From the classifieds: Mustang 32
The reborn Mustang 32 was a cheap way into big boat ownership that didn’t lose much in the way of versatilityDecades-old cruiser brand Mustang was given a new lease on life about a decade ago when it was bought out by Queensland boat-building identity, Maritimo founder Bill Barry-Cotter.
In an attempt to revive the brand, it was a case of out with the old, and in with the new as the Mustang name was brought kicking and screaming into the modern age.
The first boat wearing the Mustang name and built under Barry-Cotter’s guiding hand was the 32, a cruiser capable of comfortably accommodating a family of four on short overnight excursions to far-flung bays and beaches.
The Mustang name was floated as an easy step into large boat ownership without breaking the bank, and its sharp pricing combined with relatively sparse fit-out was a testament to that.
At launch, the single-level Mustang 32 was priced from around $215,000, supplemented with a short options list that didn’t go adding too much to the walk-up pricing.
For the money, you bought some big motor yacht features. These include a padded bench seat on the swim platform hanging off the transom, a hardtop extending all the way back to the cockpit, a forward master cabin, a second cabin with Pullman bunks, and an enclosed head and shower.
Starting the boat was equally impressive; rather than using a key, you sweep a tag across a sensor and then push the engine start/stop button.
With a focus more on hard-wearing than luxury, the saloon was a comfortable area, featuring a starboard helm station, lounge and galley, and cockpit lounge area that included a fold-out table.
Engine choices were either the 380hp 8.2-litre big-block MerCruiser petrol V8 that was shared with Maritimo’s race boat program or a 6.0-litre Volvo Penta petrol V8 that saved around 100kg yet produced the same horsepower.
Diesel options included the 330hp Volvo Penta D6-330 or 350hp Mercury TDI powerplants.
The Mustang 32 drew on Maritimo’s considerable experience to feature a hull that helped it to jump up on the plane at surprisingly low speeds, saving on fuel use and improving running range from the 600-litre tank.
It’s little surprise that these boats still command big money. Our skim through the classifieds found this stunning-looking example of the Mustang 32 Sports Cruiser priced at $219,000 drive-away.
Why so pricey? The original owner spared no expense, ticking the box for the more costly, higher performance 350hp MerCruiser option, which at the time was worth more than $30,000.
Other upgrades on this boat run to rails around the swim deck, a bow thruster (optional on the standard Mustang 32 fit-out), teak decking throughout and upgraded electronics.
As with any second-hand boat purchase, we recommend having the boat professionally inspected by a service such as SeaWorthy Inspections before agreeing to buy it.
Specifications
Model: Mustang 32
Length overall: 9.85m
Hull length: 9.67m
Beam: 3.175m
Draft: 1.05m
Weight: 4700kg (est)
Fuel: 600L
Water: 120L
Holding tank: 45L
Accommodation: 4+1 standard
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