QUINTREX Fishabout Pro - My Issues and Problems after 12 months 

There's a reason for the plastic & pop rivetted rod holders. You have an aluminium hull... putting stainless steel rod holders and/or screws in it is just begging for galvanic corrosion especially in salt water. To put stainless into aluminium safely you have to mess around with pastes to prevent it... easier to have aluminium pop rivets, especially on something you'd normally never have to change out. Regarding the tank, the later Fishabouts come with a 55L under floor tank. Odds on it wouldn't be too hard to retrofit one into yours, either a genuine Quintrex one or a custom made one (which would probably cost less). I actually have a 60L under floor tank in mine (not a Quintrex, but another 4.3m runabout that's almost an identical design) and I love it. For longer days I might bring a 20L jerry can stashed in the bow as a backup, but really I've never needed it. Oh and yeah, that screen position's not great. Have a look at BCF or one of the others... they have mounting arms you can mount to the gunnel and swivel the sounder screen to wherever you want it... have a look for "Ram swing arm mount".

I've just bought one of these 430's and love it too! All the new 2023 models now have an underfloor 55l tank, however I specifically chose a run-out '22 model that still uses the portable tank; my logic being that I could remove the tanks (I ordered an extra one with the boat) and fill them at my leisure rather than having to drag the boat on its trailer through the local servo (which is tight at the best of times) on a crowded Saturday morning. Looks like they must've relocated the battery on this model too after you got yours, because on mine it's now hidden underfloor, now leaving space on the other side for a spare tank so that you can run two at a time (it would have probably been a dealbreaker for me if I couldn't do this, as on some long days out on the water I'll use well over a tank, especially if I throw in a few hours of tubing with the kids). Also on mine they installed the gauge more to the left of the dash and mounted the fish-finder screen high-up over on the right where I can see it clearly at all times; seems to vary depending on the engine-brand option and accompanying proprietary gauge setup. Maybe they're listening to customer feedback like yours and hopefully making constant improvements to their product, however the bimini still has the same limitations (I've been on other boats where it does have the multi-position adjustability using spring-loaded clips, so it's definitely doable). One thing I wish they had added from the factory in this day 'n age is at least one cig-lighter style power outlet on the dash so that I can charge my phone or run other devices (like a small compressor to inflate the tube); ended up fitting my own combined dual socket & USB outlet but was a pain to drill-in the hole and then have to contort myself on my back under the dash to install the wiring.

I guess every boat is a compromise mate, but glad you like it overall. I hope it gives you and your family a great deal of enjoyment. I think the biggest problem with Quintrex boats is the corrosion that starts to appear under the paint in all sorts of odd places after a fairly short time.

My 440 Renegade has a 50 litre underfloor fuel tank. Use it all weekend with plenty of fuel to spare.

I have had this boat for over a year (made 115 hours on it so far) and fully agree with all your comments. I can add that I'm not too fond of the sounder protruding to the way to the anchor well, which makes it pretty easy to knock it. I already have its holder cracked a bit. I replaced the rod holders with stainless steel ones straight away. As for the fuel, I just bought the second fuel tank from Yamaha, which fits nicely next to the first one (under the ski pole) and still allows using the seat with it. Not sure what fuel tank is on your boat, but the original 24l Yamaha tank looks taller than yours and has a smaller footprint. Just have to remember to switch them in time as it is a pain to prime the engine on the water (don't ask how I know that 😉 ).

regarding fuel tank, what if you get a 2nd plastic tank, and just swap over when other one is empty, i believe its quick connect on both sides, regarding using screws instead of rivets, some metals can react with alloy, alloy rivet into alloy hull wont cause issues, galvanised screw into allow screw should start to rust first, if you put stainless steel screw that may start corroding alloy. great looking boat, im looking at buying something similar, got tinny at the moment,

Thanks mate

Having a wind screen and a bimini on a 4.3m sure chews up a lot of space. The ergonomics of the helm look pretty cramped especially when it comes to leg space.

Can you do a video on your rod holders for this ?

12 month review with 15hours boat time.. hmm.. I don't think you need a bigger fuel tank champ.. but if you do I have a 60litre underfloor tank in my 430 and it's capable of over 200km range with one tank.. well worth getting one custom fitted..

put a bit of duralac on your screws otherwise it wil cause a reaction to your aluminum & paint

I bet when your standing up driving the front of the seat hits you in the back of the leg.I have a quintrex 420 estuary angler that did that and from what I hear so do they.Pita.

the rod holder was ok till you broke it , the sounder is fitted by the dealer , as for the top why would you need to move it , i never had to move mine , the fuel tank is easy fixed , i just carry a 10lt jerry can, (never needed it) i have a 60hp on my 4.3 they go well ,nothing wrong with anything on mine

I tell you that dash is so annoying

Sounds like your boats to small and you and you should have looked at what options you can get such as Stainless rod holders etc etc and I personally ask the exact location to mount my sounder. I have a bigger boat but you’ve gotta be more involved in the process bro

Much better boats for the money,, Q tax is not worth it ,, beginner mistakes lol

lol

Buy a small boat in budget package. Complains about space and cost cutting features Okay