Mustang 2200 Club Sport

It seems that Mustang has been on a mission lately. Indeed, the midnight oil's being well and truly burnt at the maker's Hope Harbour factory as each and every model in its range receives a thorough makeover. While most of its models have only required a nip here, or a tuck there, a few have undergone substantial transformations and early indications are that the changes are being very well received.

However, Mustang's R&D department has not only been giving existing models the once over, it has also been working overtime producing new models.

The latest offering is the Club Sport 2200, which debuted at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in May. And if the response the Club Sport received at the year's first boat show was anything to go by, then Mustang is on a winner with this trailerable sportscruiser.

How Mustang has managed to include so many features in a boat this size is truly amazing. Step onto most 30ft sportscruisers and you will find the same appointments that are featured on the Club Sport 2200. Of course, the Club Sport is considerably more compact but that's the beauty of it. No marina fees, no antifouling and no huge fuel bills are just a few of the advantages of owning this size boat.

HORSES FOR COURSES
We recently tested the Club Sport 2200 on the Gold Coast and walked away with smiles from ear to ear. The Club Sport was a real pleasure to drive and would be a great entry-level boat for those wanting to enter the sportscruiser fraternity.

As you read this review, note that the testboat was a stock standard model. Every feature mentioned in this review is a standard inclusion... The price? That's the best bit and we'll come to that later.

Walking around the Club Sport, taking in the features of the boat or checking out the cabin, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is a much larger boat. However, with a LOA of 7.7m, including bowsprit and swim platform, the Club Sport doesn't look or feel like a big boat from at the helm.

I'm not ashamed to admit I had a ball at the helm of the Club Sport. Indeed, it handled more like a skiboat than a sportscruiser.

The sterndrive powerplant complements the style of boat and the standard 4.3lt EFI MerCruiser powerplant provided good acceleration and top-end speed. At full revs we were hitting 70kmh, while comfortable cruise speeds were in the 40-55kmh range.

There's no need to opt for bigger in our book. However, just in case there's a couple of petrolheads out there it is worth noting that the engine compartment on the Club Sport 2200 will accommodate both 5.0lt and 5.7lt V-eight MerCruisers...

A fully-moulded swim platform provides good access to the boat, either from the dock or from the water. Incorporated in the external transom bulkhead are recessed fender baskets and fueltank breathers. A hinged transom door folds inboard to provide access from the swim platform to the cockpit. Adjacent to the transom door is a concealed freshwater transom shower with retractable hose.

THE EASY ENTERTAINER
The cockpit features upholstered bench seating for four and a removable fibreglass dinette. One bench seat is incorporated above the engine box, while the other forms a bulkhead between the cockpit and the helm area. The dinette also drops down to form a sunlounge.

To access the engine compartment, one seat section, the dinette and the cockpit carpet must all be removed. This could be a bit of a pain, however, with the reliability of modern EFI engines, it's unlikely you'll ever have to perform the above (normal servicing aside).

Opposite the dinette is a wet bar with small sink and freshwater tap. A Sopac hatch below the sink provides access to a large storage compartment. Above the sink is a drinkholder, while flush-mounted in the starboard bulkhead is one of two waterproof speakers.

Directly forward of the sink is the helmstation, which features a comfortable pedestal helm chair with adjustable slide. The dash has been stylishly and thoughtfully laid out, with an adjustable wood-grain steering wheel taking centre stage. A fully-incorporated VDO marine gauge unit includes speedo, tacho, temperature, trim, oil, fuel and batteries as well as a programmable LCD display showing speed, depth and water temperature.

Waterproof switches are mounted on futuristic carbon-fibre-style dash panelling. A compass is flush-mounted atop the dash, and although there is little room left for additional electronics, a Clarion CD player is recessed behind a splash-proof cover below the steering wheel.

The Club Sport lends itself towards a seated helm position, with excellent vision and controls within easy reach. The wraparound glass windscreen provided good protection while seated, although the low profile design means the wind is definitely in the hair when standing. Although the removable bimini detracts a little from the sporty lines of the Club Sport, it does provide necessary sun protection. Those from southern climates may choose optional full camper covers or at the very least, clears between the windscreen and the bimini.

Additional passenger seating is provided via a L-shaped lounge opposite the helm. The foredeck is accessed via a hinged centre section in the windscreen, and moulded steps in the cabin door means you don't have to be spiderman to get up there. There is enough room on the foredeck to sunbake, and the non-skid deck and stainless rails means you won't be wearing the anchor as jewellery - even with the rather pronounced reversed sheerline.

There are no side-decks as such and therefore no bowrail, which is in keeping with the Mustang's sexy lines.

An electric windlass ensures that anchoring duties are a one-finger operation and also prevents the need to access the foredeck unnecessarily. If for some reason the ground tackle needs some attention, a hatch in the foredeck provides access via the cabin. The anchor itself is secured nicely within the bowsprit - no more loose anchors and chipped gelcoat.

INDOOR SPORTS
It's when you step below the Club Sport that it's hard to believe you're on a 22-footer.

For a start, the V-berth is absolutely huge. Add the fill-in cushion and you have a padded playground. The cabin is fully lined and carpeted and has a very modern feel with its bright upholstery and stylish finishes. A customised Mustang mirror on the forward bulkhead also adds a sense of space to the cabin. Natural light and ventilation is provided to the cabin via an overhead hatch as well as port and starboard portholes.

Just when you think you've seen all the cabin has to offer, you turn around to find another double berth - this one transversely positioned below the deck liner. Some may find this second berth a little claustrophobic, however it does add another dimension to a boat of this size.

There is also a porta-potty neatly concealed on the portside, and timber storage cabinets on the starboard side. Optional fridge, microwave and inverter can take the place of the cabinets if required, making the Club Sport a true weekender.

Even without the above, at just under $70,000 (plus trailer), the Club Sport 2200 is excellent value for money and as such makes the sportscruiser market accessible to a great many more boaties.

If you have previously dreamed of cruising around the Gold Coast with the wind in your hair or anchoring up for the night in a secluded section of the Pittwater or the Gippsland Lakes. Or, indeed, have been looking for a compact stylish daycruiser then perhaps this is the boat for you.

Whatever your wishlist, if they involved a sportscruiser, chances are they can now become a reality.