Mustang returns to its roots

Christmas is likely to come a little late for some lucky boaters this year -- because Mustang Marine is not releasing its new entry level 2850 Sports Cruiser and 2850 Super Sports until early in January 2010.

But if Santa Claus is put on hold for a few weeks, the wait should be more than worthwhile. Mustang is already a favourite with boaters who like their vessels with style, size and power and its range of sports flybridge, sports euros, sports coupes and sport  cruiser models can be found on every major marina in the country.

But recognising that not everyone getting into boating wants, or can afford, a 56 foot flybridge sports cruiser, Mustang has looked back to the affordable, family-friendly boats which were the foundation of its reputation.

Starting at just $155,000, the new 2850 Sports Cruiser and the Super Sports will have everything a family needs to get into luxury boating.

Based on the popular 2800 Sports Cruiser, the new vessels offer all the latest features and extra living and entertaining space. Most people spend their time on their boat entertaining family and friends, so entertainment space became the major consideration in the new design. The boat is wider in the beam so there is extra room both in the cockpit and below deck.

The galley has been moved from the cabin area to the cockpit, a move that not only increases space below but removes cooking odours when you are relaxing in the spacious cabin. The cockpit galley also puts the cook at the centre of outdoor entertaining. There is full standing head room in the cabin as well as a separate shower and toilet compartment. Surprisingly for a boat under 30 feet, there is room to sleep five people in comfort -- ideal for a family with children or two couples spending a weekend away.

Technology lovers will immediately fall in love with the touch screen electrical control panel and the innovative starting system. The 2850 Sports Cruiser uses Finscan fingerprint starting technology that not only means no more hunting for keys but also prevents inquisitive ankle biters from accidently starting the boat.

To this, Mustang has added Smart Craft gauges, electric engine room access and the latest in entertainment systems.

Moving around the sleek boat is also a breeze with steps leading to the foredeck and boarding ladders available for both stern and bow boarding.

The new models keep the proven seakeeping ability of the naval architect designed hull.

The operations manager of Mustang Marine, Russell Watson, says functionally, technology integration and the application of cutting-edge design were the cornerstones in the company's approach to the development of the 2850.

"We have integrated everything that made the original 2800 so popular and looked at how we could improve the critical areas of the boat that our customers have demanded. These are performance, improved entertaining areas and the addition of leading edge equipment and technology," Watson says.

Mustang Marine's factory-backed dealer network will ensure that buyers have all the support and assistance they will ever need.

Boaters interested in inspecting the new Mustang 2850 Sport Cruiser can use the company website to register for an exclusive preview of the boat at the following locations and times:

- Gold Coast on Friday, January 8, 2010
- Sydney on Friday, January 22
- Melbourne on Friday, February 5