review mirage 28 yacht

Mirage 28 feltham

The mirage 28 feltham is a 28.33ft masthead sloop designed by david feltham and built in fiberglass by thames marine (uk) since 1977..

The Mirage 28 feltham is a moderate weight sailboat which is under powered. It is stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally very small. There is a short water supply range.

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• 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)

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Review of Mirage 28 (Kelley)

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The boat equipped with a masthead rig. The advantage of a masthead rig is its simplicity and the fact that a given sail area - compared with a fractional rig - can be carried lower and thus with less heeling moment.

The Mirage 28 (Kelley) is equipped with a fin keel. The fin keel is the most common keel and provides splendid manoeuvrability. The downside is that it has less directional stability than a long keel.

The boat can enter most marinas as the draft is just about 1.52 - 1.62 meter (4.99 - 5.29 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.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Mirage 28 (Kelley) is 2.08, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.3 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Mirage 28 (Kelley) is about 127 kg/cm, alternatively 715 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 127 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 715 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 Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 22m 2 (236 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

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

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Mirage 28 (Kelley) 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.

I have been a recreational sailor for many years, with a particular interest in small sailing craft; therefore much of the content of my 'blog' will be related to this subject.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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Mirage 28 Boat for Sale

• accommodation
• mechanical and rigging
• Manufacturer: Mirage
• Location: Gillingham
• LOA: 28'4" (8.64m)
• Beam: 9' 3'' (2.82m)
• Draft: 1.37
• Keel: Fin Keel
• ID no.: 38319
• Watertank Size: 30 Litres
• Engine Make: Yanmar
• Horsepower: 16hp
• Drive Type: Shaft drive
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Fuel Tank Size: 25 Litres

Broker Remarks

1977 Mirage 28 The  Mirage 28  was an extremely popular fin keel family cruiser from the 1970s. The design of the interior utilises the available space very well. The boat benefits from 5’10” headroom in the saloon. The cockpit offers good protection, and the boat can be easily sailed short handed. A very well presented and well-equipped example of the  Mirage 28.  A 2013 survey report is available on request.

Accommodation

The  Mirage 28  offers 5 berths in 2 cabins. Fore cabin with double vee berth and stowage. Two single berths in the main saloon, a folding saloon table with seating for 4-5 people. Full width heads compartment with marine toilet (new) holding tank fitted but never used, wash basin and storage areas. Hot & cold-water system, water heated via a gas boiler.  Galley aft to starboard equipped with a gimballed gas cooker with 2-burners, oven, and grill (2009), sink, and stowage areas. 12v fridge, cutlery, crockery included. Quarter berth aft to port.

Mechanical and Rigging

Aluminium mast, Boom and Spinnaker pole. Slab main reefing and roller reefing foresail. Stainless steel rigging (1997) with quick release forestay. Roller reefing renewed 2006. Mast has Tabernacle lowering arrangement. 2 x Knowsely sheet winches, 2 x Simpson Lawrence Spinnaker winches.

Stacking system by Kemp. Sail area, 40.47 sq.m

• 1 x Mainsail (Kemp 2004 excellent condition)
• 1 x Genoa (Kemp 2004 excellent condition)

Maintained by Kemp on a regular basis

• 1 x Tri Radial Spinnaker and snuffer
• 1 x Storm Jib

The  Mirage 28  is powered by a 16 hp Yanmar 2GM (1990), last serviced by the owner 2019 new cylinder head complete, water jacket, thermostat, anodes and complete overhaul Dec 2012. Shaft drive to a 2 bladed fixed propeller in good condition, Rev counter, engine alarms and charging light. Last out of water maintenance 2018.

2 x 12V batteries, each 110AH 2013, charging from the engine alternator and shore power, installed ring main, plus battery charger.

• 1 x CQR anchor 35lbs
• Chain – 110ft
• Windlass – Anchorman, manual
• Blue sail cover
• Blue Sprayhood new 2010
• Named dodgers
• Swim ladder  –  Removable, stainless steel
• 4 x mooring warps
• 4 x fenders
• Deck lights
• Cockpit table
• VHF Radio – DSC
• NASA Echo sounder
• Garmin GPS with Log/Speed
• Clock/Barometer
• Navigation lights
• Masthead Tricolour
• Autohelm ST1000
• 3 x Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Blanket
• Radar reflector
• First Aid Kit
• 1 x Lifebuoy
• 1 x Danbuoy
• 1 x Manual bilge pump
• 2 x harnesses

The  Mirage 28  was built by Thames Marine, designed by Walsh/Wakefield. Hull blue, two pack sprayed by Gillingham Marina (2006), still in outstanding condition, white deck and super structure with grey Treadmaster deck. GRP construction, fin keel, with tiller steering and skeg rudder.

