Mirage 27 (Schmidt) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Mirage 27 (Schmidt) can be traced back to Mirage Yachts' early years. Following the success of their Mirage 24, founder Dick Steffen, a keen racing sailor, sought to expand the company's offerings. When his request for a new design was turned down by C&C Yachts, Steffen commissioned Peter Schmidt to design the Mirage 27 in 1975. This boat was produced during a period of rapid growth for Mirage Yachts, which expanded its manufacturing facilities in Quebec to meet increasing demand for its well-regarded fiberglass boats.

The Mirage 27 (Schmidt) features a solid fiberglass hull and deck, a common construction method for Mirage yachts, ensuring a robust and durable structure. She is rigged as a masthead sloop with a fin keel and spade rudder, indicative of a design intended for reasonable sailing performance while retaining a good degree of control and maneuverability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While designed as a coastal cruiser, the Mirage 27 (Schmidt) has earned a reputation among owners as a capable and "great boat" for its size. With a length overall of just over 27 feet and a waterline length of 21.5 feet, she is configured as a masthead sloop, boasting a reported sail area of 370 square feet. This combination, along with her 5,500 lbs displacement and 2,200 lbs of ballast, suggests a boat that is relatively stiff and offers good stability on the water. Owners frequently describe the Mirage 27 as a dependable vessel suitable for cruising, and some have even utilized it as a training vessel, highlighting its predictable handling characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Mirage 27 (Schmidt) is typically arranged to provide a traditional and functional layout for its size. Descriptions indicate a classic interior with settees positioned to port and starboard in the main salon. While specific headroom details are not consistently available, the overall design aims for practicality and comfort below deck. Reviews suggest that Mirage 27s generally incorporated a good amount of wood trim, contributing to a warmer and more traditional finish compared to some contemporaneous fiberglass boats. The layout usually includes a V-berth forward, a head compartment, and a galley area, designed to maximize the utility of the available space for weekend trips or extended coastal cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Mirage 27 owners frequently express satisfaction with their vessels, often referring to them as "great boats." Many appreciate the solid construction and overall reliability, aligning with Mirage Yachts' general reputation for building quality sailboats. The sentiment is that these boats are well-suited for coastal sailing, offering a comfortable and secure platform. While specific common problems are not widely highlighted, discussions among owners on forums occasionally touch upon general maintenance items typical of boats of their age, such as potential keel joint "smiles" or deck issues, which are often age-related rather than design flaws. The enduring presence of Mirage 27s on the used boat market, coupled with active owner communities, underscores their continued appeal and testament to their durable construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics.