Mirage 2700 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mirage 2700 was offered with two primary underwater profiles: a deep fin keel for improved windward performance and a twin-keel (bilge keel) configuration for the tidal drying moorings common in British waters. While the twin-keel version is more prevalent on the used market, both variants share a reputation for being stiff and predictable. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "heavy cruiser" end of the spectrum, the 2700 is not a light-airs specialist; however, once the breeze exceeds 10 knots, the hull settles into a steady groove with a remarkably forgiving motion.

Handling is characterized by high initial stability and a balanced helm, provided the mainsail is reefed early. Owners often report that the boat tracks well due to the skeg-hung rudder, which provides a level of protection and directional stability that spade rudders lack. According to technical archives maintained by the Snapdragon Mirage and Invaders Association, the boat's rigging is a simple, masthead sloop configuration designed for ease of handling by a couple or a single-hander. It is a "sea-kindly" vessel that prioritizes safety over raw speed, making it an ideal platform for coastal hops across the English Channel or the North Sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The primary selling point of the Mirage 2700 at its launch was its exceptional interior volume. Thames Marine utilized a high-volume hull form and a clever deck molding to provide nearly six feet of headroom in the main saloon—a rare feat for a 27-foot boat in 1980. The layout typically features five berths: a double V-berth in the forward cabin, a convertible double in the saloon, and a generous quarter berth to the starboard side.

The use of materials inside reflects the era's transition from purely utilitarian GRP to a more "yacht-like" feel, incorporating teak veneers and molded headliners. The galley is generally located to the port side of the companionway, featuring a two-burner stove and a sink, while a dedicated heads compartment is situated between the saloon and the forward cabin. The 2700's sibling, the Mirage 28, offers a slightly different hull shape and a more pronounced "wedge" deck, but the 2700 is often preferred by inland or coastal cruisers for its manageable size and the specific configuration of its cockpit, which provides deep coamings for protection from spray.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Mirage 2700 should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas common to Thames Marine builds of this vintage:

1. Window Leaks: The original windows were often set in aluminum frames that can corrode or lose their seal over forty years. Check for "tide marks" on the interior woodwork beneath the ports.
2. Keel Bolts and Stub: On bilge keel models, inspect the internal hull reinforcement where the keels meet the GRP. Hard groundings over decades can lead to "stress crazing" in the gelcoat or, in extreme cases, structural movement in the keel stubs.
3. Engine Health: Many 2700s were originally fitted with Yanmar 1GM10 or Volvo Penta engines. While robust, these are often reaching the end of their service life. Check for signs of restricted cooling passages (common in raw-water cooled units) and exhaust elbow corrosion.
4. Osmosis: While Thames Marine used heavy layups, boats from this era are susceptible to osmotic blistering. A hull survey is essential to determine the moisture levels in the laminate.
5. Deck Core: Inspect the side decks for "sponginess," which may indicate delamination or water ingress into the core material, particularly around deck fittings that were not properly bedded.

Community & Resources

The Mirage 2700 benefits from one of the most active owner communities in the UK. The Snapdragon Mirage and Invaders Association acts as the definitive technical repository for the model, offering members access to original brochures, rigging diagrams, and a network of owners who provide advice on specific maintenance tasks. This community support is a significant asset for owners looking to restore or maintain these classic cruisers.

The Verdict

The Mirage 2700 is a quintessential "starter yacht" that refuses to feel small. It offers a bridge between the basic accommodation of early fiberglass boats and the creature comforts of modern production cruisers.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Exceptional headroom and living space for a sub-28-foot vessel.
• Sturdy Build: Heavy GRP layup provides a sense of security in heavy weather.
• Shallow Draft Options: The bilge keel variant is perfect for exploring estuaries and utilizing cheaper drying moorings.
• Strong Community: The SMIA provides excellent technical support and social opportunities.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement makes it sluggish in winds under 8 knots.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address legacy issues like window seals and aging engines.
• Limited Speed: The hull design prioritizes volume over a slippery shape, limiting its competitive racing potential.