Contact NYB Kent

• Address: Network Yacht Brokers Kent Chatham Maritime Marina Leviathan Way, Chatham, Kent ME4 4LP
• Telephone: [+44] [0] 1634 571605 [+44] [0] 1634 571605 -->
• Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer : Network Yacht Brokers Kent offers the details of this vessel for sale but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of the information contained in the specification or warrant the condition of the vessel or equipment. A buyer should instruct his agents, or surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered for sale subject to no prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

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Which Yacht

• Thread starter Nickhitch
• Start date 1 Mar 2007

Hello everybody this is our first post on this forum and we are hoping you guys can help us with our decision on which boat to get. We are very new to sailing and will be taking the day skipper practical during the first week in April. We have already started looking at different yacht designs in view to purchase one in the summer. We will be sailing in the Bristol Channel and are looking for a twin keel yacht between £10000 and £17000 depending on our finances. Because of our lack of experience we want a boat that is primarily a good solid cruiser that will look after us but will be capable of decent performance for passage times and for club racing. Although the club racing will be strictly for fun. We just don’t want to come last all the time /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Basically a yacht that will grow with us so that we don’t feel the need to look for something else in a couple of year’s time. Looking at reviews and the figures, sail area/displacement ratio, comfort ratio and so on, size 25-30 feet and price we’ve narrowed it down to these: Cobra 850 and 750 Westerly Griffon Mirage 28 MK2 Hunter Horizon 26 Mirage 26 Westerly Centaur Now for the questions Does anyone have any views on these boats, cruising/performance? I could not help but notice how light the Horizon 26 is compared to the others should I be concerned about this considering the cruising aspect of are needs compared to the club racing? Why is the Westerly Centaur so expensive compared to the other designs considering its age and how many of them are up for sale compared to the others I have seen and are they supposed to be quite slow? I read somewhere that the Mirage 28 Mk1 had poor performance in light winds and they made changes, how much was the improvement in the Mk2’s? Are there any more yachts I’ve missed and should take a look at? And finally, which one do you think will should we go for /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif? A lot of questions I know but I am hoping you will be able to put our mind at rest on some of them. Cheers Nick and Miranda  

If you want decent performance then go for the Hunter, it would also make a good cruising boat. The only others, IMHO, on the list that would offer reasonable performance would be the Griffon followed by the Centaur.  

I used to own a griffon and was v impressed - very safe - and faster than the centaur (designed by more performance oriented ed dubois). Centaur a bit of a plodder - but the Griffon will be more expensive - may just be able to afford a MK2. Griffon also has quite a good ballast ratio (c 42%??) so will be more sturdy than than the Hunter - but maybe not quite as fast in low breeze. Westerly's always seem a bit expensive vs many competitors - but remember they hold their value (your "cost" is not just your purchase price but your selling price too!). No strong views on Mirage or Cobra.  

Bajansailor

Well-known member.

Re carrying out further research, have a look at http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives.htm A few good reviews and photos here of boats in your price range. As noted above, the Hunter Horizon 26 and the Griffon will sail better than the Centaur or eg a Colvic 26. All are fine vessels if they have been well looked after. I wouldnt say that Centaurs are 'expensive' - they were going for the same asking prices 12 - 15 years ago...... one reason why there are always quite a few on the market is because Westerlys built almost 3,000 (I think) of them - shows that they were, and are, very popular. Mirage 28's are also 'good' boats if well looked after - twin keels might be a bit slower than fins in all types of boat, but twins have so many advantages over fins, especially where you are. (the advantages of twin vs fin have been debated extensively elsewhere on this forum). Re which one you should go for - you have to make that decision yourself. It should be a boat that jumps out and grabs you - if she does that, then investigate further..... For further research, have a look at www.yachtworld.com and www.boatshed.com - eg Boatshed have a category for boats under 27', and always have lots on their books. And with both brokers you can do a more specialised search to narrow down your choices.  

PIGLETSDREAM

Trapper 500/501 Loads of space quite fast and a wonderful safe motion no matter what the weather. There is a very active `trapper web site and generally a few different ones on the market. Available in Bilge and Fin Keel. Biased having owned a Fin keel for many years  

All of the boats 'will look after you'. Its actually you that looks after you. In the weather you will even consider going out in, they will all work. Cruising is not racing, and the addition of all the cruising kit will preclude any decent results in racing, unless you are assiduous in disposing of everything not needed. Then you need a good handicap and a better set of sails. Keep the racing to the Family Class in regattas, thats just fun, and be prepared to come last, as pot hunting gits bring thier racing boats into your class and call them cruisers. They are just gits. In general also, twin keels do hamper the performance envelope somewhat. Hunter are good as mentioned above, and the Sadler 26 works well. You could also look at lift keels, which means things like the Seal 26 and 28 are there and also the Kelt 850 and Stag 28. Quite a few French boats like the Beneteau First 25/26 also fall in there. There is no known boat you can buy as a first boat that you will not consider selling within the first 2 seasons for something better or different..... Welcome to the forum, its a nice place sometimes  

If I were looking for a boat in this class I would go for the Sadler 26 or the Griffon. They sail well and sell well. If you are unsure, just bag the best value. When I bought my first serious cruising boat I was looking for a bilge keel family cruiser with good accommodation; I saw a real bargain, a long, deep keel Folkboat derivative, fit only for coal miners below decks. I loved that boat and it forged my opinions on sailing and boats. However, the point is, if I had hated it I could have sold it sharpish, at a profit.  

absolutely - should be banned!!  

