The Quintrex 370 Explorer 2012 vs Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Quintrex 370 Explorer 2012 at 12,1 ft versus Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 at 12,9 ft. At 179 lbs and 223 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 20 hp for the Quintrex 370 Explorer 2012 and 30 hp for the Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 3 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 comes in at 7 lbs per hp versus 9 lbs per hp for the Quintrex 370 Explorer 2012. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Both the Quintrex 370 Explorer 2012 and Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 are trailerable, which is a big part of the appeal at this size. You can store either at home, hitch up on a whim, and launch wherever the water looks good.