The Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 vs Quintrex 520 Ocean Spirit 2023 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Quintrex 520 Ocean Spirit 2023 measures 18,1 feet overall (2023), giving it roughly 5,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 at 12,9 feet (2017). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Quintrex 520 Ocean Spirit 2023 tips the scales at 1 481 lbs — 1 258 lbs less than the Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 at 223 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Quintrex 520 Ocean Spirit 2023 has a 85-hp advantage over the Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017's 30-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Quintrex 520 Ocean Spirit 2023 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Quintrex 520 Ocean Spirit 2023 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Quintrex 520 Ocean Spirit 2023 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 18,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Quintrex 390 Explorer 2017 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.