MYSTIC POWERBOATS M4200
Neither Karl Keikhaffer nor Ole Evinrude could ever have dreamed their one- and twocylinder outboard motors would have evolved to V-8 blocks generating up to 400 hp. And, in fact, only Karl’s did, followed by Yamaha’s new 425 V-8. These big-block outboards changed everything in performance boating and spurred the evolution of boats such as Mystic’s M4200 monohull speed boat.
Built of fiberglass and Kevlar, and topped with a structurally integrated carbon-fiber reinforced hardtop, this enormous boat breaks 80 mph in lousy conditions and tickles the radar gun to 85 in cool, dry air.
And while 80 mph in an open boat can peel back the eyelids, Mystic has done cool things to keep passengers cozy at all speeds.
The dash is covered by a carbon-fiber panel into which three 24-inch Garmin chart plotters are mounted. The windshield is aviation-grade plexiglass and is flared outward to deflect wind away from the back seats. A pair of wind dams fold out of the console on each side, deflecting airflow, and at 80 mph, our passengers were comfortable.
They were also comfortable because of the luxurious seating on board. Gracefully contoured for a futuristic look, the seats were built with deep foam and supple UVprotected vinyl. Three seats at the helm kept the captain happy with his favorite crew, and mezzanine seating behind faces the wide bench lounge at the transom.
Convenient boarding pathways included a pair of steps that drop down from the bow deck, a starboard-side boarding door that opens inward to avoid interference at the dock, and a transom walkway to the cockpit accessible from port or starboard, thanks to the wide pathway forward of the motor rigging.
Mystic Powerboats’ models are built to order, so you can choose your horsepower, audio and navigation equipment. Ours was equipped with bow and stern thrusters for easy maneuverability around the dock.
Our test boat was already sold to a well-known boat racer who was interested in entertaining his friends. After testing it, we could see why he chose it.