Harley Raceboats - Mustang 30

[david_e]

Does anyone have any experience sailing one of these? What are they like down below and what is the build quality like? What sort of value do they represent? Are there any inherent faults, things to look out for? How do they compare to the mainstream Beneteau Firsts and Jeanneau SunFasts? I have seen various articles on the web but would be interested to learn first hand from owners/users.

 

[PhatBuoy]

Saw a Mustang 30 practising race skills off calshot yesterday. Looked like a fun fast and responsive boat. It was being crewed by a family and its performance was impressive. Nice red hull as well!!!!

You probably wanted a slightly more informed opinion!

 

[Guest]

Quite a few at Royal Southampton YC Cathy Crawley is their Sailing Secretary, and I think their wesite is RSYC.org.uk I'm sure she could put you in touch with the owners.

Good Luck.

 

[david_e]

Thanks, as for the hull, can't wait to see it!

 

[david_e]

Thanks, I note that one of the boats currently on the market is showing in their results section.

 

[david_e]

Have now had the opportunity to speak to Nigel Harley himself who has given the run down on the boat. What a nice man he is, and how refreshing to be able to speak with the person who built the boat. One interesting fact he disclosed is that the boat is designed to take ground at 8 knots without showing any damage, obviously a quality product in the design and build.

 

[martinb]

A guy I work with ripped the keel off of his going aground motoring at cowes last year, so I think taking ground at 8 knots without damage is optamistic!

I hope to sail with him one evening next week, so shall let you know what I think.

Regards,

Martin

 

[ndoidge]

Came a bit late to this thread, but the Mustang really is a great boat.
Fast (IRC Rating about 0.925 to 0.930) which is just below a Sigma 33, beautiful to handle, can be sailed by three to six, planes in a five to six, yet fairly stiff to windward.
Mark 1s started life with a winged keel, but have all now had it changed, I think. Look at keel root. Mine has also had the mast moved back to improve balance, which is now fine. They are rare, go for £15-20K, and can show their age, especailly if there's been a bit too much amateur modification. Mark 2s go for about £25K nad there are several on the market at the moment.
Keels are pretty extreme fin and bulbs, I would cetainly keep clear of obstructions at 8 knots! Haven't tried it to see if it stays on, though.
Accomodation is well designed but definitely narrow and low. Realistically only 4 berth (front cabin very tight).
Happy to send on more details.
The red hull you saw was probably Eric the Red.
Good luck if you do buy one.
Norman (Revolver)

 

[lexplorateur]

Hello Norman,
I am Jean from Saint Malo in France. We have just bought the Mustang "JAMBO VI" ex "RIVIVAL" and we are looking for all informations regarding the boat. This a mark 2 built in 1996.
What are the key points and the weak points when racing? I think that the spinaker is too small, do you know if some have muche bigger?
thanks for all!
Jean