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Entry-level Millennium
  |  First Published: June 2009



Anglers looking for a solid entry level dory would be hard pressed to go past the Quintrex 420 Millennium for function, adaptability, volume, stability and safety.

The test boat, supplied by Bill’s Marine in Cairns, was fitted with the very impressive new 40hp EFI four-stroke Yamaha, which I will cover as a separate review.

MILLENNIUM HULL

At first glance the Millennium looks like a standard dory, but closer inspection reveals a number of features that put it clearly ahead of the pack. Having the renowned Millennium hull on a standard dory is a huge plus. Normally restricted to more upmarket Quintrex hulls, the Millennium hull makes a huge difference to comfort of ride, dryness and stability, both underway and at rest. While not a full-blown Millennium hull, as found on the bluewater range of Quintrex designs, it is sufficient to make a huge difference.

We took the Millennium dory for a spin on Trinity Inlet, which had the usual short sharp chop whipped up by a strong southeaster. I was sitting up the front on the thwart seat as we took off on the speed run, and I braced myself for the teeth-chattering, bum-numbing ride reserved for the bunny up the nose. To my surprise the ride was very smooth, with the hull slicing cleanly through the chop, leaving me in comfort to concentrate on reading the speeds off my hand-held GPS.

The layout of the Millennium dory is the basic forward and rear thwart seat, with a carpeted floor between. However, the higher than standard sides and low floor create a really safe feel, making this dory ideal for beginners or for family boating.

TEST DRIVE

While I was on the tiller, the principal of Bill’s Marine, Neil Heinemann, wandered around the boat, even climbing up on the front seat, to see how it would handle someone cast netting from up high. Through all of this, the dory hardly moved. Even with both of us on the same side, the list never got to that ‘whoops’ point where you know someone has to change sides in a hurry.

As a rule, the further forward the water comes out from under a boat’s hull, the more time there is for the wind to catch it and push the spray up into your face. On the fly, I found that the water didn’t come out from under the 420’s hull until it was back under the helmsman, making for a particularly dry ride.

The dory handled beautifully, with the new 40hp EFI Yamaha four-stroke a very impressive power unit. It produced a minimum trolling speed of 3.2km/h, which is perfect barra trolling speed, cruised at a very comfortable 34km/h (21mph, 18 knots) and at WOT reached 53km/h (33mph, 29 knots). This is more than fast enough for a light tiller steer boat.

When I turned hard the 420 stayed flat and hung on like the skin of a corn kernel between your teeth. I kept making the circle smaller and smaller, while maintaining speed, until I wasn’t game to go any tighter, even though there was no sign of letting go.

LAYOUT

The 420 Millennium is built to Quintrex’s exacting standards, with plenty of bracing in the right places and storage shelves for the battery and fuel tank in front of the transom. There is also a low floor in front of the forward seat to keep safety gear up out of the water.

The rear side of the front thwart has a lockable glove box with twin drink holders, but after that storage relies on using containers. The anchoring set-up is simply a tie-off on one of the two D handles welded to the nose. A plastic box is situated up under the nose, out of the way, and this is the best anchor storage option.

From this basic layout the owner can trick up their Quintrex as money and experience allows, knowing that they have the solid foundation of a top quality hull, with a beautiful ride, to build on.

Prices for the Quintrex 420 Millennium dory start at around $3560 for the boat and $5320 for a boat and trailer package. For more information contact Bill’s Marine on (07) 4051 6733 or email --e-mail address hidden--

Facts

SPECIFICATIONS

Length:4.27m
Length on trailer:5.4m
Height on trailer:1.6m
Beam:1.87m
Depth:1.07m
Bottomsides:2mm
Topsides:1.6m
Transom:2mm

Reads: 12717

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