s Springwood Marine for just $59,940. This price gets you a standard boat sans electronics, but with a tandem-axle aluminium trailer and the minimum power outboard in the form of an Evinrude ETEC 115hp DFI two-stroke.

Realistically you are going to want more power, so if you budget on a few grand more to upgrade to a 130hp or 150hp Evinrude ETEC (which should provide ample power), and another couple of grand for electronics, outriggers, etc, then you can expect to get into a fully-fitted, ready to fish package for $66-68k.

In addition to the aforementioned fishing features, the Yellowfin 6200 also has a toughened-glass front windscreen with helmsman wiper, sliding side windows, huge cabin vee berth (cushions optional) with storage, deluxe bucket chairs mounted over welded alloy frames (beneath which you can stow an icebox), sealed, self-draining 4.0mm checker-plate alloy cockpit, starboard side transom door, boarding ladder, Volvo Penta trim tabs, GME VHF radio, offshore safety gear pack for four people, and boat and trailer registrations.

The test package boat is priced substantially higher at $89,900. This is mostly due to the additional cost of the big 200hp Evinrude ETEC G2 two-stroke outboard, but also includes a Simrad NSS12 Evo2 GPS chart plotter/fish finder, Savwinch 1500w electric drum anchor winch with anchor and rode, all-over burgundy paint, and an Icey-Tek brand ice box.

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- Built for fishing, not swanning about
The Quintrex Yellowfin 6200 is designed and built for coastal and offshore fishing and this is reflected in the interior design and layout – as well as the dearth of creature comforts. Sure, you can order cabin berth cushions (with infill cushion), plush ceiling linings and cockpit carpet, but this gear is not included in the standard pack – nor does the boat really need it.

If you’re a die-hard angler, the omission of unnecessary extras is a good thing as it keeps the package price down, and gives you more money to spend on the after-market gear you really do want – such as a set of outriggers, or maybe an upgraded fish finder/GPS.

Okay, so whilst we have established that the Yellowfin 6200 is all about fishing, families will appreciate the large, open cabin with full length berths/seats. Each individual berth is 2.04 m long with a maximum width of 680mm.

Beneath each berth/seat is a roto-moulded plastic safety gear storage bin. The hatch lids are hinged and carpeted front and back for protection.

You will also find side storage pockets encircling the cabin interior, a neat roto-moulded plastic box covering the wiring behind the helm, and a ventilation hatch in the forepeak.

Diminutive sized adults could squeeze up through the hatch to gain access to the foredeck, but it is much easier to climb around the cabin sides – especially as there is a sturdy hand rail on each side of the hard top.

The open anchor well on the bow is large and there is provision for the optional electric anchor winch – as fitted to the test rig.

At the helm there is sufficient – if not a large amount of space for engine instruments and electronics. The switch panel, GME VHF radio, trim tab switching, and 12 volt power socket are located in close proximity to the sports steering wheel, while a separate binnacle/console for the Evinrude Icon Touch 4.3” CTS digital engine display sits-atop the dash.

Between them there is provision for two small electronics displays to be flush-fitted into the fascia side-by-side, or for one large multi-function display – such as the Simrad NSS12 Evo2 GPS chart plotter/fish finder on the test boat.

Alongside the helm there is ample flat dash space over to port to lay charts, magazines, etc., but no glove box or side storage shelf.

The helm chairs are comfortable deluxe models with arm-rests and rear grab handles for standing passengers. The chairs swivel 360 degrees and slide fore and aft. Taller people will find the helm comfortable when seated and with the chair pushed right forward, but average six footers like me will prefer the chairs were positioned a little closer to the steering wheel and cabin bulkhead.

On the flip-side, sliding the chair all the way back gives you plenty of room to stand at the helm with the wheel and side-mount throttle falling naturally to hand.

COCKPIT AND TRANSOM
- Self-draining decks, high freeboard, great fishing layout
Behind the helm chairs, the cockpit stretches back 1.5m to the rear transom wall. The overall length taken forward to the cabin/cockpit bulkhead is 2.04m – so there is sufficient, if not heaps, of space for two or three anglers to fish comfortably out of the stern of the boat.

The cockpit is self-draining with a non-return scupper system to prevent water sloshing in and out when the boat is at rest. The checker-plate alloy finish will be easy to keep clean, but may be reflective and hot underfoot in direct sun light.

Side storage pockets stretch the full cockpit length and are elevated above the floor to provide good toe/foot support underneath.

There is also excellent toe/foot bracing support under the rear battery platform and storage shelving as this whole rear section is raised up off the cockpit floor.

This elevated shelving also allows any water in the rear cockpit to flow cleanly through to the scuppers and out the stern of the boat.

Other features across the transom area includes the 60lt port-side live bait tank, tackle/lure storage shelf under the transom, substantial-sized bait board/bait prep station with rod storage rack, starboard side transom door, 110lt underfloor kill tank, 265mm wide side coamings with six built-in welded rod holders, and sturdy looking welded cross bollards on each corner.

Externally, the transom has wide boarding platforms with boarding ladder to starboard and a berley bucket opposite on the port side.

