Mirage 24 Information

[Mirage 24 Crew]

Greetings....

My family has owned a Mirage 24 for about 33 years and sadly we have not used it all that much. I'd like to get more use of it by taking it up to our cottage on Lake Superior. It still sails well but it needs to have lines replaced and a bit of TLC. I need advice on the following

1) Self-furling Gear for Headsails. Good idea, bad idea, best brands, Mirage 24 tales, etc.
2) Depth Sounder. Best product. I don't want to punch a hole in the hull.
3) Hull Expertise. The fiberglass is a bit faded. It was dark blue and fades quickly. How to restore to original lustre? (note Canadian spelling!)
4) Mirage 24 specific sites? Is there a way to get a Mirage 24 forum?
5) Mast step system. Is there a pivot mast-step system for this boat? Right now the mast sits freely on the desk held down only by the stays. I would like a more secure fastener in case we go upside.
6) Any other general advice?

With your assistance, we're going to get this boat rocking and rolling on Lake Superior and take the family on a good sail or two.

Cheers,

Mirage 24 Crew.

 

[druid]

Well, since you seem to spell things correctly, I'll jump in...

YES on headsail furling, unless you're into Serious Racing. Get one that REEFS as well as furls (most do). I like Harken, but I hear some newer (ie within the last 20 years) are good too. I've never liked the old Hood ones with the two lines.

Sounder - I like Humminbird, others are good too. I have a combined GPS/Sounder from Garmin (420S) that is good for a smaller boat - fewer boxes! You should have no problem with a "shoot-through-the-hull" setup - epoxy the transponder to the inside of the hull (there are lots of websites, etc. that detail how to do this - main thing is to ensure there are no bubbles in your epoxy) Also when determining the position, remember if you put it near the stern, it will tell you when you have run aground...

Hull - first try a "cut-polish" - either get someone to do it, or again look for instructions on the web. If the shine doesn't come back, you might have to either live with it or repaint.

That's all I can help with - good luck!
druid

 

[Prime Time]

Great Yahoo groups

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mirage24/summary

There is also a larger Mirage_Kirby yahoo group as well.

 

[bffatcat]

update advice

1. On furlers I recommend a CDI they are great for small boats and cost a lot less than Harken, Pro Furl ect: Ive got one on my Pearson 26W works fine no trouble after 3 years. as far restoring the hull you have a couple of choices .
first : You can wet sand with a fine paper to get the oxidation off and restore the color, than either put several coat of wax on or coat it with polymer. This is lot of work second: You can
sand the hull and hand paint with a marine Topsides paint from either pettit or interlux Also a
lot of work As far as the mast step on deck issue. I wouldnt worry about it. Many small boats including my 1975 Pearson 26W have deck stepped mast. This is the way they were
designed. As long as the compression post, or I beam support is intact and the step itself is ok your good. One more thing: The standing rigging. If its over 30 years old replace it.

Good luck

 

[Mirage 24 Crew]

Sailors...

Thanks for all the extremely valuable advice so far. I've been researching on the web and planning for the spring launch.

Thanks Again, and keep your insights coming!

Mirage 24 Crew.