Mirage 338/34 Information, Review, Specs

The Mirage 338/34 began its production in 1984, a product of Bruce Kelley's design expertise and Mirage Manufacturing's specialized boatbuilding approach. Mirage Manufacturing, founded by Ken Fickett in 1971, built its reputation on high-performance sailboats and a philosophy that eschewed mass-produced vessels in favor of custom-tailored boats constructed with advanced composite methods. This ethos aligned well with Kelley's vision for the 338/34, which aimed for a spirited sailing performance. Given that only a limited number of these vessels were built, specific design variations like MkI or MkII versions are not widely documented, suggesting a consistent production run for this unique model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mirage 338/34's design ratios underscore its identity as a highly responsive and performance-driven sailboat. With a displacement of just 4,480 pounds and a length overall of 33.67 feet, it presents an exceptionally low displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 83. This figure suggests an ultralight design, indicative of a boat engineered for speed and agility, often compared to high-performance racing yachts of its era. The sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at an impressive 30.26, further emphasizes its capability to perform exceptionally well in light air conditions, ensuring lively acceleration and sustained speed even in gentle breezes.

Despite its remarkably light displacement, the Mirage 338/34 boasts a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.53. This substantial ballast, combined with its fin keel and spade rudder, points to a design that prioritizes stiffness and stability. Owners can expect the boat to stand up well to a breeze, resisting excessive heel and maintaining control even as the wind strengthens. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration also contribute to its nimble handling, offering precise steering and quick maneuverability, making it a joy to sail both upwind and off the wind. Its theoretical hull speed is noted at 7.19 knots, a respectable pace for a vessel of its waterline length. The Mirage 338/34 has also shown its racing pedigree, with examples carrying a PHRF rating of 78, confirming its competitive edge on the race course.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance, the Mirage 338/34 was designed with an eye towards cruising comfort, offering a surprisingly spacious interior for its length. Reports suggest that it is "more spacy than 54% of all other designs" of its class, indicating that designer Bruce Kelley made deliberate choices to maximize livable volume within its performance-oriented hull. While specific headroom figures are not widely published, a typical layout for a 33-foot racer/cruiser from this period would likely include a V-berth forward, a compact head compartment, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a small galley, and potentially a quarter berth aft. Given Mirage Manufacturing's focus on quality construction using fiberglass, the interior would typically feature robust, durable finishes, balancing functional design with the practicalities of sailing.