Classic Boats -- Top 10 Trailerboats Under 6.0m (Pt 6)
The 1978 Quintrex LazeAbout and Fish Raider 4.5m inspired hundreds of Quintrex, Savage and Stacer runabouts and console boatsLate models are longer (4.88m) and somewhat different to the original 4.5m boat, but the basic concept and layout remained largely unchanged throughout.
So familiar is the name "LazeAbout" to boaters and fishermen that Quintrex re-introduced the name last year to all of its current runabout models.
Released in 1978, the original LazeAbout became the first choice for people getting started in boating, and for those trading up from a tiller-steer open tinnie.
Debuting alongside the LazeAbout was an open centre console model called the Fish Raider. The two boats have an identical 4.5m flared bow hull, and share most of the deck fittings and running gear.
The small centre console and huge amount of deck space in the Fish Raider made it very attractive to anglers seeking a rough-and-tumble boat with heaps of cockpit space.
By contrast, the LazeAbout is better suited to families, or others seeking the protection of a forward windscreen (mounted on a fibreglass deck in early models), and the comfort of twin pedestal (lift out) bucket seats.
And for fishing, the LazeAbout still has plenty of potential. In the original model there was a compact 'island' outboard well to allow fishing access into the transom corners. The Fish Raider was similarly outfitted, but with more fishing space.
The 4.5m flared bow hulls under the two boats are positively hard riding by fibreglass boat standards (and modern Quinnie standards), but for alloy boats of the era they were pretty good.
More important than ride comfort to most people was the ability of these tough alloy hulls to handle some rough treatment. Many were purchased for launching off-the-beach in remote locations -- and for this purpose the boats were ideal.
These vintage Quinnies are now quite old and worn, yet they remain quite popular on the secondhand boat market -- prices starting from about $6k.
Price range: $6,000 - $11,000 (Estimated price is a general guide only)
Length: 4.5m
Beam: 2.08m
Hull weight: 250kg
Deadrise: 13 degrees
Maximum power: 70hp
Best power: 60hp
For detailed information on the Quintrex LazeAbout and Fish Raider 4.5m, and reviews on dozens of other great used boats, pick up a copy of Jeff Webster’s Secondhand Boat Secrets magazine. This 148 page used boat buyer’s guide can be purchased at selected newsagents or online at www.jeffwebster.com.au
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