mirage 29 sailboat review

The Mirage 29 is a 29.0ft masthead sloop designed by Phillippe Harle and built in fiberglass by Mirage Yachts Ltd (CAN) since 1986.

290 units have been built..

The Mirage 29 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat. The fuel capacity is originally very small. There is a very short water supply range.

Mirage 29 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, other photos.

Modal Title

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

• Search forums
• Motor Boat Forum

Fairline mirage 29 - comments

• Thread starter Guest
• Start date 20 Mar 2001
• 20 Mar 2001

I'm looking at purchasing a 30 foot "Sportsman 300". The history seems to be, that it was built by Fairline in 1985. The closest match I could find is a Mirage 29 by fairline. It seems a bit under powered with twin volvo penta 125 gas engines, but for the cruising that I am planning it should be fine. No one has heard of this vessel in canada, so I'm hoping that I might get some comments from the land where she is from. Any comments?  

Motor Boat Monthly did an article on these boats not too long ago. Overall they are a sound boat and come with quite a few different engine packages, single, twin, gas or diesel. They were also made as an aft cabin as well as aft cockpit, a late, aft cabin version command a premium price in the UK. As gas is as cheap water in Canada, I guess it makes no difference to the purchase price. MBY offer a FAX srvice and should be able to FAX the original article to you. Happy boating.  

• 22 Mar 2001

I have a Mirage 29 & am very happy with her. She's a 1982 boat with twin AQ145 138hp gas engines and will top 30 knots lightly loaded! Cruise is 18-20knots to get decent consumption. I have had contact with a lady in Canada with a Sportsman, so will find her email & forward it to you. I think you will find her a nice, comfortable, practical boat. Regards, Steve  

• 23 Mar 2001

I owned a Mirage in the late eighties which had twin Volvo 125hp petrol(gas) engines on 280 outdrives. I cruised her as extensively as the fuel capacity permitted which was not a lot. You are right to say that she is underpowered and with a full load of people on board she could struggle to get on the plane. I cured this by fitting trim tabs and I would commend these to you. With a normal load, I could get 22/23 knots flat out and a comfortable 17/18 knt cruise. Her lowest planing speed was about 14 knts with a big "hump" between 11 - 14 knots. Fitting the tabs got rid of the hump and allowed her on the plane much more easily. Fuel capacity was from memory 110 gallons (imperial - so a bit more in US gals) and this was good for a round trip of say 150 miles and not much more with any safety. Water is 45 gallons (plus 10 in the calorifier) which means fairly frequent filling up when on a trip, depending on whether you use the shower, etc. She was a basically well screwed together boat but check under the dinette seats for any signs of the internal molding parting from the hull. I had this in mine and reinforced the joints. As a sea boat she was pretty safe and I was out in all sorts up to force 7, but inclined to slam a lot in any kind of sea at all. She was a good family boat and took my wife and I + 3 kids with ease. Heating was via a little catalytic heater which was inadequate for Scottish climes and if you live anywhere cold, I would recommend you get something better. Finally, the outdrives were the bane of my life. These must be well looked after if you do not want to be personally responsible for increasing the Swedish GDP. The bellows should be changed every season (and, of course, the anodes. Volvo recommend that you check the oil in the outdrives weekly but this was tricky on the Mirage as a) With a full fuel tank, the dipsticks were under water b) even with low fuel, if you stand on the bathing platform, the dipsticks go under water The only way I found to do was from the dinghy when fuel was low and the water tank (which is in the bow) is topped up. Finally, I have a number of pictures of said boat - if you want a look, let me have your e-mail address Nick Robinson  

We have just sold a 1978 Mirage with 2 x Volvo 140's with outdrives. We had her for 11 years and have only sold her now to buy smaller and trail around to increase our cruising range. For accomodation and comfort she was great.I can remember one social gathering with 22 people on board but I wouldn't recommend that number all the time!1 From a womens point of view the galley was a bit on the small size but general storage for everything including the kitchen sink seemed ample!! The water tank was sufficient for us and when cruising with friends we seemed to fill up alot less so either we were smellier or capacity was good!! We cruised mainly on inland rivers and wide beam canals and covered many miles and even took her to some places that the size of boat struggled with.Although we got some funny looks and had to get under some low bridges by acosting fellow boaters to weigh her down we thoroughly enjoyed owning her and the new owners seem pleased. If you came to England and took a trip on say the Thames from experience every other boat is a Mirage so that's a good advert for them Good cruising Cindy Newport. Bristol,England.  

