Mustang 22 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Mustang 22 begins in 1969, emerging from the innovative workshops of Plastrend in Fort Worth, Texas. The company, founded by passionate sailor Andy Green, was known for leveraging emerging composite construction methods to build fast and tough sailboats. The Mustang 22 was designed by Martin Bludworth, a renowned naval architect and Olympic sailor. Bludworth's design for the Mustang 22 was an evolution of the popular Cal 20, which he extended slightly to create a more performance-oriented vessel. This lineage highlights its heritage as a boat built for competitive sailing.

Plastrend, which later evolved into Composite Technologies and then Island Yacht Corp., had a strong commitment to durable, high-performance construction, which is evident in the Mustang 22's fiberglass solid hull and deck. While the builder's article mentions an "unusual bulb keel" as a feature of some Plastrend models, including the Mustang 22, the boat's specifications consistently indicate a keel/centerboard configuration with a spade rudder, offering flexibility in draft. 1, 4, Builder Article This design choice allows for shallower water access with the centerboard retracted (2.33 ft) and improved upwind performance and stability when extended (5.25 ft).

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mustang 22, with its relatively light displacement of 1,950 lbs and a long waterline of 17 feet, is characterized by its lively sailing performance. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring a main sail area of 131.25 sq ft and a foretriangle area of 83.72 sq ft, provides a total sail area designed for effective power in various wind conditions. The boat's slim and speedy hull design is notable, with 82% of similar sailboats being wider, contributing to its performance characteristics.

Designed as a Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) racer, the Mustang 22 offers good acceleration due to its lighter displacement, making it responsive on the racecourse and engaging for day sailing. Its keel/centerboard and spade rudder combination contribute to a balanced helm and precise handling. The ability to adjust the draft allows sailors to optimize performance for different conditions, from shallow coastal waters to more open stretches. Its calculated hull speed is approximately 5.52 knots, indicative of its potential for swift passage.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 22-foot sailboat designed with a racing and day-sailing emphasis, the Mustang 22 offers basic accommodations typical for its class and era. While detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented in available specifications, boats of this size and purpose generally feature an open saloon area, often with V-berths forward for sleeping, and perhaps a small galley area and a basic head. Storage would likely be integrated into the settees and under bunks, suitable for weekend cruising or stowing gear for day trips. The focus on performance often meant sacrificing extensive creature comforts for a more streamlined and functional interior.

Owner's Perspectives

The Mustang 22 has cultivated a dedicated following among its owners, who often seek out others to share information and experiences. The community shows a strong interest in restoring these classic fiberglass sailboats, a testament to their enduring design and construction quality. Owners appreciate the boat's heritage and its capabilities as both a racer and a day sailer, often engaging in projects to bring these vessels back to their former glory. This active owner base highlights the Mustang 22's status as a cherished boat within the small sailboat community.