My neighbor and boating buddy is a USCG Licensed captain and deals with all types of boats. He has a 30' H20 CC and runs back and forth to the Bahamas regularly. We were out in my 255 not long ago running 10 miles out in 3~5 foot head seas into a moderate SE breeze. We were SITTING in our seats with a beer riding along about 30~35 mph...just enjoying life. There were several 25~35' boats around just getting the $hit beat out of them pounding...meanwhile...we're just cruising along...drinking a beer...no drama. My neighbor looked at me... nodded...and said.."Now I know".

I am currently re powering with a pair of 375~400 horse Small Blocks and re fitting the propulsion system with Bravo I drives. It won't be the fastest 25 footer in the ocean but I'll run with any other 25' boat all day at a decent pace and enjoy it a lot more.

I know from friends in Australia that the Pacific Ocean is all about BIG WATER. If you are restricted in size but want something that can safely handle your boating conditions in comfort...this one is worthy of your consideration.

Great project! You're really going to town. Can't wait to see how it runs with the new engines.

Michael

Michael, did you check out the 257 Mirage I posted a link to? it's a real good deal for the $$$ he's asking.

Just to show a little more of these boats ,here's mine. Mine has twinsm so it's over 6000 lbs.great freeboard with a true 24* deadrise and a delta pad for higher speeds. headroom is 4' inside the cabin.
There are two opposite couches not shown in the picture


Gaffrig gauges were standard on Mirages

The Mirage truly is a well engineered package. Another boat you may want to consider is a Velocity.

That's a very nice looking boat. I did look at the ad, but was not prepared to jump on it, because I was not familiar with Mirage boats. While looking at their website, it says "2009 Mirage Boats Lineup". Since it is now 2012, I was wondering if they are still in businss.

Michael

I guess my question is..... If you are not looking to buy new, why do you keep mentioning out of business manufactures? I am not trying to pick a fight or anything like that, at all. I just am curious why this is of concern? There are PLENTY of quality used boats that were manufactured by companies that no longer exist..... Baja, Fountain, Powerquest, and many many more..... The economy has destroyed a lot of this industry. Obviously if buying new boat, different story.... But there are plenty of reputable shops that will service an out of warranty used boats.

Because if something breaks, I have a better chance of being able to call up the manufacturer and order replacement parts, or they can point me to their supplier. I am just short on time for chasing parts. I think there is some value in having a manufacturer being able to back up the boat, even if it is out of warranty, should there be a technical question, too.

Michael

The only manufacturer you will need parts from will be Mercury and they are obviously still around. All the switches and pieces and parts that go into a boat are all made by vendors and for the most part readily available. If something was particular to a boat there are plenty of alternatives on the market that you could find to make something work for you. Not saying you are wrong but maybe you are ruling out good boats based on something that doesn't really matter in the long run.

+1

Back when I first got into boating I thought the boat builders made EVERYTHING! Boy was I wrong! I came to find out that anything not fiberglass was purchased off a shelf. The only exceptions I can think of is the windshield and seats/vinyl parts but those can easily be made by any upholstry shop)!

I would never worry about buying a boat from a builder who is out of business.

No, Mirage has been out of business now for over 10 years. The website has nothing to do with reality! They are closed.

In regards to Mirage, if you are ok with buying one built in the 90's (1998 was their last year) you will be buying a top notch quality boat! Ive owned 2 of them and you couldnt break one if you dropped it off the empire state building! SOLID hulls, top notch workmanship, stainless steel hardware. The 257 Trovare that is in Spectras images above is a fantastic boat with a 24 degree transom deadrise. Again, you wont find one built after 1998 unfortunately.