The Mirage Pilot House 32 lets adventurous anglers explore in comfort.
By Capt. Dave Lear
 Given my druthers, the perfect offshore outing coincides with sunny skies, little wind and calm seas. Unfortunately, weather on demand isn't available at chandleries and even perfect offshore conditions can change rapidly. In times like these, an enclosed pilothouse boat like the Mirage 32 really shines. With its good range and comfortable cabin, this model is suited for canyon chunking expeditions in the early or late season, or for working the kelp paddies for yellowtails.
Mirage has been building a line of durable center consoles for more than 30 years, but recently added a new wrinkle to its lineup with this pilothouse model. "We've sold a lot of sportfish boats in the South, said Mirage President Ken Fickett. "With the PH 32, we hope to attract more buyers here at home and also from the cooler waters of California and the Northeast. It's a great platform for fishing and cruising.
Like its center consoles, Mirage's PH 32 has a hand-laid hull with full foam core construction. The hull is then bonded to the deck, bulkheads and longitudinal stringers for strength and rigidity, but the dry weight remains a modest 6,000 pounds. Add a bow flair of 56 degrees, a 22-degree transom deadrise and flat chines outboard, and the result is a very comfortable ride regardless of sea conditions. If it's snotty, you'll stay dry and firmly in control at the enclosed helm. Visibility is excellent at this position, and the boat is easy to operate while standing or sitting at the bench seat.
Our test boat was powered by a single 285-hp Volvo KAD 300 diesel with counter-rotating drives; it cruised at a steady 24.7 mph at 3250 rpm and was very nimble when backing and turning. According to company tests, with a 230-gallon fuel capacity and a 3.5-mpg burn at cruise, the 32 is capable of an impressive 700-mile-plus range. With twin 265-hp diesel engines, the 32 should cruise in the high 40s and reach 53 mph when fully loaded with a tower. For overall cost, range and dependability, however, I think the single diesel is adequate power. It left a clean wake for trolling during my test.
Angling features include insulated fish boxes, a 35-gallon live well/tackle center, saltwater washdown and coaming pads. Our test boat had the Classic interior option ($3,500), which includes an insulated icebox, cutting boards, sink, microwave and Kenmore refrigerator. Air conditioning (which requires the shore power option) can run off converted power while under way.
Belowdecks, there's a V-berth forward, another oversize berth and an enclosed head compartment. Equipped this way, the Mirage competes with other pilothouse models like the Osprey 30 Extended Cabin.
The Mirage PH 32 is the quintessential utilitarian boat. It's a capable sportfisherman for unpredictable weather, or a comfortable cruiser for exploring distant grounds.
©Motor Boating Magazine, January 2004
Mirage Pilot House 32
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Specifications |
|
LOA |
|
|
32'4" |
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Beam |
|
|
10'9" |
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Draft (drives down) |
|
|
3'0" |
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Displacement |
|
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6,000 lbs. |
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Bridge Clearance |
|
|
8'0" |
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Transom Deadrise |
|
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22 degrees |
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Water |
|
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70 gals. |
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Fuel |
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230 gals. |
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Price (as tested): |
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$130,500 |
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Test Power: (1) 285-hp Volvo Penta KAD 300 diesel sterndrive with Duoprop outdrive. Standard power is a single 230-hp diesel sterndrive. Optional power includes single or twin diesel engines up to 530 hp max, and twin outboards. |
Performance: |
|
RPM |
MPH |
Knots |
dB-A |
|
1000 |
6.2 |
5.4 |
82 |
|
1250 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
83 |
|
1500 |
8.5 |
7.4 |
86 |
|
1750 |
9.2 |
8.0 |
85 |
|
2000 |
10.0 |
8.7 |
88 |
|
2250 |
10.6 |
9.2 |
92 |
|
2500 |
15.4 |
13.4 |
95 |
|
2750 |
18.1 |
15.7 |
89 |
|
3000 |
20.6 |
17.9 |
89 |
|
3250 |
24.7 |
21.5 |
91 |
|
3500 |
29.0 |
25.2 |
92 |
|
3750 |
30.4 |
26.4 |
93 |
|
3950 |
34.8 |
30.3 |
93 |
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Speeds measured by GPS in the ICW near Bradenton, Fla., in a light chop and light winds w/two people on board, 200 gallons of fuel and 50 gallons of water. Sound levels were measured at the helm in dB-A.
Standard Equipment (major items): Enclosed head w/holding tank and macerator; freshwater washdown; hydraulic steering; trim tabs; power hatch lifter; bow pulpit w/roller and chain pipe; hawsepipes; open back pilothouse; sliding helm door.
Optional Equipment (major items): Live well w/cushioned seat; shore power; marine air conditioning; saltwater washdown.
Warranty: Ten-year transferable coverage on the hull.
Contact: Mirage Manufacturing Co., (352) 377-4146. www.mirage-mfg.com. For more information, contact: (866) 626-2846 or www.motorboating.com/motorboat/productinfo. | |
Other Sea Trials featured this month:
- More Electronics from past issues.
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