Perry Mirage 25 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mirage 25 distinguishes itself from its racing siblings by utilizing a masthead rig and a more substantial hull form, which provides a significantly more stable and "stiff" sailing experience. While the Kirby 25 relies on a fractional rig and a bendy mast for technical tuning, the Perry 25 is designed for predictable handling across a wider range of weather conditions. According to technical assessments found in Canadian Yachting, the boat tracks exceptionally well for its size, a trait Perry achieved by balancing a modern underbody with enough displacement to prevent the "skittish" feel common in lighter 25-footers.

The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio suggests a high righting moment, allowing it to carry full sail longer than many of its contemporaries. In light air, the masthead configuration allows for large genoas that provide the necessary power to overcome its moderate weight. Owners often report that the boat feels "bigger" than its 25 feet when encountering chop, exhibiting a sea-kindly motion that reduces fatigue during coastal passages. While it may not match the Kirby 25 in a high-point tacking duel, its reaching performance is robust, making it a preferred choice for cruisers who prioritize comfort over podium finishes.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its length, the Mirage 25 offers a remarkably voluminous interior, a hallmark of Robert Perry’s design language. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a surprisingly spacious main salon with facing settees. A notable feature is the inclusion of a dedicated head compartment and a compact galley located near the companionway, which usually includes a sink and an icebox. The use of warm teak bulkheads and joinery gives the cabin a "yacht-like" feel that was often absent in the more utilitarian interiors of 1980s production boats.

The Mirage 25 exists within a tight family of Perry-designed siblings. It is often compared to the Mirage 26 (introduced in 1976) and the subsequent Mirage 27 (1980), which utilized a similar design philosophy but offered slightly more waterline and headroom. While the Mirage 25 lacks the double aft cabin found in the later Philippe Harlé-designed Mirage 29, it maximizes every inch of its 9-foot, 6-inch beam to provide a social living area that comfortably seats four adults.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of the Mirage 25 should focus on several specific areas common to Mirage builds of this era. While the hulls are generally robust solid fiberglass, the decks utilize a balsa core which can be prone to delamination and rot if hardware—such as stanchion bases or chainplates—has not been regularly re-bedded.

1. Deck Core Integrity: Use a plastic hammer to "tap-test" the deck around the mast step and cockpit lockers. Any dull thuds may indicate moisture ingress and compromised core.
2. Keel-to-Hull Joint: Check the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel. Like many boats of this vintage, the sealant can fail over time, requiring the keel bolts to be inspected and the joint re-faired.
3. Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder can develop play in the bushings. Grasp the bottom of the rudder and attempt to move it athwartships to check for excessive wear.
4. Chainplates: Because the Mirage 25 is often driven hard, inspect the points where the shrouds meet the deck for signs of stress cracking in the gelcoat or water staining on the interior bulkheads.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical data is the Mirage Owners Association. This group maintains archives of original brochures and provides a forum for discussing specific maintenance tasks, such as sourcing replacement parts for the original spar configurations. Given that Mirage Yachts was based in Quebec, there is also a significant technical presence within French-Canadian sailing forums and yacht clubs along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.

The Verdict

The Mirage 25 is an ideal entry-level cruiser for those who appreciate the design pedigree of Robert Perry but require a boat that is manageable in size and cost. It successfully bridges the gap between a performance day-sailer and a true coastal cruiser.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: Feels secure in heavy air compared to lighter "sport" 25-footers.
• Perry Design Pedigree: Efficient hull shape and a timeless, functional interior layout.
• High-Quality Joinery: The interior finish is superior to many mass-produced boats of the same era.
• Strong Support: An active owner community helps mitigate the challenges of owning an out-of-production vessel.

Cons:

• Weight: Heavier than many 25-footers, requiring a more substantial tow vehicle if trailering.
• Aging Systems: Many units still feature original wiring and plumbing that may require modernization.
• Limited Headroom: While spacious, taller sailors may find the 25-foot envelope restrictive compared to the Mirage 27 or 29.