Mirage 29 Specifications: L.O.A.: 29' 0" (8.84 m) L.W.L.: 24' 3" (7.39 m) Beam: 10' 6" (3.20 m) Draft: 4' 8" (1.42 m) Displacement: 7000 lbs. (3175 kg.) Ballast: 2700 lbs. (1225 kg.) Sail area: 376 sq. ft. (25.17 m²) Motor: Diesel Headroom: 6' 2" (1.88 m) Berths: 4 to 6 Rating  (PHRF-LO) : 171 Price range: $44,000 to $49,000 This boat is an excellent example of the newer boats which were built in the mid to late 1980s (just before most of the sailboat manufacturers in Canada closed their doors). The Mirage 29 has a long waterline, a bow with little overhang, a large but relatively shallow cockpit, an aft head, and aft cabin with a double berth which extends under the cockpit. These are all features found on many French boats which became so popular in the latter half of the 1980s. (The so-called "French invasion" of the North American sailboat market during which people became familiar with names such as Bénéteau and Jeanneau). One of the main attractions of these boats is an enclosed aft cabin. There's usually standing headroom in the forward part of the aft cabin, but there may only be 2 or 3 feet of clearance where the berth extends under the cockpit sole. In poorly designed aft cabins, there is not enough room in areas of the berth (clearance above the cushion) for someone to roll over on their side when sleeping. As a general rule, aft cabins are cramped places in boats under 27 feet in length, but they can be surprisingly voluminous and comfortable when the concept is properly executed on larger boats. When judging the size of an aft cabin, it is usually a good idea to have two people actually lie down on the double berth. When doing so, they should also consider how comfortable they would be sleeping in such a cabin on a hot humid summer night. A good number of Mirage 29s were built before the company closed down in the late 1980s. People over 6 feet tall may find most of the berths on Mirage 29 a little short. Anyone interested in the Mirage 29 may also want to take a look at the Tanzer 29 and its aft cabin. by Michael McGoldrick. [ Copyright & Disclaimer ]