Quintrex 340 Traveller – ideal fishing boat

Quintrex 340 Traveller – ideal fishing boat

Aluminium or fibreglass…that is the question?

Australia has answered this question many years ago to the extent that over 60% of the boats used in their local boat market is aluminium or “tinnies” as they term them.  The attributes of the aluminium boat are common knowledge down under but need to be highlighted for our local boat users. 

An aluminium dinghy left out in the sun has an estimated 30 to 40 year life span compared to a fibreglass boat which on average would probably last about ten years due to affect of sun’s harsh rays.  Aluminum is considerably lighter than the same size fibreglass boat, which translates into it being able to operate on a smaller horsepower motor that results in lower fuel consumption and running costs.  It is more durable in that it can withstand bumps and knocking into jetties without cracking and leaking.  A bad bump may cause a dent on an aluminium boat that can be knocked out whereas its fibreglass equivalent may need some serious repair. 

The new Quintrex 340 Traveller Cartopper encompasses all of these attributes.  This 3.4m general-purpose dinghy weighs in at 52 kilograms and can comfortably carry 4 people and is itself easily carried by two people making it an ideal “car-topper”.  This little boat is also perfect as a yacht tender and powered with an outboard of between 6 to 8 HP easily planes to one’s destination.  The 5-degree V-hull is perfect for small lagoons, rivers and protected waters and is extremely stable and maneuverable.  The hull is constructed of 1.2mm aluminium and it has a closed bow to keep your goodies dry when confronted with a bit of wind chop.  The two thwart seats are filled with foam and provide buoyancy far in excess of the new South African legislation. 

You and your fishing partner can easily put it on the rooftop or on your luggage trailer and it is also relatively easy to carry around.  On the water, it can be rowed as it has fittings for rowlocks or can be powered by a small outboard to find that elusive fishing spot.  Casting when standing up is simple on this boat and one can stand right on top of the thwart seat when casting.  The aluminium hull easily withstands bumps and scrapes against the rocks or tree stumps and if needs be, the boat can be left lying on the bank without worry of detioration in the harsh elements.

So if your passion is fly-fishing and you need to cross the lagoon or dam to get to that perfect fishing spot, this little boat is ideal.