ON THE WATER
- Easy riding, stable hull with brutal performance from Evinrude G2 200hp
The new series of Quintrex Yellowfins all have wide beam, variable deadrise vee hulls with a sharp entry, yet conservative 19 degree vee shape at the transom. This combination provides a comfortable ride in all but the worst seas, coupled with great handling and excellent stability.

At speed, the test rig was so stable you could probably run the boat quite successfully without trim tabs, but we are nevertheless pleased that a set of Volvo Penta interceptor type trim tabs are included in the standard inventory.

With regard to performance, the Yellowfin 6200 is rated for single extra-longshaft (25in) outboard engines between 115hp and 200hp. We mentioned earlier that 115hp is probably not going to be enough, but equally, and judging by the blistering performance of the Evinrude G2 200hp on the test rig, you probably don’t need the maximum power either.

With the big 200hp G2 Evinrude ETEC fitted, we recorded a super quick top speed of 42.2 knots at a wide open throttle of 5900rpm. That’s fast for sure, but the performance through the low and mid range was equally stunning, the G2 Evinrude providing unrelenting power and brutally quick hole-shots.

With so much power on tap the test boat was great fun to drive, but we believe the best power option for the Yellowfin 6200 will be an outboard in the 150-175hp range, either two-stroke or four-stroke.

The perfect motor for this boat could well be a 150hp version of the newly released ETEC G2 DFI two-strokes. We look forward to testing one of these new engines very shortly.

VERDICT
- Another terrific plate alloy boat from the Quintrex stable
Quintrex continues to release new and exciting craft for Aussie anglers and boating families. From the entry Wanderer car toppers we tested a few weeks ago (see test here) to the range topping Yellowfin offshore sport fishing craft, there is a boat to suit every application and location around the country.

For offshore anglers the big Yellowfins are superb craft, and the 6200 one of the most versatile. It is very well priced, big enough to fish wide offshore, yet small and light enough to tow behind a regular 4WD vehicle.

LIKES
>> Excellent value full-plate boat
>> Formidable Evinrude G2 power
>> Hardtop shelter
>> Less cost/hassle with mechanical over-ride braked trailer
>> Well-designed fishing cockpit
>> Ultra-light Evinrude hydraulic steering
>> Great ride and performance

NOT SO MUCH
>> No option for a toilet
>> Would prefer helm seat closer to dash/console

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.72/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.7/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.8/5.0
On the water performance: 4.7/5.0
Value for money: 4.8/5.0
X-factor: 4.6/5.0

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
4.7kts (8.7km/h) @ 1000rpm
6.0kts (11.1km/h)@ 1500rpm
8.0kts (14.8km/h) @ 2000rpm
13.2kts (24.4km/h) @ 2500rpm
19.3kts (35.7km/h) @ 3000rpm
26.3kts (48.6km/h) @ 3500rpm
30.4kts (56.2km/h) @ 4000rpm
32.1kts (59.4km/h) @ 4500rpm
36.0kts (66.7km/h) @ 5000rpm
39.9kts (74.0km/h) @ 5500rpm
42.2kts (78.1km/h) @ 6000rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY
2.3 l/ph @ 1000rpm
5.4 l/ph @ 1500rpm
9.8 l/ph @ 2000rpm
14.0 l/ph @ 2500rpm
19.0 l/ph @ 3000rpm
23.1 l/ph @ 3500rpm
30.5 l/ph @ 4000rpm
39.4 l/ph @ 4500rpm
49.7 l/ph @ 5000rpm
59.7 l/ph @ 5500rpm
64.8 l/ph @ 5900rpm (WOT)

MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95 per cent OF 165L FUEL TANK: 178.46nm @ 3500rpm

Specifications: Quintrex Yellowfin 6200 Hardtop
Price as tested: $89,900 including Evinrude 200hp ETEC G2 HO DFI two-stroke (extra-longshaft) outboard, Yellowfin tandem axle aluminum trailer, Simrad NSS12 Evo2 GPS chart plotter/fish finder, GME GX750B VHF radio, Savwinch 1500w electric drum anchor winch with anchor and rode, all-over burgundy paint, Icey-Tek ice box, offshore safety gear pack and QLD boat and trailer registrations.
Priced from: $59,946 with Evinrude ETEC 115hp two-stroke outboard, Yellowfin tandem axle aluminum trailer, offshore safety gear pack, and QLD boat and trailer registrations.
Length overall: 6.55m
Hull length: 6.25m
Beam: 2.4m
Hull weight: 1065kg (dry)
Towing weight: Approx 1950kg
Deadrise: 19 degrees
Bottom alloy: 6.0mm
Transom alloy: 5.0mm
Topside alloy: 4.0mm
Maximum power: 200hp
Engine as tested: Evinrude 200hp ETEC G2 two-stroke outboard
Fuel: 165 litres (extra 75 litres optional)
Height on trailer: 2.92m
Length on trailer: 7.96m
Maximum Persons: Seven

Supplied by:
Springwood Marine
Phone (07) 3297 8200
Email: sales@motosport.net.au
Website: www.springwoodmarine.com.au.