There are dozens of models to choose from in Quintrex’s tinnie and open boat line-up, from lightweight 3m car toppers through to heavy-duty 6m-plus V-hull boats. For this review, we plucked out two quite different tiller-steer models: the long-running 420 Busta and the 370E Explorer Pro.
With its hull weighing just 98kg, the 370E (Eclipse) Explorer Pro can be car-topped or trailered. Conversely, the 420 Busta is a larger, weightier (253kg), more robust boat that’s designed to be trailered.
These are quite different boats, with substantially different hull shapes and levels of fit-out, so I doubt the two would be cross-shopped within the Quintrex range.
The 370E Explorer Pro is an entry model, equipped with a pair of cross thwart seats, front anchor shelf, and a V-nose punt hull shape best suited to smooth-water lakes, rivers and estuaries.
The 420 Busta is a larger, wider, higher-volume boat and therefore more suitable for choppy water operation. It also comes standard with a carpeted low floor and an elevated bow casting platform with storage compartment.
Our test boats were each paired with electric-start Mercury outboards with power trim/tilt. Both were fitted with their maximum rated horsepower – the 370E Explorer Pro with a 25hp Mercury four-stroke, the Busta with a 50hp Mercury.
First boat off the ramp is the 4.21m (13.8ft) 420 Busta. This well-sorted, time-proven boat felt great from the outset. It’s well balanced at speed, quick to plane, and easy to control with one or two people aboard.
The driving position is comfortable as there’s enough space to sit on either side of the cockpit when steering.
With the punchy 50hp Mercury engine bolted to the transom, the Busta is quick, topping out at 27.5 knots (50.9km/h). The Blade hull’s knife-sharp entry delivers a smooth and comfortable ride.
The 3.75m (12.3ft) 370E Explorer Pro Explorer’s bow is not as sharp and not as effective at wave-cutting, but it still parts chop quite well. There’s enough shape forward to soften a head-sea ride but stability takes priority.
It accelerates to a top speed of 23.2 knots (42.9km/h) with two people aboard. Personally I believe a 20hp Mercury would actually allow the Explorer to plane quicker and run with better fore and aft balance, especially when operated single-handed.
While the 370E Explorer Pro has a pretty basic interior, it’s fitted with a lockable glovebox built into the front seat thwart so you can securely stow your car keys and phone. Features also include welded rowlock blocks, a double towing eye, bow and stern carry handles, transom transducer pad, stern corner gussets, and V-shaped transom bracing.
The 420 Busta is more heavily built, with 3mm pressed aluminium wrapped around the internal cross-rib structure. The transom is heavily reinforced with multiple welded bracing struts and gusseting, along with fuel and battery mounting pads that add additional strength.
The 370E Explorer Pro can be optioned with a carpeted low floor, but the Busta has this very desirable feature as standard. Anglers will appreciate the Busta’s elevated casting platform, beneath which is a safety gear storage compartment with a carpeted false floor.
The Explorer can easily be transported to remote destinations to fish sheltered lakes and rivers. Its high topsides increase onboard safety, both in a sea-keeping sense and for keeping beasties like crocodiles out. It can also double as a tender for a mothership, although it is limited to carrying three adults.
The 420 Busta is equally versatile, its smooth-riding hull and high topsides making it ideal for choppy bays, harbours and impoundments.
Test boats supplied by Tweed Coast Marine.
A FULL REVIEW OF THE QUINTREX 370E EXPLORER PRO AND 420 BUSTA RAN IN THE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 (VOLUME 39.4) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE.
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