Mustang 1450 Colt Series

And it would appear Mustang has 'backed the right horse' too. Certainly, potential buyers are not about to look a gift-horse in the mouth!

At present, the Colt Series incorporates four models open boat, centre-console, runabout and bowrider. The main feature setting the Colt Series apart from the traditional Mustang is their semi-cathedral hull. Mustang has designed this hull configuration to provide superior stability and a dry ride, which is difficult to obtain in a vessel of this size.

We tested the open boat and the bowrider and from my observations Mustang has achieved its goal. Both craft were incredibly stable for their size and while our test day wasn't the roughest on record, I pushed the boats hard through a few cruisers' wakes... And didn't even get any salt spray on the sunnies. Also missing were those bone-jarring impacts commonly associated with the good old tinnie.

WILD HORSES!
Both boats were fitted with 40hp two-stroke outboards. The Tohatsu (on the open boat) gave a top speed of 30kt, while the Mercury (on the bowrider) peaked at about 28kt. Of course, the windscreen and canopy on the bowrider slowed it up a little. Maximum power on all models is 60hp, which would make the Colts well-and-truly gallop.

All models in the Colt Series are fitted with 60lt underfloor fueltanks. Fuel is a priceless feature on a boat of this size and 60lt will provide amazing range particularly if a four-stroke outboard is installed.

The most pleasing aspect of the open boat was its clean, uncluttered layout. The centre benchseat can be easily removed, which gives a quite large, open work area.

This spacious layout is ideal for many applications, but especially appeals to the ever-growing group of flyfishos.

Mustang has continued the unobtrusive design throughout the open boat. There is underfloor storage forward of the centreline fueltank, which could be insulated to create a fishbox or Esky. There is also a large storage compartment under the forward seat (which is ideal for safety gear, etc) and a huge anchor well beneath the foredeck. Deep sidepockets also run along each side of the boat.

There are recessed stainless steel grabrails and flush-mounted courtesy lighting on the open boatEs port and starboard sides.

Recessed cleats are moulded into the transom corners, while low-profile navigation lights are mounted on the outside gunwales. A split stainless steel bowrail, moulded bowsprit, line roller and bollard form part of the foredeck equipment.

A padded benchseat is provided for the helmsman on the open boat, which is designed for a tiller-steer outboard. An optional fishfinder is mounted on the port bulkhead, alongside a recessed switch panel. Compartments located in each transom corner provide battery storage on one side, while the other could be plumbed to produce a livebait tank.

MARVELLOUS MUSTANG
Given the popularity of bowriders, it's not surprising that Mustang has included one in its Colt range. Mustang has done a marvellous job fitting out the 1450 bowrider. It has all the features expected on a much larger, much more expensive boat.

For starters, the bowrider model has six seats. Padded pedestal seating is provided for the helmsman and one passenger, a moulded seat is located in each transom corner, and comfy padded seating with backrests is provided in the bow area. All that available seating means you can include the friends and family in all the fun for a very reasonable price.

It's unlikely you'll be regularly carrying five passengers, but if so, an upgrade in horsepower may be required. A 50 or 60hp outboard would be ample and would also turn the bowrider into a viable weekend skiboat.

The bowrider could be called a convertible; you can have the wind in your hair, or if the weather turns sour you can be fully-enclosed in a matter of minutes. The canopy has a zipped section which rolls up to provide a sunroof, while a tonneau cover clips over the bowseats when not in use. The centre section of the windscreen folds open to provide access to the bow area.

The height of the pedestal seating is a concern. I found myself looking over the top of the windscreen, which was fine while the sunroof was up but may cause a problem when zipped closed. Mustang intends lowering the seat posts, so you can look through the windscreen... But you may finish with your knees around your ears.

The bowrider is obviously fitted with forward controls. The dash features a sports steering wheel, tacho, fuel gauge and waterproof switch panel, while the gear and throttle controls are mounted on the starboard bulkhead. The dashboard on the port-side features a lockable glove compartment and stainless steel grabrail.

The bowrider is carpeted throughout and also features large padded side-pockets. Stainless steel grabrails run along each gunwale and stainless cleats are located on each transom corner.

BLUEBLOOD COLT
Large storage compartments are located beneath each bowseat and like the open boat, there is a large anchor well, bollard, line roller, and split stainless bowrail. The bowrider is the only 1450 in the range not fitted with a bowsprit.

Mustang has kept the price down on the Colt Series, but hasn't compromised on quality. The same high-quality fittings and materials applied to the 1450 are employed on the entire Mustang range.

It's very difficult to make a cathedral-style hull look pretty. The boxy front lacks aesthetic appeal, but compensates in stability and dryness of ride.

Mustang's Colt Series is no different... They're not the prettiest boat on the water but are extremely seaworthy little craft.

Prospective tinnie purchasers should take a long hard look at the Colt Series before making their decision.