BLADE! - Quintrex unveils new hull shape

At its media conference on the Gold Coast, Quintrex revealed to  Australia's boating media the new Millennium Blade hull, which will now be a major feature of all of the manufacturer's 610, 650 and 690 models.  Quintrex's R&D manager, Craig Madam, said the new generation Millennium Blade hull is the result of state-of-the-art computer  modelling. He said his team's brief was to design a hull that would  deliver further enhanced ride and efficient performance. To achieve this, Blade hulls feature a sharper bow entry than predecessor hulls with the trademark Flared Bow undergoing modification that now sees it  extend further aft for increased sea-keeping ability. The hulls also  feature an increase in deadrise.

"After about 18 months of research we've come up with the new hull shape," said Craig Madam.

"We've relaxed the stemline and sharpened the chine line, the gunhwale line is different as well. The deadrise has also been increased so you effectively get a shaper hull and a more sporty looking softer ride," said Madam.

"It's a lot more softer riding than the previous hull, gets on the plane quicker ... stability is good and it's a totally differnt look than previous models."
Quintrex has made quite a few structural changes to some of its well  known boats, notably the ever popular Hornet range. Arguably Australia's  most well known inshore/impoundment sportfishing tinny, the Hornet has  now grown a little wider and deeper. Beam on the Hornets has increased  by around 40mm, while more noticeable is the approximately 80mm of added  freeboard. No doubt taking its lead from the tournament boat market,  Quintrex has also added a deep portside rod locker to its Hornet Trophy. Integrated into the gunwale, via a hinged alloy door, the new optional Deluxe Rod Locker is sure to be welcomed by serios fishos and comp anglers alike. Added "bling" was on show on a couple of Hornet Trophies  at the media conference which sported colourful wraps featuring fishing  themes – these will be available as an option.

The company also revealed its revamping of its popular Classic model, which has morphed into the Renegade model. Basically an uprated Classic  with Millennium hull, sans Flared Bow, the Renegades come in 460 and 520 models and have the makings of capable budget priced inshore fishing  boats, with plenty of scope for owner customising.

The Freedom Sport, Top Ender and Freedom Cruisers were also on display, each sporting several new design changes.

Quintrex director of sales & marketing Damien Duncan told Marine Business the new hull design was well received during last month's  dealer conference and is confident consumer interest will follow when  the new range are shown at this year's boat show circuit.

"Given the fact that we spent a lot of time and money on research and  development, we are happy with the Blade design. We tallied all the  dealers' ideas and there were 330 suggested for changes - we completed  all but 12," said Duncan.

"The dealers were very happy that we made a lot of the changes that  they requested based on customer comments.

"We are very excited about the new blade hull. It makes a big  difference to the handling ... it's as big a development as the Millennium Hull," he said.
Quintrex hopes the new line-up and hull design changes will breathe some life back into to the slow Queensland marine market, which was affected by recent floods and cyclones.

"It gives customers a reason to purchase or a reason to change. If  they have pre-existing model Quintrex, they can now see that it's different, and it's giving them a reason to upgrade.

Go to www.marinebusiness.com.au for video of Quintrex R&D manager Craig Madam explaining the new Millennnium Blade hull design.