Mirage 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mirage 29 is characterized by a long waterline and a relatively light displacement for its era, which grants it an edge in light-to-moderate air. Unlike the Robert Perry-designed Mirages that preceded it, the 29 features a hull shape that prioritizes initial stability and off-the-wind speed. According to archival reports from Canadian Yachting, the boat is exceptionally well-balanced, often described as having a "dinghy-like" responsiveness that makes it a favorite for club racing.

The rig is typically a fractional setup, which allows for better mainsail control and easier handling for shorthanded crews. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio that leans toward the performance-cruiser category, the boat tracks well but requires early reefing as the breeze freshens to minimize weather helm. Its shallow-draft options—often found as a wing or lead bulb keel—allow it to navigate thin waters, though the deep-fin versions are preferred by those looking to maximize upwind pointing ability. Owners often note that the boat feels "stiff" despite its beam, thanks to a well-distributed ballast profile that keeps the center of gravity low.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 29-foot vessel designed in the mid-1980s, the interior of the Mirage 29 was revolutionary. Harlé maximized the nearly 11-foot beam to create an "open-concept" feel that was uncommon for the period. The standout feature is the genuine double aft cabin, situated under the cockpit sole, which provides a level of privacy usually reserved for 34-footers. This was a direct response to the French designs of the time and allowed the Mirage 29 to market itself as a legitimate family cruiser.

The main salon features a U-shaped settee and a functional galley, often finished in light ash or teak, which helps the cabin feel airy and bright. Headroom is generous, exceeding six feet in the main cabin, which accommodates taller sailors who might feel cramped in a C&C or a Tanzer of similar vintage. While the Mirage 29 was the primary success of this Harlé era, it was flanked by sibling models: the Mirage 275, which was a slightly scaled-down version utilizing similar design language, and the Mirage 39, which served as the flagship of the Harlé-designed range, offering a much larger platform with a triple-cabin layout.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Mirage 29 should focus their inspections on the specific structural areas common to Mirage builds of the late 1980s:

1. Deck Core Saturation: Like many production boats of this era, the Mirage 29 uses a balsa-cored deck. Owners frequently report soft spots around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. A moisture meter is essential during survey to ensure the core hasn't been compromised by hardware leaks.
2. Rudder Post and Bearings: Technical discussions on various owner forums highlight that the rudder bearings on the 29 can develop significant play over time. This leads to a vibrating or "clunking" sensation in the tiller or wheel, often requiring the replacement of the UHMW plastic bushings.
3. Keel Bolt Maintenance: While Mirage used a robust keel-to-hull joint, boats with the iron or lead-winged keels should be checked for "the smile"—a gap at the leading edge of the keel-hull joint that may indicate the need for re-torquing the bolts or refreshing the sealant.
4. Original Grid Bonding: The Mirage 29 utilizes an internal fiberglass grid system to provide hull stiffness. In boats that have been raced hard or suffered a grounding, it is vital to inspect the bonding of this grid to the hull, particularly near the keel sump and the engine beds.

Community & Resources

The Mirage 29 maintains a dedicated following, particularly in the Great Lakes and the Maritimes. While there is no longer a formal manufacturer-backed association, the Mirage Yachts Owners Group serves as a vital repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and refit advice. The community is highly active in sharing DIY solutions for the boat's unique Harlé-designed hardware.

The Verdict

The Mirage 29 is a quintessential racer-cruiser that successfully bridges the gap between 1980s performance and modern living standards. It remains a top choice for sailors entering the coastal cruising market who refuse to sacrifice sailing "snap" for interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional Interior Volume: The aft cabin is best-in-class for a sub-30-foot boat.
• Light Air Performance: A competitive PHRF performer that out-sails many heavier cruisers.
• Modern Aesthetics: Avoids the "dated" look of many early 80s designs.

Cons:

• Cockpit Depth: The cockpit is somewhat shallow, which can feel less secure in heavy offshore conditions.
• Deck Maintenance: Balsa core requires vigilant re-bedding of hardware to prevent rot.
• Limited Production Run: With the builder closing in 1989, finding specific original replacement parts can be a challenge.