Courtesy Mystic Powerboats
The wind had been blowing for two straight days at last winter’s Miami International Boat Show, and most of the other captains were reluctant to head out beyond the breakwater of the marina. But Ryan Zivitski, the factory captain aboard the Mystic M4200, didn’t hesitate. So, we idled through a no-wake zone into the only channel where we could try to cull the performance numbers. Seeing as it was the only place to run that was even slightly protected, captains of several other boats had the same idea. Once we pointed the bow toward the inlet and dropped the throttles on the quad Mercury Racing 450s, the confused sea state made little difference. The Mystic M4200 felt ridiculously dialed in as we recorded speeds at different rpm all the way past 86 mph.
Courtesy Mystic Powerboats
It’s no secret why the M4200, the flagship of Mystic’s center-console line, could do this. It’s built like the proverbial brick structure that we can’t name in good company. Start with the double-stepped hull that gives this boat a level attitude throughout the rpm range, combined with the reversed chines that improve lift and deflect spray.
Courtesy Mystic Powerboats
The Kevlar-reinforced fiberglass hull is built to withstand the punishing stress that comes with going fast in unfavorable conditions. When it was my turn to take the helm, I was so calm and unruffled cruising along at 4,500 rpm that it felt like a leisurely cruise—until I looked at the recessed multifunction display in the dash and noted we were at 60 mph and still blowing past other boats.
Courtesy Mystic Powerboats
Mystic builds all of its boats custom to the owner’s preferences, but I can attest that our test boat’s layout was steeped in comfort. The boat’s high freeboard allows for safe passage from stem to stern, and the integrated carbon-fiber hardtop is stylish and strong. The aviation-grade plexiglass windshield and the wind dams on each side of the center console keep everyone in the helm seating area protected during high-speed runs. To wit, I was still able to take notes at 86 mph.
Courtesy Mystic Powerboats
How We Tested
- Engines: Quad 450 hp Mercury Racing 450R
- Drive/Props: Outboard/15″ x 25″ Max 5 Lab 5-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 278 gal. Water on Board: 35 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.
High Points
- Wind dams on both sides of the console deflect the wind away from passengers at high speeds.
- Kevlar-reinforced hull felt extremely solid in turbulent seas.
- Twin rows of plush triple-helm seats kept the crew safe and comfortable underway.
Low Points
- While the bow seating area does feature stout stainless-steel grab handles at strategic points, we prefer a recessed bow rail to grab onto no matter where you’re sitting.
- The 300-gallon fuel capacity is smaller than some competitors, giving the boat less range.
Toughest Competitor
The Nor-Tech 390 Super Fish ($1,063,193) is another Kevlar-reinforced speedster that can top 80 mph with quad Mercury Racing 450R outboards on the transom.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $1,250,000 (with test power) |
| LOA: | 42’10” |
| Beam: | 10’11” |
| Draft (max): | 3’0″ |
| Displacement (approx.): | 15,000 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 24 degrees |
| Bridge Clearance: | 10’0″ |
| Max Headroom: | 7’0″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 300 gal. |
| Water Capacity: | 44 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 1,800 |
| Available Power: | Quad Mercurys to 1,800 hp total |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Boating Magazine
Mystic Powerboats – DeLand, Florida; 386-736-2247; mysticpowerboats.com
