Mirage 28 (Feltham) Information, Review, Specs

The Mirage 28 (Feltham) entered production in 1977, emerging from Thames Marine's facilities during a period when the builder was known for producing sturdy and family-friendly cruising yachts. David Feltham is consistently credited as the designer for the Mirage 28. Thames Marine's broader design philosophy, as the builder of the popular Snapdragon and Mirage lines, focused on creating accessible and comfortable cruisers well-suited for the often-shallow waters around the UK. Their manufacturing ethos during this era emphasized practical fiberglass construction, resulting in boats that offered good value and reliable performance. The Mirage 28 exemplifies this approach, with a design that prioritized interior volume and a secure feel in various sea conditions. A significant variation in the production run was the availability of different keel types; while the twin keel (or bilge keel) version was popular for its shallow draft capabilities (3.58 ft), a fin keel option was also offered, with a deeper draft of 4.58 ft, catering to those seeking enhanced upwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mirage 28 is best described as a heavy displacement cruiser, designed for stability and comfort rather than outright speed. With a displacement of 6,900 lbs and a waterline length of 22.0 ft, her Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 289 reflects her substantial build, indicating a yacht that will offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. Her Sail Area to Displacement ratio of around 13.04 suggests she is not a light-air performer and benefits from a decent breeze to get moving effectively. However, a Ballast to Displacement ratio of nearly 40% points to good initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind and providing a secure feel for her crew.

Owners frequently praise the Mirage 28 for its solid construction and how safe and stable it feels in a seaway, even noting it is easy to single-hand. While the twin keel version may not be known for its "decent clip" of speed, it is consistently described as a confidence-inspiring cruiser that gets the job done. The masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and robust sail plan, contributing to its reputation as a capable and forgiving boat to handle.

Accommodations and Layout

The Mirage 28 was designed with a strong emphasis on comfortable and well-planned accommodations, especially for its size. Owners often highlight the "bags of space" and "plenty of room for a family of four," with reports of the interior layout being able to accommodate up to six berths. Typically, the interior would feature two cabins and one head, utilizing the available space very effectively to provide a functional cruising environment.

Information regarding the general finish quality and materials suggests some variability, as many Mirage 28s were either home-fitted or completed by local yards, meaning the quality of interior setup and fittings can differ significantly between individual boats. Common amenities generally included a hob and grill in the galley, though some owners desired or managed to fit an oven for more extensive cooking capabilities. While specific maximum headroom is not consistently documented, the overall design prioritizes interior volume, making it a comfortable space for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Mirage 28 consistently laud its robust build quality and the sense of security it imparts, describing it as a "solidly built and confidence inspiring" vessel. Many appreciate its generous interior space, finding it well-suited for family cruising and even capable of being single-handed with ease. The boat's inherent stability is a frequently mentioned positive, contributing to a comfortable motion even in challenging conditions.

However, common maintenance considerations are often discussed within the owner community. Due to the boat's age, potential issues with original deck fittings developing leaks are a typical concern for fiberglass yachts of this vintage. More specifically for the Mirage 28, owners occasionally note the presence of plain steel keel bolts, which can be susceptible to corrosion if not properly maintained, necessitating careful inspection around the keel areas. The varied quality of interior fit-outs, owing to the different completion methods during production, means prospective buyers should carefully assess the specific boat's interior finish and condition. The existence of active owner associations, such as the Snapdragon Mirage and Invaders Association, underscores a strong community around these classic Thames Marine yachts, providing valuable support and shared knowledge.