• 25 Mar 2001

I have a 79 version with 112hp engines, a bit underpowered but for river cruising is great, well put together and still demands a premiuim price in england so must be good value. has 280 outdrives but seem ok so long as they are given a bit of tlc every year. I also have some piccies so if you need some mail me and i will send some to you.  

Members online

• JBofBideford
• Cymrogwyllt
• Puffin10032
• springertoo
• Slipstream 34
• wingcommander
• Sticky Fingers
• Martin&Rene
• Chiara’s slave

Share this page

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Mirage Yachts Ltd

Mirage Yachts Ltd. was formed in February of 1972 by Dick and Irene Steffen, for the purpose of building the Mirage 24 designed by C&C. Up until this point they had owned a large volume C&C dealership in Point Claire, Quebec. At the time C&C did not build any model smaller than the 27. Dick was a very keen racing sailor and wanted a smaller MORC boat to both sail and sell from his retail dealership. At his request the C&C had designed a 24 footer, but C&C decided not to built it. Steffen then bought the design and set up his own shop on the second floor of a rented building in Point Claire, Que to build it. Sales of the 24 were gratifying and eventually 15 workers were busily turning out new Mirage 24’s. A lot of the reason for its success was based on its racing record in MORC class racing. Fifteen years after its introduction, a Mirage 24 placed #1 in the production-built division at the MORC national championships. The Mirage 24 proved so successful that an envious C&C shortly thereafter introduced the C&C 25, quite similar in design to the Mirage 24. Nevertheless, the Mirage 24 continued to sell very well and dominated the C&C 25 on the race course. When Dick then approached the C&C design team for a larger model and was turned down, he turned to designer Robert Perry for the new boat. In 1975, the plant was moved to a 12,000 sq. ft facility in nearby Vaudreuil, Que. The Perry designed Mirage 26 (later stretched to a 27) was introduced shortly thereafter. By 1979 the plant had grown to 30,000 sq.ft. with an additional 5,000 sq. ft. spar manufacturing facility in Dorion. Que. In 1983 the plant was again increased to 35,000 sq.ft. to accommodate the new Perry designed Mirage 33/35. The Bob Perry models were highly successful and the core of steady growth at Mirage for over a decade. Eventually the Mirage 26/27 was followed by the Mirage 33/35, the Mirage 30/32 series and the remarkable Mirage 25. Each of these models while remaining at the upper end of the performance scale, established the Mirage as a wholesome family cruiser. In the late 70’s the J/24 became the scourge of the race course. Seeing an opportunity opened by the interest in the J/24, Dick asked his old friend and Laser/International 14 designer, Bruce Kirby to design a new boat in this size range. The Kirby 25 was the result. Soon Kirby 25’s were pounding the PHRF and MORC fleets even worse than the J/24 did. When J/Boats introduced the J/30, Mirage unveiled the Kirby 30. which on the water rocketed right by the J. Ironically, J/Boats then introduced the J/29– a boat a whole lot like the Kirby 30. The modified Kirby 30, the Mirage 30SX remains today, a highly competitive PHRF or MORC rocket. In the mid-eighties the “French Invasion,” fueled by an advantageous exchange rate, amd minimal import duties was in full swing in North America, lead by Beneteau, Jeanneau , Elite, and others. The French boats sported avant garde styling and reasonable two stateroom accommodations, even in smaller boats under 35’. Sales of the Perry designed Mirage 30, (generally thought of as a superb sailing boat) were dissapointing. In 1985, Steffen looking to build a replacement model to the aging 27, asked several designers to do preliminaries for a 28 footer with a double aft cabin. The design submitted by Phillippe Harle’s was Steffens choice which became the MIRAGE 29 and was introduced in the spring of 1986. This model was an instant success. About 50 boats were sold before hull #1 hit the water and nearly three hundred were eventually built. The MIRAGE 275 and MIRAGE 39 followed, both also Harle designs. Not long after the introduction of the MIRAGE 39, Mirage Yachts Ltd. was sold to a Montreal investor who very shortly went out of business.

