Mirage 32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Mirage Yachts Ltd., founded in 1972 by Dick and Irene Steffen in Pointe Claire, Quebec, grew significantly throughout the 1970s and 1980s by focusing on performance-oriented cruising yachts. A pivotal moment for the company's design strategy was the highly successful partnership forged with Robert Perry, who became responsible for a core series of well-regarded cruising yachts, including the Mirage 32.

The Mirage 32, introduced in 1987, was a natural evolution, building on the foundation of the popular Mirage 30. The primary difference between the two models lies in their measurement, with the Mirage 32's length encompassing pulpit to pulpit rather than just on deck, indicating a slight extension or re-measurement for marketing purposes while maintaining very similar underlying hull and interior characteristics. True to Mirage's design philosophy, the 32 was conceived to offer strong sailing capabilities without sacrificing the comforts expected of a wholesome family cruiser. A distinctive feature of the Mirage 32's hull design is its long keel. This traditional keel type contributes significantly to the boat's directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mirage 32's specifications provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.34, the boat demonstrates a balanced approach to performance, suggesting good capability in a range of wind conditions, though not necessarily optimized for extreme light air. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of 0.35 indicates moderate stiffness, meaning it is capable of standing up to a decent breeze but may require reefing earlier than stiffer, more heavily ballasted designs when winds pick up.

The displacement to length ratio (D/L) for the Mirage 32 calculates to approximately 455.17. While this figure might suggest a heavier, more traditional displacement vessel, it is important to contextualize it within the boat's design. The long keel, a hallmark of the Mirage 32, inherently contributes to a higher D/L ratio compared to more modern fin-keeled designs. This long keel provides excellent directional stability, making the boat track well and offering a comfortable, predictable motion, which is highly desirable for cruising. Despite this, the Mirage 30/32 series, designed by Robert Perry, was consistently praised as "excellent racer/cruisers," indicating that the overall design successfully integrated performance capabilities with cruising comfort. Owners can expect a boat that handles predictably and offers a reassuring feel, particularly in choppy conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior specifications for the Mirage 32 are limited in available data, its close relationship with the Mirage 30 implies a similar interior layout. Generally, for a boat of this size and era designed for cruising, a typical arrangement would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Some accounts suggest a "two stateroom plus main salon layout," indicating a private aft cabin in some configurations.

Mirage Yachts were known for building solid, functional interiors. Owners can generally expect a practical layout designed for comfortable living aboard, suitable for coastal cruising or weekend trips. Like many boats of its vintage, the interior likely features a blend of fiberglass liners and wood trim, providing a robust and relatively easy-to-maintain finish.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Mirage 32, and the broader Mirage 30/32 series, often praise their boats for their solid construction and well-regarded sailing characteristics. The Robert Perry designs, including the Mirage 32, were central to Mirage Yachts' reputation for producing capable and "wholesome family cruisers" that could also perform well under sail. The enduring presence of these boats on the used market, particularly in Canada, speaks to their durability and continued appeal among sailors who value a balance of robust build quality, comfortable accommodations, and enjoyable sailing performance.