Just because a boat goes fast doesn’t mean it delivers great hole shot or maneuvers with confidence. Fortunately, the Mystic Powerboats M3800 tops 84 mph, blasts from zero to 30 mph in 6.4 seconds, and when I spun the helm of this luxury dayboat, its multi-stepped hull leaned in and allowed me to confidently power through turns. You don’t need experience driving race boats to enjoy the performance the M3800 offers.
According to Mystic Powerboats president and designer John Cosker, who’s designed step hulls for Contender, Donzi and others, the M3800’s steps were tuned to deliver exactly that kind of experience.
The M3800 also impressed us with innovations, such as the pair of wind-blocking doors that deploy between the console and the hull sides. Coupled with the wide three-person helm, these doors keep the aft cockpit well protected from most of the wind blast, even when hurtling along at full bore. Overhead, the integral hardtop looks great and provides expansive sun protection for the cockpit, but despite its great size, we noticed no wracking as we put the M3800 through maneuvers.
Upholstery is custom-ordered aboard the M3800, and the foam is medium density that won’t bottom out. We were impressed by the comfort and contours of all the seats and lounges. Inside the console, a private and well-appointed head awaits. The stereo? It’s a kick-ass three-zone system that may rival what you listen through at home.
The M3800’s construction also exceeds expectations. Mystic infuses both hull and deck to ensure the optimum resin-to-glass ratio, and uses a combination of E-glass and carbon-fiber reinforcement. This process results in a stiff structure, with minimal weight for the required strength. All of this helps wring the best performance and efficiency, as well as provide a good-looking boat that will stay that way for some time to come.
Luxury dayboats are easy to come by. Luxury dayboats with the M3800’s kind of performance, customization, and fit and finish deserve a hard look by those in the market for such a vessel.
High Points
- Foldout doors swing out from the console to block the wind and protect the cockpit.
- The hardtop is integral, seeming to almost float above the boat.
- Resin-infused hull and deck deliver performance and structural integrity.
- Yee-haw! Put the throttles in the corner! This step-hulled boat proved agile yet delivered confident handling at all speeds.
- The dive door provides great water access.
- There's a double berth and a china commode head in the cabin.
Price: $589,057 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engines: Triple 400 hp Mercury Racing Verado 400R
Drive/Prop: Outboard/ Rev 4 14 5/8" x 24" 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 100 gal.
Crew Weight: 800 lb.
Mystic Powerboats - Deland, Florida; 386-736-2247; mysticpowerboats.com