Associations

• Bruce Kirby
• C&C Design
• Peter Schmitt
• Philippe Harlé
• Robert Perry

15 sailboats built by Mirage Yachts Ltd

Mirage 25 (Perry)

Mirage 27 (Perry)

Mirage 26 (Perry)

Mirage 30 SX

Mirage 27 (Schmidt)

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Marine Surveys
• Dispute & Expert
• Visit Our MARINE BLOG

Fairline Mirage 29 - A great value cruising boat (#896)

Fairline Mirage 29 – Aft cabin                                               

Fitted with a single Volvo Penta diesel engine and shaft propulsion

This 1985 Fairline Mirage 29 was viewed at Waterside Marina, located in the famous Herbert Wood boatyard at Potter Heigham.

The medium V shape hull allows to a steady and economical cruising speed whilst if fitted with powerful engine will do some decent boat top speed.

The internal arrangement comprise a comfy main cabin with good sitting area and a forward cabin with V berth. The aft cabin with two single beds is a great design for a weekend out with friends allowing everyone to enjoy a bit of privacy whilst the roof accommodate a sun bed area, great for chilling out and enjoying the view.

Interior view with V berth in forward cabin           Sun deck with access door to aft cabin

The vessel was well maintained and mostly displayed general fair wear and tear commensurate with age, however one item of safety was picked upon.

It consisted of the LPG gas pipe’s route passing too close to the hot air heater’s exhaust pipe. For the obvious reason the gas pipe should be re-routed to a safe distance from the exhaust heat. This item should be easy enough to be put right.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123          www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• Boat Builders Row
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Mirage 26 and Mirage 27

• Add to quote

Hello, I'm a very, VERY happy owner of a 1977 (Hull #13) Mirage 26. The boat has been fantastic to my wife and I. We have had her sailing up to 10.3kts (GPS speed) surfing down the back of some rolling waves in the middle of Georgian Bay. Anyways, I started this thread with the hope of getting some info from other owners of the Mirage 26 (or 27) on running rigging setup. I'm wondering what people have done for there reefing lines, outhaul, spinnaker, etc... Our boat has some older and tired setups that we are going to replace. If anyone is using a spinnaker or has figured out a reliable way to setup reefing and outhaul lines, I'd really like to hear from you. I was doing a bit of digging and it seems that the Mirage 27 might have had internal lines in the boom for the two (leach cringle) reef lines as well as the outhaul. But I also think that the boom was a different design - Isomat from RigRite I believe. Has anyone figured out a way to lead mainsail control lines and halyards aft to the cockpit? I'd like to see how this is done given the curved and bent shape of the cabin top as well as the location of the splash hood. ~~~~~~ I've done a fair bit of work to our boat to make her meet our needs. A few small things and a few bigger ones like redoing all of the electrical system and new scupper plumbing/through-hulls. If anyone wants to ask any questions about the Mirage 26 or Mirage 27, please feel free to ask in this thread. Having a place to post images and discuss the little details of these fun boats could prove valuable (and fun). Thanks! Daniel B  

For starters, have a look through the picture galleries on this Yachtworld listing.. you may get some ideas there. mirage (Sail) Cruiser/Racer Boats For Sale The things you need/want to do to the rig are not mirage-specific, and if you search these forums you'll find discussions on spinnaker rigging/handling, reefing systems etc galore. Nice boats!  

