Quintrex 385 Explorer ??

[Aquaholic]

G'day all,

I'm looking at buying a Quinnie 385 Explorer. Any opinions on this boat would be appreciated. I'm thinking of putting a 4 stroke 25hp on the back, so all up looking at about $10G.

Any other thoughts on a boat around that figure would be helpful, however, the donk has to be a 4 stroke (I've seen the light and I can't go back). I'm not particularly fussed with the size of motor, but would like the hull to be around the 4m mark,

Cheers,
Aquaholic.

[Big Muddie]

Aqua,

I have the 4.2M Explorer with a 40HP Yammie 4-stroke - excellent boat. I had a side console built to take advantage of the electric start, PTT etc (gets some weight forward)..

I chose the Explorer after riding in one (a 385) on a dam here - great boat indeed - but the 4.2M is better.

Definitely not a rough water boat - although mine has been through some pretty rough stuff from time to time.

Extremely stable - any boat that can support my brother and I standing on the same side with knees on the transom has to be good (we are BIG blokes).

It draws bugger all water so you can get into places that many others can't.

The new ones (mine is a 2000 model) now come with a front casting deck option if that's important to you.

I contemplated changing boats about 18 months ago - decided not to simply based on where I can go with the one I have.


Good luck with your decision.

[Craig_S]

Aquaholic, I've got a 385 Explorer with a 30 2 str, set up with front and rear casting decks, livewell and bow mount Motorguide.

Speeds not an issue, the 30 goes well - its only rated to 25 but the 30 is under the max transom weight so took a chance.

Stability is pretty good at rest. I find it a nice platform to fish off.

One of the downsides to it is its length - its just not long enough to do nice rod lockers and that kind of thing, so gear storage is at a premium. Obviously its never going to be converted to a console, its tiller steer for ever more.

The other downside is its performance in chop. Not good, but if your sensible with it, its possible. BY chop I mean rough lol, a little bit of bounce is okay.

All in all, I'd say its a nice little boat and pretty good value for money.

[Aquaholic]

Fellas,

Both of you have commented that the Explorer is not a rough water boat. Seeing I do a bit of fishing in the large Snowy Mountain lakes, the weather there can turn from beautiful to nasty in the space of half an hour, and in the middle of winter, that's one place I want the peace of mind having a boat that is capable of handling a bit of rough. Having said that, 80% of my fishing is done in Sydney Harbour, Parra and Lane Cove Rivers, so would it be worthwhile throwing in extra for the 420 Explorer Trophy, or having a look at the 400 Hornet Trophy ??,

Cheers,
Aquaholic.

does a bream boat become some other sort of boat?

Like - if you want to tackle "big water" like large inland lakes (Argyle WA, Great lake Tas, etc) ans well as Sydney harbour, wouldn't you be beter going for something with a better ride in chop (more deep v bottom) and a bit more freeboard, that you can still catch a bream out of as well - rather than getting something suited to bream only taht can't cope with the big water demands?

Why does everyone seem to automatically head straight to lightweight, thin, stretchformed, mass produced, 'tinnies' and not give any thought to say a custom platey?

There are so many great plate alloy boats built in Oz...it seems a folly to me to not at least explore the plate boat options.

There are more fishing options in this world than just bream fishing - as much fun as it is - and a slightly better boat might be the thing that opens those horizons.

Just my 2c

Cheers!

[Dave W]

Originally posted by trouty
does a bream boat become some other sort of boat?



Why does everyone seem to automatically head straight to lightweight, thin, stretchformed, mass produced, 'tinnies' and not give any thought to say a custom platey?


Just my 2c

Cheers!

Not everyone..... I deliberately steered clear of the "lightweight, thin, stretchformed" stuff out there and went for a Polycraft.

I didn't want to be another sheep following the Hornet bandwagon - not that I've got anything against Hornets

The 4.1 Challenger from Polycraft is cheaper, more stable, better riding and much quieter than any alloy hull the same size..... I know it's a big call but that's my opinion

I am now 'supported' by Polycraft, but I'd already decided on one beforehand, I just thought you'd like to know so you can take the info with a grain of salt if you like.

If you want more info have a look at:

http://www.polycraft.com.au

There's a pic of one below.

