Mirage 24 build quality?

[blueranger]

Hi,

Does anybody out there have any experience with the quality of the deck and hull on the Mirage 24? I love the design and am considering buying one for daysailing on Lake Superior. If anyone has experience with these boats I'd love to hear about it. I won't be racing, just looking for a reasonably fast, sturdy cruiser that won't break in two or lose the mast if I get caught in a blow.

Thanks,
Mike

[ahab211]

I've raced on two of them and currently own a 24 C@C(similiar boat). I haven't heard anything bad about the design or structure. It is a more stripped version of my C@C from what I gather. Mine has a six inch surface crack on the mid port side from a previous owner and the hull is so strong it doesn't pose a problem. They have good resale and are versatile. Don't think you'll be disappointed. They are very popular in the Lake Erie to Lake St. Claire area we sail in.

[blueranger]

Thanks for the help Ahab. I'm pretty excited about looking at this one.

Mike

[sanjuan2R]

Can't go too wrong on a Robert Perry design, Canadian built Mirage 24.
Have it surveyed before you put your money into a purchase agreement.
Are you buying from a dealer or a private individual?

Good Luck...

sanjuan2R
Astoria
C&C 27
sv/ Doodles

[PBzeer]

I had a Mirage 5.5, and thought it was a well built, sturdy boat. Sailed quite well also.

[Johnrb]

Originally Posted by sanjuan2R

Can't go too wrong on a Robert Perry design, Canadian built Mirage 24.
Have it surveyed before you put your money into a purchase agreement.
Are you buying from a dealer or a private individual?

Good Luck...

sanjuan2R
Astoria
C&C 27
sv/ Doodles

The Mirage 24 was designed by C&C and built by Mirage (it was their first boat). Mirage 24 - Used Sailboat Market in Canada

Everything I've heard about Mirage with respect to quality has been positive. Then again, maintenance is key to a thirty plus year old boat.

Good luck, they are a nice looking boat.

[zemaniak]

is this the same as the mirage 236?

[toastchee]

I had a 236 that had excellent build quality. Nice boat!

[blueranger]

Well, I hope the build quality is there, we bought her! Back on the water where I belong!!!!!!!!

I didn't pay enough for the boat to justify a surveyor. Well kept but 30 years old. No oilcanning or blisters on the hull. No soft spots on the deck. Zero corrosion on the standing rigging which I'm pretty sure has been replaced at some point. Unlike the running rigging which is going to need a total refit.

It has actual bulkheads (if you've ever seen the inside of a Ranger 22 you'll know why that excites me), and a real head that an emaciated 4 year old could probably squeeze into in an emergency. Keel bolts had no corrosion and no water in the bilge. Adjustable running back stay and boom vang, good harken blocks, snatch blocks for the toe rail and fore sail and 4 winches, 2 single speeds and 2 two speeds. Only electronics it came with was a vhf radio.

It's dirty and needs new windows (ports? Not sure of the jargon) and a stern rail (what am I supposed to lean back on to work on my tan?) but I'm in love and the co-captain loves it as well, the main selling point being that the cockpit benches are long enough for her to stretch out on.

I'll post pictures once I get it cleaned up. I appreciate the comments, there's not a lot of info on the Mirage 24s out there on the net but what I found was positive.

3 weekends and she's in the water!

Fair winds,
Mike

[sailingdog]

Congratulations on the new to you boat. Look forward to seeing photos.