mirage 26 rigging I bought a Mirage 26 last fall and had it out a few times. My first sailboat/boat and after lots of research this winter I've come to the conclusion the previous owner had it rigged weird although it seemed to suit his needs. A lot of the lines are in need of replacing so I'm stuck. It looks as if the outhaul was connected to the topping lift cable and permanently hoisted the boom up. None of the labels remain. If you have a photo of how you rigged yours I would like to have a look. P.S. I re-glassed the rudder this spring as it was in very bad shape. 1st time with fiberglass and I was very happy with results. Lots of cleaning up to do on the boat. What kind of engine do you have? Jon  

hey redrugbycat....jon I have a 1985 mirage 27 too and yeah the boom setup is a little odd...so far it seems the outhaul is a double purchase inside the boom and that steel cable coming out the end of the boom to the(tack)to really tweek the foot...my setup is slab or jiffy reefing , single line running to the cocpit.....the teflon coated steel topping lift is actually a type of lazy jack/sailhandler where steel rings tyed to the leech slide up and down with the sail , I dumped them as I could not make them work for me ,doesnt seem to be a big enough sail to need them  

I'm having issues with my spinnaker halyard wrapping in the roller furling jib. I managed to minimize this by bringing the sail in on starboard tack and fixing the halyard slightly aft of the mast on the starboard side. I'm thinking that the problem has something to do with the block I attached to the loop at the top of the mast that the spinnaker halyard runs through. Just wondering if anyone else has had an issue with this and if so had a better solution? Thanks James  

Hello everyone, I just bought my Mirage 26, and so far the running rigging is a mess, the PO using cheap line with twisted 3 strains nylon all of the same color (was white now now grey ish ) so anyone out there have pictures info on running rigging please pass it on to me, email me at nhanautoinc at yahoo dot com thank you  

Just purchased a Mirage 27. The Schmidt design. Inboard diesel and skeg rudder. Wonder if anyone else out there in Mirage land with the similar vessel. looking at a fair chunk of work to bring her up to my standards, really looking forward to doing the work. Even in the winter time in the Great Lakes, something can still be accomplished. cheers everyone.  

Hi Daniel, I just took ownership of a mirage 27 and the old owner apparently didn't know what he was doing with the running rigging. There is no downhaul, outhaul, cunningham or vang. The clew of the mainsail is tied to a cleat on the boom. The mainsail appears to be a replacement and I'd be surprised if the dimensions are correct. The boom has been cobbled together. I see no evidence of an OEM out haul system at all. The bolt rope slot is crimped about six inches from the aft end of the boom. There are several old rivets where equipment has been removed but I have no idea what was there. I would love to see pictures of a properly rigged boom if you could share something. I'm curious just how much work I need to do to get this thing back up to spec. Thanks  

• ?            
• 173.8K members

Top Contributors this Month

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• MIAMI BOAT SHOW
• Email Newsletters
• Fishing Boat Reviews
• Fly Fishing
• Marine Electronics
• Fishing Tackle
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• Fishing Destinations
• The Bahamas Fishing Guide
• Boating Safety

Mirage Pilot House 32 Classic

• By By Dave Lear
• Updated: September 21, 2007

The fact that a relatively small company such as Mirage Manufacturing has been building custom sport fishing boats for more than 30 years speaks volumes. Three decades is an impressive track record in the boating industry, but when you have a popular hull design, a responsive production team and strong customer satisfaction, what else do you need? How about a new model, one that is better suited for inclement weather and comfortable cruising? That’s the basis for this Florida company’s new Pilot House 32 Classic.

“We’ve sold a lot of sportfish boats in the South,” says Mirage president Ken Fickett. “With the Pilot House 32 we hope to attract more buyers here at home, but also from the cooler waters of California and the Northeast. It’s a great platform for fishing and cruising.”

