Mustang 2150 Walkaround Series II

The walkaround is one of the most versatile boats available offering the comfort and protection of a half-cabin and the fishability of a centre-console. Walkarounds have also become increasingly popular as boat buyers pursue the best of both worlds. This customer demand has precipitated the inclusion of walkarounds into the ranges of many Australian and New Zealand boat manufacturers.

Mustang Pleasure Boats on Queensland's Gold Coast have had a 2150 Walkaround in its range for some time, however, the Series II model is now available with a sterndrive powerplant. With an overall length of just under seven metres, the 2150 Walkaround is a big boat and would be more than capable of fishing the shelf with stand-up heavy tackle.

Our testboat was fitted with a 4.3lt EFI MerCruiser sterndrive and an Alpha-1 leg. The single sterndrive provides economical cruising, and with a 300lt underfloor fueltank, fishing the shelf for the day is not a problem. The MerCruiser was rated at 210hp, which provided responsive power out of the hole and a top speed better than 30kt. I was very impressed with the Mustang's manoeuvrability at speed. The sterndrive allowed you to really lean into the turns, a situation where an outboard may start to cavitate. Note too, the EFI MerCruiser was also extremely quiet tucked away in the engine compartment.

HORSE WHISPERER
After blasting around the Southport Broadwater for a while, we headed offshore through the seaway With a run-out tide and 25kt of sou'easter blowing, it was never going to be pretty, but a good test for the Mustang nonetheless. The 2150 handled the short, sharp chop offshore admirably, although we were copping a fair amount of spray over the cabin, particularly with the sea on our forward quarters. The targa top and clears were providing the protection we required though. It is in these rough conditions that the Walkaround is much more pleasurable than a centre-console. (Although I've been told saltwater is good for the complexion, personally I prefer to stay dry.)

Backing up offshore was not a problem, with the sterndrive quite responsive in reverse. I did manage to put a fair amount of water in the boat though, which of course was exacerbated by the fact that the boat was fitted with a swim platform. To the Mustang's credit, the water exited just as quick as it entered, thanks to stainless steel grates in the cockpit floor which lead to port and starboard killtanks. A high-volume, automatic bilge pump is located in each killtank to remove the water. I also checked the engine bay after taking water over the transom and it had remained bone-dry. Two pumps are also located in the bilge, just in case any water happens to get through.

The deep, wide walkaround provides safe and comfortable access around the entire cabin, which is great while fighting a fish or when anchoring. Walkarounds are ideal when fighting multiple hook-ups, especially if the fish are going in opposite directions. I remember one occasion, when I was fighting a double-header of sailfish out of a half-cabin with both anglers in the cockpit. As my attention was on one fish at the transom, the other fish jumped over the bow and busted off. If I was fishing from a Walkaround my second angler would have been up the bow and the unfortunate incident probably would never have happened.

STATING THE UNOBVIOUS
The cockpit is quite spacious, considering the size of the cabin, and the engine box is surprisingly unobtrusive. The engine box can double as a comfortable seat or a bait rigging area. My favorite feature of the cockpit is the deep, padded cockpit coamings which are great to tuck under while fighting a big fish on stand-up tackle or wiring an angry billfish. Sidepockets run the full length of the cockpit and are raised to allow toe placement. The sidepockets provide storage for rods, gaffs, tag poles, etc. Hatches in the transom bulkhead provide access to batteries, pumps, filters, and the like. In each transom corner are livewells large enough to hold the biggest of slimy mackerel.

Adjustable pedestal seating is provided for both the helmsman and passenger. The pedestal seats are mounted atop moulded iceboxes on either side of the open cabin area. The helm station itself features a large hydraulically-operated stainless steering wheel, with gear and throttle controls against the starboard bulkhead. All gauges are flush-mounted in the dash, whilst the compass is located above the dash console. The testboat was fitted with a Lowrance X85 sounder, Garmin GPS120 and GME VHF radio. At the helm, I found vision to be better standing up looking through the clears rather than sitting down looking through the windscreen. The targa top provided good protection and was fitted with a five-pot rocket launcher and aerial mounts.

Access to the cabin is via a lockable door adjacent to the helm station. The fully-lined cabin features a large V-berth with storage below, fill-in cushions and padded sidepockets. A large storage compartment is located in the cabin's forward bulkhead, while port holes and hatch in the cabin roof provide the necessary light and ventilation.

FIRST-CLASS FIT-OUT
Some of the more notable options fitted to the testboat include an electric windlass, 70lt freshwater tank, split stainless steel bowrail and windscreen grabrail The fit-out of the 2150 is first-class, which is typical Mustang. The use of top quality fittings is noticeable everywhere you look. The same care and attention to detail obviously goes into Mustang's fishing boat range, just as it does in its export-quality sportscruisers.

It's great to see that the likes of Mustang and other Australasian boat manufacturers are beating the Yanks at their own game, by producing top quality sportsfishers at a reasonable price. Although many of the good ideas have come out of the US, we appear to be refining them, which is great news for the local boat buyer given current exchange rates.

If you are thinking about purchasing a boat and can't decide between a centre-console or a half-cabin, take a look at a w`alkaround. You might just find you've discovered the best of both worlds...