Reborn Mustang boats return to their roots

Australian boating industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter has unveiled detailed plans for the reborn Mustang boat brand.

“Mustang is returning to its roots – good quality sports cruisers for families,” he said. “The Australian boating market needs a great sports boat and we intend to provide it. Mustang built a good reputation in its early days for just this kind of boat.”

Mr Barry-Cotter’s Maritimo bought the assets of Mustang in May after the company was placed in the hands of administrators.

Mr Barry Cotter said the first of a range of new models would be launched in January 2011.

The new boats, ranging in size from 29 to mid-forty feet, have been designed with three-sided hardtops, a single-level entertainer main deck and stern drive propulsion.

With solid fibreglass hulls below the waterline, cored fibreglass topsides, deck and hardtops, the boats will be built in the Maritimo factory at Coomera on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

“The first new Mustang will be a 2900 Sports Cruiser with stern drive power,” he said. “We have already spent a great deal of time designing an efficient running surface so they will handle well and be fun to drive.”

He said a 3900 and the larger boat would be launched through the year.

“The 3900 will be unveiled at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show next year and we anticipate the bigger boat will be ready in time for the Sydney Boat Show,” he said.

Mustang 2900

Entry to the boat is through a transom door from the swim platform. An L-shape lounge wraps around from the transom along the port side, opposite a galley in the aft starboard quarter.

Forward is a double helm seat to starboard and a single companion seat on the port side.

Forward and below deck, the accommodation space includes an athwartships double cabin aft, enclosed bathroom with separate shower stall and a triangular dinette in the bow.

“This boat is perfect for family fun days or for a couple to get away for a weekend,” said Mr Barry-Cotter.

The Mustang 2900 Sports Cruiser will be equipped with a single stern drive diesel engine with the option for twin engines and drives. 

Mustang 3900

This larger model extends the “entertainer” design with a large U-shape dinette on the starboard side of the cockpit, most of it under cover and some open to the sunshine.

The galley on the port side includes a two-burner electric cooktop, stainless steel sink and drainer with a mixer tap as well as plenty of refrigeration and storage for crockery and cutlery.

A generous two-seater starboard helm forward is complemented by a third port-side seat on the other side of the companionway that leads to the accommodation level below.

Mr Barry-Cotter describes the Mustang 3900 as a complete weekender for the family as well as offering the facilities to comfortably host a party of eight people for a day on the water.

The Mustang 3900 will be equipped with standard twin stern-drive diesel engines.

Design concepts for the mid-forty-foot Mustang are close to completion. Like its smaller siblings, this new boat will be powered by stern-drive technology and offer even more luxuries and room for entertaining.

“It will be fast, it will be fun and designed for complete enjoyment on the water,” said Mr Barry-Cotter.