Mustang 3500 Sports Cruiser, 2007 model with only 60 hours use, very stylish sports boat, with large viewing windows in cockpit,, fully airconditioned and generator…..
………. 2007 model with 1 owner and only 60 hrs on the clock. Twin V8 petrol motors with duo props. Complete with aircon and genset. A recent service and anti foul has completed and its ready for sale
The bigger sisters in the Mustang stable (the 3800 and 4600) have between them collected a string of awards in Australia for their superior cruising and family-oriented qualities, so its surprising that the design team thought it necessary (or even wise) to meddle with a winning formula.
But the result is striking. Externally, the 3500 has much more graceful lines than its predecessors, a function mainly of the gently sweeping sheer and lines that flow naturally from hull to topsides and back again. The effect is a far more integrated or holistic image. Inside, a fresh, new layout echoes the plush ambience of an upmarket, New York penthouse. Overall, its a very smooth package that definitely makes a statement about its owner.
Performance has also come in for some enhancement: a slightly deeper V has been introduced to the hull. Its designed to improve tracking performance and certainly seems to be effective in a seaway.
Cockpit
Its much more than a cockpit its actually a large, flowing, outdoor entertainment area equipped with a large wet bar, an ice box and an adjustable cockpit table with a sun lounge in-fill. Again, the designers have created an integrated space, a synthesis of curves, spaces and lines that flow easily into one another, leading down to a large swim platform. Its crowned by a graceful Targa arch and the result, well sundowners is the obvious word that comes to mind.
Someone has to drive the boat though, and on the 3500, it wouldnt be the worst job in the world. The helm station is high-tech but stylish a gleaming crescent of Mustang gauges positioned behind the sports wheel. Feels a bit like an aircraft cockpit but with way more class. Between them, the adjustable seat and adjustable helm will accommodate any frame and provide customised levels of comfort.
Controls are right at your fingertips. In addition to the throttles, they include switches for the electric anchor windlass, electric-hydraulic trim tab system, the bow thruster (not a standard item), and theyre complemented by a digital depth sounder and VHF radio. There is also a set of remote controls for the CD player, with the sound delivered through a serious set of Majestic speakers in the cockpit.
The GXI petrol engines are warranted for three years and come with Neutra Salt to wash the salt water out the engine internally after use. Theyre fitted with Duo Props which Mustang says reduces fuel consumption by 10 to 12 percent and produce lower noise levels.
Interior
The most obvious difference between the 3500s layout below and that of the earlier Mustang models is the angled, double berth up forward. It sets the tone for a much more interesting arrangement. Again, it all adds up to a clever blend of angles and shapes: the space seems to fit together more logically.
Discreet halogen lighting, soft vinyl surfaces and leather upholstery are offset by wall-to-wall carpeting and gleaming, cherry joinery. Theres also plenty of headroom. Mustangs den Braber is a towering 66 and is able to move through most of the boat without bowed head.
The boats equipped for a family or two couples. A second double berth (thwartships) nestles under the forward end of the cockpit. Unlike the forward berth, its more of a cubby hole sleeping arrangement: plenty of length and width, but nowhere near as much headroom. You have to crawl into the bed but once you have, theres no sense of being cramped.
Both areas are serviced by a single bathroom, set on the port side, with shower, electric toilet and a vanity with a single-lever mixer. Most of the bathroom is moulded fibreglass (including the floor) and a holding tank and pump out are standard.
Meals are prepared in a comprehensive galley (okay, its a kitchen that wouldnt look out of place in an apartment). Included are twin-plate electric hob and sink set into a granicoat kitchen top. Above is a microwave oven, more of the cherry cabinets, and a refrigerator.
Our boat didnt have a generator (though with all that room in the engine bay, one could easily be fitted). Instead, Australian boaties tend to drive their Mustangs from marina to marina and hook up to shore power. Without the same marina infrastructure, New Zealand buyers would be wise to opt for a gas hob. Our boat was also fitted with air-conditioning, though this is not a standard feature.
Opposite the kitchen, on the starboard side, is the saloon. It features the same, subtle halogen lighting and a leather settee, with an adjustable dinette with infill so it could be used as another double bed if your party had six rather than four. Surrounding the saloon are stainless steel portlights, hatches and a skylight, and in one corner, a 12 volt, flat screen LCD TV and DVD player.
Performance
Well, we got to drive the boat on the Broadwater the Gold Coasts intra-coastal waterway as well in the open sea where a lazy two-metre swell was running. She performed sweetly in both environments.
Theres good insulation in that engine bay the V8s werent intrusive. On the Broadwater she cruised at 21 knots, with the engines ticking over at 3600 rpm. Test data suggests that between them, the engines would be sipping around 78 litres an hour at that speed.
A slight nudge forward on the throttles, to 4100 rpm, pushed the speed to 24 knots.
Out at sea, going into the swell, we slowed down and let the 3500 ride the swells. No hint of cavitation and when we turned around, she ran true. On display at
Matthew Willett Marine dAllboras Marina The Spit
Mosman
Open 7 days
Ron on 0488820101