When navigating shallow waters, such as estuaries, quiet rivers, mangrove-lined creeks, or sand-flat bays, you want a boat that draws little water, is easy to launch and retrieve, and still gives you stability and space for fishing, tying up, or exploring. Quintrex has developed a strong reputation for aluminium tinnies and small fishing boats that do exactly that.
Why Quintrex Works for Shallow Waters
Quintrex’s aluminium boat range is built for versatility: light enough for easy launching and retrieval, yet tough enough for regular use. Their boats often come with unique hull designs, such as the Blade Hull, Apex hull, and other flatter-bottom/shallower-draft hulls that suit calm inland waters, estuaries, and shallow bays.
For many boaters, these tinnies are the ideal entry point to boating: easy to tow with a modest vehicle, manageable by one or two people, and forgiving if you accidentally ground them gently while exploring shallow flats.
Top Quintrex Boat Picks for Shallow Boating
Quintrex 310 Dart
Built with durable 1.6mm clinker-pressed side sheets, the 310 Dart combines strength with lightweight handling for effortless maneuverability. Don’t be deceived by its compact size; this boat is incredibly sturdy and ideal for exploring inland waterways or serving as a reliable tender.
The 310 Dart is equipped with two Quintrex Fish Bags (100cm and 150cm) for secure catch storage, a Bimini cover for protection, and a well-designed interior featuring carpet and a fuel tank rack. Furthermore, the boat also includes two rod holders, a sturdy cleat, and a transducer bracket for electronics, which makes this vessel functional and essential. Plus, its striking painted hull and integrated bowrails and side rails enhance both safety and style. The 310 Dart is the perfect choice for serious boating enthusiasts.
Quintrex 320 Wanderer
Slightly larger than the 300 model in the Wanderer range, the 320 Wanderer is the ideal tinny for weekend excursions. With its straightforward, user-friendly design, this boat offers ample space and remarkable stability, comfortably accommodating you and a companion along with all your fishing gear. The 320 Wanderer ensures easy handling and effortless entry and exit, making it the perfect choice for casting a line in those serene, shallow inland waters.
Key features include a robust boweye with two holes, a reliable bung, a spacious flat foredeck, a sturdy bow handle, convenient transom handles, and rowlock blocks. For seating, it comes equipped with comfortable bench seats, inviting you to sit back and enjoy the adventure ahead.
Quintrex 420 Busta
The Busta is a standout among Australia’s open fishing boats, renowned for its affordability and high performance. The 420 Busta, featuring the innovative Blade Hull, is an excellent choice for beginners.
With a spacious front casting platform and an open deck with a carpeted low floor, it's designed for comfort and ease. Side pockets provide ample storage for fishing gear, allowing you to enjoy a day on the water with friends.
Notable features include a fuel tank rack, anchor well, transom step and rail, and an alloy cleat on the front deck. The sturdy gunnel lip, transom handles, and solid corners enhance safety and stability, while the transducer bracket and integrated side and bow rails add convenience. With comfortable bench seats, the Busta is ready for memorable fishing adventures on any water.
If you spend most of your time in estuaries, rivers, shallow bays or inland waterways, Quintrex’s tinny and smallâboat lineâup is hard to beat. For minimal fuss and maximum access to shallow spots, the 310 Dart or 320 Wanderer models offer simplicity, convenience and reliable performance. If you need a bit more space without sacrificing shallow water capabilities, the 420 Busta is a solid middle choice.
Those looking for lightweight, easyâhandling, shallowâwater-ready boats, ideally suited to fishing, exploring inland waterways or launching from simple ramps, will find these Quintrex boat models hard to fault.