Mirage 338/34 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mirage 338/34 is characterized by its light-air prowess and agility, a necessity for the light breezes often found in the Florida and Gulf Coast regions where many were sold. With a high sail area-to-displacement ratio, the boat accelerates quickly and maintains momentum through lulls that would stall heavier cruisers. The hull features a relatively flat section aft and a fine entry, allowing it to track well upwind while remaining stable when pushed off the wind.

Handling is communicative thanks to a deep spade rudder and a high-aspect fin keel, which provide a tight turning radius and excellent responsiveness under both power and sail. According to historical owner feedback from the Florida racing circuit, the boat's stiffness is a primary attribute, likely due to Fickett’s use of sophisticated composite techniques even in the early 1980s. While it lacks the sheer mass of a traditional blue-water cruiser, its "overbuilt" structural integrity ensures that the rig stays tensioned and the hull remains rigid in a seaway, preventing the "oil-canning" effect found in lesser production boats.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Mirage 338/34 reflects a transition from Spartan racing roots to comfortable cruising. The layout typically features a classic offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth, a central salon with settees that double as sea berths, and a dedicated navigation station. One of the distinguishing features of the Florida-built Mirage boats is the quality of the joinery; Fickett’s background in Miami’s wooden boat shops is evident in the teak finishes and the thoughtful fitment of cabinetry.

The "338" and "34" designations often denote minor variations in deck molds or transom configurations. Some versions were produced with a traditional reverse transom, while later "34" iterations occasionally featured an integrated swim platform or an extended cockpit to better suit the cruising market. Headroom is generous for a performance-oriented hull, generally clearing six feet in the main salon, and the galley is typically L-shaped to provide security for the cook while underway.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Mirage 338/34 should focus their inspection on the specific structural areas where these boats were pioneered. While the hulls are generally solid fiberglass below the waterline, the following areas require attention:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the decks are cored (often with balsa or foam). Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a percussion test around stanchion bases and chainplates to check for delamination or soft spots caused by neglected rebedding.
• Rudder Post and Bushings: Given the boat’s performance nature, the spade rudder can experience significant stress. Inspect the rudder post for play and the blade for any signs of water ingress or swelling.
• Chainplate Attachments: Due to the high rig loads common in the 338’s racing history, the fiberglass knees and bulkhead attachments for the chainplates should be inspected for stress cracks or movement.
• Original Engine Condition: Many 338/34 models were originally equipped with Yanmar or Universal diesels. While reliable, the cooling systems and engine mounts should be checked for corrosion, especially on boats that have spent their lives in saltwater Florida environments.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for these vessels is the broader Mirage Manufacturing community. While the company has pivoted to the Great Harbour Trawler line, they remain a source of historical pride in the Gainesville area. The Mirage Owners Club serves as a repository for technical data and owner anecdotes, specifically focusing on the Florida-built 5.5, 236, and 338 models. Enthusiasts often find support through the manufacturer directly, as the Fickett family maintains an active presence in the marine industry and continues to support their legacy designs.

The Verdict

The Mirage 338/34 is an ideal choice for the sailor who refuses to sacrifice performance for comfort. It is a "sailor’s sailboat" that rewards a nuanced touch on the helm while providing enough interior volume for a family of four to cruise the coast.

Pros:

• Superior light-air performance and high-speed potential for its class.
• Robust construction from a respected American builder (Ken Fickett).
• High-quality interior joinery compared to mass-market production boats.
• Responsive handling that makes it a viable club racer.

Cons:

• Spade rudder and fin keel configuration are less forgiving of groundings than full-keel designs.
• Limited availability on the used market outside of the Southeastern United States.
• Requires active sail trimming to manage the relatively high-powered rig in heavy weather.