The Mirage 25, designed by the prolific American naval architect Robert Perry and built by the Canadian firm Mirage Yachts Ltd., stands out as a well-regarded compact cruiser. Launched in 1982, this sailboat embodies a design philosophy that successfully marries comfortable accommodations with capable sailing characteristics, aiming to provide a wholesome family cruiser that doesn't compromise on performance. Mirage Yachts, under the leadership of Dick and Irene Steffen, carved a reputation for building boats that achieved this delicate balance, distinguishing themselves in the North American market until the company's closure in 1989.
Mirage 25 (Perry) Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Perry
- Model
- Mirage 25
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1982 - ??
History and Design
The Mirage 25 entered production in 1982, a period when Mirage Yachts Ltd. was well into its successful partnership with Robert Perry. This collaboration marked a decade of steady growth for the builder, known for producing a series of well-regarded cruising yachts. Perry's design philosophy, evident in the Mirage 25, emphasized that cruising boats need not be slow, even while offering significant interior volume. Mirage Yachts itself was celebrated for crafting vessels that achieved a compelling balance between competitive performance and family-friendly cruising, appealing to both avid racers and those seeking comfortable adventures. No significant design variations, such as MkI or MkII versions, are commonly noted for the Mirage 25 during its production run.
Sailing Performance and Handling
Despite its compact size, the Mirage 25 (Perry) is recognized for its comfortable and responsive handling, reflecting Robert Perry's commitment to balanced designs. With a length overall of just over 25 feet and a waterline length of 21 feet, she is designed to be agile and manageable. The boat features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, contributing to its responsive steering. The cockpit is described as having ample space, comfortably accommodating three to four adults, and is designed for ease of handling with all lines leading back, making it ideal for solo sailing.
Accommodations and Layout
The interior of the Mirage 25 is notably spacious for its length, often praised for offering an "exceptional amount of interior volume" and "tons of room inside for a 25-footer." The layout typically features an open plan, which contributes to its roomy feel, and some models boast approximately 5 feet 11 inches of standing headroom, a considerable amenity for a boat of this size. While specific details on the finish quality or material use beyond fiberglass are less commonly documented, the design prioritized maximizing usable living space within its compact footprint, making it a comfortable option for weekend cruising or short trips.
Owner's Perspectives
Owners of the Mirage 25 (Perry) generally express satisfaction with the boat, highlighting its solid build and comfortable characteristics. They appreciate its handling capabilities and the surprising amount of interior space it provides for a 25-foot sailboat. The boat's design for single-handed operation, with lines led to the cockpit, is also a noted positive. While specific recurring issues are not widely reported, the collective sentiment among owners points to a durable and enjoyable vessel that holds its own for both casual sailing and family outings.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Solid)
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Fin
- Rudder
- 1x Transom-Hung
- Ballast
- 1600 lbs
- Displacement
- 4400 lbs
- Water Capacity
- -
- Fuel Capacity
- -
Engine
- Engine Make
- —
- Engine Model
- —
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- —
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- —
- Fuel Type
- —
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Masthead Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- 27 ft
- E (Main Foot)
- 10 ft
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- 32 ft
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- 9.3 ft
- Forestay Length (est)
- 33.32 ft
- Main Sail Area
- 135 sqft
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- 148.8 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- -
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- 283.8 sqft
Dimensions
- LOA
- 25.17 ft
- LWL
- 21 ft
- Beam
- 9.5 ft
- Draft
- 4.33 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 6.14 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- 712.84