The Pilot House edition is based on the company’s 29- and 32-foot center-console hulls, and is available with both inboard/outboard or outboard power (for outboards, the LOA is stretched to 34 feet). The construction is the same for both versions – composite, hand-laid hulls with full foam-core construction and bonding that completely fuses the deck, bulkheads and longitudinal stringers for strength and rigidity. With a dry weight of 6,000 pounds, a bow entry of 56 degrees, and a 22-degree transom deadrise and flat outer chines, the Pilot House is extremely seaworthy and soft-riding. Hydraulic steering and trim tabs are standard, and the hull comes with a ten-year warranty.

Our test boat was powered by a single 285-hp Volvo KAD300 diesel with counter-rotating drives, and it was very responsive to the throttle. At a cruising speed of 24.7 mph at 3250 rpm, the light chop on Florida’s Sarasota Bay was hardly noticeable, while at wide-open throttle our top-end was 34.8 mph. The boat left a very clean wake at trolling speed, and maneuverability was nimble in reverse. Subsequent factory tests with a 32 powered by twin 265-hp diesel engines produced speeds in the high 40s at cruise and a top-end of 53 mph, fully loaded with tower.

Routine maintenance is easy with the electric engine-hatch lift, and there’s enough room for quick access to the pumps, batteries and battery combiner. With a 230-gallon fuel capacity and a 3.5 mpg burn at cruise, the 32 has a range exceeding 700 miles. Additional factory tests with twin 265-hp diesel engines produced speeds in the high 40s at cruise and a top-end of 53 mph, fully loaded with tower.

“We really think that the KAD300 is the best choice,” Fickett says. “You can head to the Bahamas on Friday, fish all weekend and come back on Monday without ever having to stop for fuel. But if you prefer twin diesels or outboards, we can accommodate that also, and the boat will perform as well or better than anything else in her class.”

With its impressive range capabilities and comfortable pilot house (you don’t have to shout while underway), this boat can easily handle unexpected weather or forays to distant grounds. Twin in-deck, insulated fishboxes are standard; a 35-gallon live well/tackle center, salt water washdown and coaming pads are optional. The roomy forward casting deck comes with enclosed dry storage, but Mirage’s custom capabilities allow substitutions such as overboard-draining, insulated fishboxes or a sun lounge. A forward insulated icebox with cushion is also available as an add-on.

The Pilot House configuration is very cruising-friendly for a crew of four. Our test boat had the Classic interior option, which includes an insulated icebox, cutting board, sink, microwave and Kenmore refrigerator. An optional bench seat offers storage underneath. The helm was cool and pleasant with the door open, but air conditioning is also available with the shore-power option. The Classic interior package includes mahogany trim and a teak-and-holly sole for a retro look.

The belowdecks layout features a full forward vee-berth, an oversized double mid-berth and an enclosed head with a 70-gallon fresh water system, shower and macerated head with holding tank. A pump-out upgrade is available.

If you like to brave the elements and fish when others are sitting at the dock, check out the new Pilot House 32. It’s another example of why Mirage will undoubtedly be building boats for decades to come. Mirage Manufacturing Company, Gainesville, FL; (352) 377-4146; www.mirage-mfg.com .

• More: Boat Reviews , Boats , Center Consoles

Pursuit OS 405 Offshore

Prepare for Launch: The Springtime Vessel Safety Checklist

Honda Outboards and Scout Boats Create New Boat Line

World Cat 400CC-X

Where’s the Data for Making Changes to California’s Halibut Regulations?

Chasing Striped Bass Through New Jersey Marshes

Where to Find the Best Fishing in March

Kick Off Spring With the Southeast Mullet Run

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Review of Fairline 29 Mirage

Basic specs..

The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 0.84 - 0.94 meter (2.76 - 3.06 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Fairline 29 Mirage is about 179 kg/cm, alternatively 1005 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 179 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1005 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

Curiosities

Maintenance.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Fairline 29 Mirage it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.