Most Australians who are hooked on fishing don’t go chasing giant marlin offshore in million dollar game boats, they spend their time exploring the sheltered estuaries of our coastal inlets or inland lakes and rivers in search of smaller, but no less exciting, species.
Very little can beat a morning drifting down the outgoing tide fishing for flathead or poking among flooded forests seeking the elusive trout.
To enjoy such fishing, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get on the water – you simply need a well-made tinny with shallow draft and excellent stability – such as the eight models in Quintrex’s Explorer range
The smallest of the Explorer craft is the 340, designed especially for car topping. It has a narrow beam that allows it to fit easily on the roof racks of a car or on the top of a pop-top caravan or camper trailer. It is light enough for a couple to lift off and launch without assistance.
But the most popular boat in the range is the Explorer 390 that is big and stable enough to allow two men to stand while they cast and reel in their catch. Using Quintrex’s acclaimed Eclipse Hull, the 390 has a sculptured bow to cut through chop and a wide flat bottom to allow access to shallow waters and to provide great stability.
The 390, which can carry four people, weighs just 101kg and is rated for an outboard with a maximum of 30hp. The outfit can be towed by any family sedan.
Quintrex national account manager Jason Boal says the 390 is one of Australia’s favourite boats because of its useful features and being the right size and the right price.
“The Explorer 390 is a wide and stable fishing platform with a 1.79-metre beam and a freeboard of 0.72 metres, giving you plenty of room to move around,” Boal says. “It is packed with features including transom handles, rear side rails and bow rails, a glove box and drink holders.”
Anglers who require a bit more room and comfort should look at the range-topping Explorer 420 Trophy which is very popular with those after barra’ and bass.
The 420 Trophy is packed with standard features such as rod holders, front and rear casting platforms with inbuilt storage and fold-down seats.
Information on the full range of Quintrex Explorers can be found at www.quintrex.com.au or by contacting your local Quintrex dealer.