Do you see yourself hurtling around the local estuary throwing a line chasing flathead, bream or barra? Do you also occasionally have the desire to head offshore and chase pelagic or even snapper? Then the 510 Frontier will have you exploring all of them. It’s a capable inshore/offshore fishing boat with wide open spaces and the all new Quintrex Apex Hull.
The new Apex Hull has been years in the making and shows Quintrex’s commitment to producing Australia’s best riding aluminium hulls. It is an entirely new design that has more flare and uses 4.0mm aluminium on the bottom. It enables Quintrex to produce a very strong and stable platform.
If the Freestyler is the crossover option, the Frontier is the fishing specific equivalent, with enough class to keep the whole family happy.
WHAT YOU GET
The Quintrex 510 Frontier is a side console design. It is the smallest in the range, but for me, the most versatile and user friendly. The space is almost equal to that of a 6 metre boat. The side console is pushed to the starboard side. By using a compact console, Quintrex have really maximised the room onboard. Combined with the new hull design, which carries the width further forward, it creates a cavernous interior.
The console is still protective of the driver and has a handy grab bar over the top. Useful if you’re moving about the boat. The dashboard will accommodate a large multi-function display. Or you can have Brisbane Yamaha mount an additional unit off the side of the console if you are after the convenience of two separate units
The pickle fork bow design creates a genuine two-tiered casting platform arrangement not possible with standard vee hulls. There is one at the bow if you stand on the topside and one in the 510 Frontier itself. The bow is easily wide enough and includes a large anchor locker with plenty of room and a strong lid. This will be useful for offshore anglers and keeps the ropes out of the way when using the space. The bow also comes with a standard electric motor mount.
The carpeted platform in the 510 Frontier takes up the front third of the boat. Underneath, a sturdy aluminium framework supports the timber platform and creates the bow storage cavity. Unlike some other setups we have looked at, the access is extraordinary with three separate hatches allowing you to reach every inch of the space. There is also a separate locker for the bow battery to power an electric.
Down the back of the Quintrex 510 Frontier, there are comfortable twin pedestal seats which have an additional two positions; one at the bow on the casting platform and an alternative in the rear cockpit. The cockpit is deep courtesy of the hull design which offers 80mm more freeboard (height) than other Quintrex hulls.
Considering the issues you can have with storage on 5 metre side and centre consoles, Quintrex have done a marvellous job in allowing enough depth for internal storage in the floor while still delivering a deep and safe feeling cockpit. There is also additional storage at the console in the form of a glove box.
For the money, Quintrex offer plenty in this base model with carpet throughout, side pockets, cockpit lighting, drink and rod holders, low profile grab rails, a stainless boarding ladder, live boat tank in the rear port corner with viewing window and an onboard 85 litre fuel tank.
POWER
Brisbane Yamaha elected to fit the impressive Yamaha 90hp Four Stroke to the back of the 510 Frontier. The maximum rating is a 115hp.
From a standing start the 510 Frontier leaps onto the plane quickly with the 90 horsepower. Even in the mid range the throttle response is excellent with a lively feel and even more power available. Cruising at around 3,990 revs, fuel consumption is 15 litres per hour. Top speed will be in the mid 60s km/h.
The Yamaha 90hp Four Stroke is built on a 16-valve single overhead cam in-line 4 cylinder platform. The alternator output is a healthy 35Amp output.
ON THE WATER
There is no doubt that the Apex hull represents a new dimension in aluminium boats. The process of forming these hulls allows Quintrex to impart a large flare from the bow extending well back towards the stern. They almost look like a tri-hull from the topside. The sharp entry easily slices through waves and chop and they ride as if they are on a cloud. On the day of filming, the conditions were calm, but I can tell you for sure, you can do things in these boats you would never do in other aluminium brands.
Unlike traditional vee hulls, the Apex Hull turns flat which is very comforting for new owners who are more used to car-like handling. Traditional boats have a tendency to tip to the inside of the corner. The 510 Frontier almost turns like it is on rails.
The hull ride is partly due to the box style topside and 4.0mm bottom sides Quintrex have used. With that combination, they not only have increased the depth of the cockpit by 80mm, but they have created more rigidity than has ever been possible.
Despite the sharp entry, the hull flares out and flattens towards the rear, delivering a very stable platform with little side to side movement. The front to back stability is also superb allowing you to fish from anywhere in the boat.
ON THE TRAILER
It’s usable and it’s tough but at approximately 1,050 kilograms on trailer, you can tow the 510 Frontier with the family car. Any sedan will do, so even if you’re still running a Holden Commodore you can tow the boat into any frontier. As long as your car can get you there.
OVERVIEW
I’m an avid inshore and offshore angler and often find myself heading out on my own. The Quintrex 510 Frontier is the perfect size. You can tow it anywhere and launch it anywhere without fear of damage, as it is one of the toughest aluminium boats available. Quintrex really did their homework with this one.
The design allows bait or lure fishing and the ride; well I can’t rave about that enough.
POSITIVES
The ride
Space
Manageable
NEGATIVES
Storage bins
NUMBERS THAT MATTER
Price: from $45,070
Construction: Aluminum
Length Overall: 5.06m
Beam: 2.30m
Max hp: 115hp
Construction: Topsides 3.0mm, bottom 4.0mm
Capacity: 5 people
Weight on trailer: approx 1050kgs
Engine as tested: Yamaha 90hp Four Stroke
Fuel Capacity: 85L
Boat Supplied by Brisbane Yamaha
