Mirage 32 vs CS 33

[HBBurlington]

We are on hunt for a good day cruiser...our first

We have looked at a 1984 Mirage 32, that is pretty well dressed.
Also under consideration are a 1987 CS 30 or a CS 33.

Amenities and creature comforts are important, because we intend to keep
this boat for at least 5 years, and want to be happy with it.
(From a womans perspective, I wanted a refrigerator, hot water and a shower).

We'd appreciate any feedback, because we are early in our search and want to find the right boat - and at the right price, too.

Comments from Mirage and CS owners gratefully appreciated!!

Kim

[Faster]

All nice boats... quite a difference, though, between the CS 33 and 30. Different designers, different approach. The 33 is a smaller version of the well respected CS36T whereas the 30 is by the same designer of the 36Merlin. But either would be a nice choice and it should come down to condition and equipment.

The Mirage 32 is an extended version of the original Mirage 30, and other than aesthetics of the transom, the interiors are the same.. so if you look at those check out the 30s as well. (a bigger moorage bill and higher price for essentially the same boat) The same applies to the Mirage 33/35. The extended versions seem to list for several to 10K higher - just for a 2 foot transom tweak.

Best of luck in your search.

[HBBurlington]

Thanks for your speedy reply!

I thought the V berth in the Mirage was a bit snug...we are both about 5'10, and I think it's shorter than it seems.
There seems to be plenty of head room in the center of the salon though.
The aft cabin is a nice option, and both models offer one.


We are also looking at CS 30's...

Years under consideration are from 1984 and up.

Kim

[boatpoker]

Stick with any CS (Merlin excepted). They are far better built than the Mirage or any other Canadian built boat. They are not without their flaws but structural design is excellent and build quality is incredibly consistent. these are two elements missing from most others.

[HBBurlington]

Hi Boatpoker,

Thank you for your reply..this information is kind of what I need to hear.
I understand that the CS has an above average construction, (and resale price as a result).
With interest towards a CS 30 or a CS 33, we are looking for salon space, not
transom, as was suggested by Faster...good stuff to know, and validates that the additional length of the boat was not apparent to me with the V berth looking so snug.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance
Kim

[boatpoker]

You will likely find some areas of wet deck core but depending on degree and planned useage this may not be as big an issue as some would make it. The DC systems are generally quite good but the AC system will likely require re-wiring due to the use of solid core copper conductors. Rewiring the AC system is a simple job on a CS compared to other Canadian boats. Many CS with propane stoves have the propane locker drain T'd into a scupper hose and while this is not kosher, it is an easy fix. Depending on model year you may find gate valves instead od proper seacocks and these should be changed. You will find a number of Standards related issues but structural issues on a CS (Merlin excepted) are quite rare. They did have a couple of years with minor blister issues but all that I have seen have been no deeper than the gelcoat and should be considered a cosmetic issue only.

[HBBurlington]

Thank you!

Merlins are better?
Worse?
Not looking at 36 footers.
Years under consideration are 84 to 87....

K.

[boatpoker]

Not a fan of the Merlins due to structural issues with the liner.

[HBBurlington]

Aha...I see...
Good to know also....
Appreciate your candid responses...
Everything we have heard about CS has all been positive...
K.