You should also consider the Jaguar 27 fin keel. I've sold mine last year when I upgraded to a larger boat. Lots around, roomy cockpit and interior, sail very well - I regularly used to beat my friend in his contessa 28. Prices range from 11k to 14k. You should get a good one well fitted out for about 13k. Don'y forget that the the askiong price is just that - ALWAYS offer about 15-20% less and then negotiate. Thats how I got my present boat, put in a silly offer - 35% less than asking and settled on 30% less. Then I had to sell the J27 quickly! Also look on Boats & Outboards website - where I sold mine.  

I used to own a Griffon (Fin Keel) and it proved to be a very capable boat, the fin is quicker than the bilge and points a bit better. Never sailed the other boats on your list but they all seem good choices. I think you will find when you buy a boat you will always find things that you would like to change or improve and therefore you will change the boat at some point as there is no such thing as a perfect boat, no matter how much you have to spend! Saying that I had as much fun, if not more with my first little boat than my current one. welcome to the forum and happy hunting!  

There is a very good reasson why the Centaur was, and remains, the biggest selling single design ever (I think !). It isnt the fastest boat in the stable, however, it DOES sail upwind, it is incredibly strong, and there is a good market. There is also an excellent Westerly forum where, for nowt, you can be taught, by some of the most knowledgeable people on the planet. I may be biased, but I also speak from something which you at the moment, like I didnt at the time have, experience. A brilliant first boat /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif  

For the Bristol Channel you want iron bige keels - not GRP keels with encasulated ballast. Iron keels are much better for some of the stony-bottomed harbours - eg Lynmouth, Porlock, Clovelly. A Griffon is a good boat, but Centaurs aren't that bad sailing performance. Hunters and Sadlers are probably the best performance bilge-keelers.  

Active member

Probably the most important point is external ballast keels, as there are very few Marinas in the Bristol Channel, and if you wish to cruise you will need to be able to dry out on a regular basis and not risk damage to encapsulation. For performance I would go for a Sadler or Trapper (both iron bilge keels) - probably a Trapper as I owned one of the first bilge keel 500s and they tend to be better value. Always performed well and had decent accomodation. Hope to see you out there. Let us all know when and what you buy  

purplerobbie

[ QUOTE ] There is a very good reasson why the Centaur was, and remains, the biggest selling single design ever (I think !). It isnt the fastest boat in the stable, however, it DOES sail upwind, it is incredibly strong, and there is a good market. There is also an excellent Westerly forum where, for nowt, you can be taught, by some of the most knowledgeable people on the planet. I may be biased, but I also speak from something which you at the moment, like I didnt at the time have, experience. A brilliant first boat /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif [/ QUOTE ] There was more Albin Vega's made (3500 ish) They sail better than the Centaur (in any direction) and there is a great owners assocation http://www.albinvega.co.uk An Albin Vega held the fastest crossing of the atlantic for a while. So they do well in racing Quite a few have circumnavigated here is one on its way now http://www.runtjorden.com/eng_index.php Well within your budget they go from £7500 to £15000 If you are looking for a good solid seaboat look at the Vega The bad points are it dosent fit your spec as they have a long fin keel and there is only 5ft 9in headroom (ish) Rob  

Welcome aboard! My choice would be the Griffon but most of those you've listed would do the job I'm sure. have you sought out some 'secondhand reviews' on likely contenders? PBO and Sailing Today have covered a few of the above in recent years. I'd agree with the suggestion to look at the Trapper 500/501 but would also add the Sabre and the Tomahawk to the list. On the other hand, my (distant) recollection of the Hunter Horizon was that it was a super boat in lighter conditions, but very tender and quickly ran out of reefs above about F4/5. Don't be seduced by the volume of a Leisure 27 for the same reason. I think some of the Cobras were home completed so standards will vary. Whatever you go for, don't be put off by cosmetics if the basics are there. For example, a boat needing new sails/upholstery/cooker (or whatever) but with a recent engine will work out a lot cheaper in the long run than a bright shiny boat with a 30 year old engine on its last legs! Good luck in your search.  

Hunter Yachts prided themselves on making twin keels with good hydrodynamic design and hence performance better than most. Years ago we sailed the Bristol channel from Lydney and keeping a boat there realised the need for twin keels, but a boat that still sails well. Lighter displacement boats need not make for less seaworthiness. A boat with a good sailing performance is in many ways safer. It will get you home without relying on the engine. It is a lot more fun to sail than a caravan with high topsides and enormous accommodation for her length.Boats of this shape don't go well to windward. Even when not racing few of us like to be left way behind by other boats. Some may boast that they don't need to reef their boats until it is blowing force5 .This translates into being undersailed most of the time, and excessive use of the engine. Prioritise good hull and keel shape and the sailing is great.  

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