Cheers,

[Aquaholic]

Trouty,

The bottom line for me is $$$$, I remember reading in one of your posts that a custom alloy platey is more pricey. Mate I'd love to have a boat built to my specific standards, but unfortunately the dollar in my case has the final say. I agree, there are some fantastic plate alloy boats in Oz, but I have a budget to stick to. When I was in Broome a month ago, I was lucky enough to jump aboard a custom built owned and operated by the local tackle shop owner. Fantastic tinny I agree, heaps of room, plenty of storage, big 100hp 4 stroke on the back kicked it along quietly and quickly, but when he told me it cost around $50,000, I almost crapped myself. It would be nice to have that sort of cash floating around, then I'd have 3 tinnies parked on top of my Blackwatch, which was of course parked up on the mothership !!!

Cheers,
Aqua H.

[Craig_S]

AquaH, if you want a drool on some custom boats have a look at

www.blackarrowboats.com.au or

the Aquarat at www.gsmarine.com.au

I'm sure everyone could throw up a couple of these builders, but they're not operating in the same price range as you are talking about.

For the budget restricted shopper, the Explorer is good value for money. I dont know what the lakes you mention are like, but the largest stretch of open water I cross here in Perth is Melville Water. When the wind is howling it really does get a good chop up. I've tackled it in my Explorer and while I wouldnt call it dangerous you would have to say its uncomfortable.

Maybe if GeoffP reads this he can throw up some thoughts, he was my "boating instructor" on one particularly rough day.

[Bear]

AH,
Don't know if you have had a look, but the new Edgetrackers are have a 2m beam, very good size for the class.

There can be a BIG difference in other dimensions other than just length from one manufacturer to another so check all the craft dimensions b4 making a judgment on just price comparison.

HTH.

[pw-bream]

Originally posted by Big Muddie
Extremely stable - any boat that can support my brother and I standing on the same side with knees on the transom has to be good (we are BIG blokes).

And double-jointed?

I'm trying to picture two large blokes standing at the same side of the boat, and at the same time both having their knees on the transom (back) of the boat.

Please explain ;-)

[Geoff R]

I reckon all boats of this class are gonna be a DohDohDohDohDoh in Rough weather, you'll get wet no matter what and they'll handle like a bucket of snot when the wind gets up over 15knots. So it's a compromise, i considerd getting rid of my custom in favour of one of the more conventional craft, but I'd be spending big$$$$$ no matter what. I think the majority of the time this class of boat is awsome in flat water conditions and you would be hard pressed to find anything of it's capabilities in a larger boat for the same $$$$. Remember over 15knots and even the fabled Hornet is gonna get a bit uncomfortable, it's just the compromise you have to make.
I reckon you will be happy with the Explorer, I have had a few rides in Craig S's boat and think it's a great little performer for the money. I don't know any thing about the polycraft but Dave W is a highly respected Member and angler here so it would be worth listening to him and checking them out.
Regards Geoff P

[jimi]

Just to throw a spanner in the works.......

If you are looking for a good bream boat around 10k, check out the Stessco 420RV. It's 4.2 m long with full floors, seats, trailer and 25 or 30hp 2 stroke outboard for around the price range you specified.

In perth you can get them from boatcity in north perth. This boat is a traditional v design, but is also very wide for its length which means that it is still quite stable at rest. They are also pretty solid with 3mm bottom sheet.

I have had one of these for the past 2.5 years and it has been great. It eats up river/inshore chop and doesn't slam too much like some tinnies can. I often use it to fish the 3 mile off perth during the summer. Managed a nice spanish mackeral while trolling last summer.

The only gripe I have is that it is a heavy boat, and the 25hp 2st outboard that I got with it is not quite enough grunt for the hull. It's ok with 1 up, but with 2 people and gear, top speed is only around 17 knots. It is rated to 40hp, and I would go for at least 30 if you can afford it.

Check out http://www.stessco.com.au/pages/rvboats.htm for pics.

Note that I'm not associated with stessco or boat city. Just a satisfied owner.

Cheers
James.

[Craig_S]

And I've been a satisfied passenger in James' boat too. Well worth consideration.

[Big Muddie]

Naturally I meant gunnels - transom may be a dit difficult but not impossible - LOL.

[Aquaholic]

Any thoughts or comments on the Clark 395 Magnum Tournament ????

A-Holic.