While the 5.0 remains the most common variant for mixed-use sailing, it belongs to a broader family of performance multihulls. Its siblings include the smaller Mystère 4.3, a popular youth trainer and solo boat, and the larger Mystère 5.5 (18 feet) and 6.0 (20 feet), the latter of which was a formidable contender in open-class racing. Some versions of the 5.0 were marketed with "XL" designations, often featuring upgraded hardware or carbon fiber reinforcements, though the foundational hull geometry remained consistent across the production run.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Mystery 5.0 are defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio. With a displacement of approximately 320 pounds and a generous sail area, the boat is highly responsive to trim adjustments and weight placement. The use of symmetrical hulls generally means the boat utilizes small fixed skegs rather than daggerboards, simplifying beaching and shallow-water operation while maintaining decent upwind tracking.
In heavy air, the 5.0 is noted for its stability relative to its size. The increased volume in the forward sections of the hulls allows the boat to ride over chop rather than piercing through it, which significantly reduces the risk of the leeward bow "burying" during high-speed reaches. However, because it is a lightweight multihull, it requires active use of the trapeze by both helm and crew to keep the platform level. Owners often report that the boat feels more "modern" than a Hobie 16, offering a more balanced helm and less tendency to "tramp" or hobby-horse in a confused sea state. The high-aspect rudders provide sharp, authoritative steering, though they require careful calibration to ensure they do not "hum" or vibrate at speeds exceeding 15 knots.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Mystery 5.0 should conduct a disciplined inspection of the composite structures, as these boats were built for performance rather than over-engineered longevity.
- Hull Delamination: Like many foam-sandwich catamarans from this era, the decks and hull sides can develop soft spots. This is often caused by the breakdown of the bond between the fiberglass skins and the internal foam core. Press firmly across the decks; any "crunching" sound or localized flexing indicates a need for injection repairs.
- Rudder Casting Fatigue: The Mystère-specific rudder housings are known for their complexity. Check for hairline cracks in the aluminum castings and ensure the kick-up mechanism operates smoothly. Replacement parts for these proprietary castings can be difficult to source.
- Mast Step Wear: The interface where the rotating mast sits on the front crossbeam (the "dolphin striker" area) is a high-load point. Inspect for indentation or corrosion in the aluminum beam and ensure the mast step pivot is not elongated.
- Trampoline Tension: The 5.0 relies on a tight trampoline to maintain the structural rigidity of the platform. Inspect the aluminum tracks where the trampoline slides into the hulls; if these tracks are flared or cracked, the boat will "rack" (twist diagonally), leading to poor performance and potential hardware failure.
Community & Resources
The Mystery 5.0 benefits from a dedicated following within the North American catamaran community. Technical support and rigging guides are often maintained by regional multihull associations. While the original manufacturer, Mystère Composites, has seen various shifts in operations, technical data and enthusiast support are frequently found through the Ontario Catamaran Racing Association (ORCA) and similar high-performance beach cat clubs in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. These groups remain the primary source for tuning guides and advice on retrofitting modern hardware to older frames.
The Verdict
The Mystery 5.0 is an agile and rewarding catamaran that offers a significant step up in technology and safety over entry-level beach cats. While it requires more attention to maintenance and structural integrity than a rotomolded boat, its performance on the water is vastly superior for sailors interested in speed.
Pros
- Buoyant Hull Design: Reduced risk of pitch-poling compared to older 16-foot designs.
- Simplified Handling: The boardless skeg design makes it an excellent choice for beach launching and shallow coastal waters.
- Power-to-Weight: Exceptionally fast in light to moderate air, providing a true high-performance experience.
Cons
- Structural Sensitivity: Susceptible to delamination and soft spots if stored uncovered or sailed hard in heavy seas.
- Parts Availability: Some proprietary hardware, particularly rudder components, can be challenging to replace without custom fabrication.
- Niche Market: Lacks the massive spare-parts market and "one-design" fleet density of the Hobie or Nacra brands in certain regions.
