Mirage 32' re-commisioning project - The Hull Truth

mirage-gnv · 07-16-2009, 04:57 AM

The following will attempt to document (and get feed****** on the re-commissioning of a neglected 2001 32' Mirage w/ a single Volvo 260 hp diesel. Now I unfortunately have 2 Mirage sportfish boats in my driveway, much to the wife's dismay... My 29' twin diesel Mirage has been and is a great boat but I had 3' fever and couldn't resist a good deal. It's for sale on THT: http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sa...duced-39k.html
The new boat used to be Mirages owner's boat (Semper Fi) so it had alot of above average add-ons. Unfortunatley though it sat unused and maintained for a while so a lot has to be done. To start the engine had to be pulled to replace the oil pan which rusted and got a whole in it. The outdrive also has its share of issues (replace boot and prop shaft seals). So while it is out I'm going through the engine thoroughly and cleaning and repairing or replacing anything that needs work. While the engines out the bilge is getting a thorough cleaning and repainting. I hope to get the engine back in in a week. Of course it also needs all new canvas/cushions and isinglass. Why am I selling my old boat....

doughnut · 07-16-2009, 08:05 AM

I like the look of those boats, they look very "Salty" Is that 260 enough power for that big boat?

mirage-gnv · 07-16-2009, 07:02 PM

The Mirage is a very dry ride. The 260 is probably not enough for my long term liking, especially after just spending the last decade w/ twin 230 diesels.. It should push it at 26 knots at 3 mpg though.
The longer term plan is a single D6 370 hp diesel, or twin D3 190 hp diesels..

diminished-glutes · 07-16-2009, 07:08 PM

I know a guy who has one. Good to fish off of. You will really enjoy how mizerly the fuel burn is even with the high rev's that the engine turns.

Bogii · 07-23-2009, 07:10 PM

Kick ass boats dry dry dry
wish I had the diesal package as mine burns 30 gallons an hour with twin hpdi 300's
I dought if your rig will criuse 26 more like 20 with fuel & ice
sell your motor get the D-6 and forever be happy
mine has the a/c hot water 500 gallons of fuel
all the ops its a great boat I live on it when im in mexico
unreel space below.

mirage-gnv · 07-28-2009, 06:35 AM

Ultimately that is the plan (single d6 370 hp or twin d3 190 hp) but for now I need to get the KAD44 260 hp running so that I can run it for a while and eventually confidently sell it when I happen to have 45k laying around for the repower.. I have heard from a number of folks who have had this engine that it is a good motor that will push the mirage at 25-26 knots.

TODDMANCHU · 03-29-2010, 11:28 AM

Whats going on with the rebuild? Lets see some pics!

Cooper · 03-29-2010, 11:34 AM

Mirage is my all time favorite monohull!!

fedu · 03-29-2010, 12:40 PM

I love that design.

Beautifull boat!!

mirage-gnv · 05-29-2010, 08:20 AM

So the recommissioning is getting rolling again after a few delays I made a few good trips w/ the power as-is but wanted a bit more as cruising at 25ish mph was a bit slow for my trips.
I bought a low hours (43 hrs) Volvo D6 350 and new DPH outrdrive which arrives in a few days. I sold the Volvo KAD44 a few weeks ago so things are progressing.. Unfortunately my extra large 330 gallon tank needed to be trimmed back to accommodate the longer engine. I hope to have the glass work done this week and ready to drop the D6 in by next weekend.
Here she is naked:

ian_upton · 05-29-2010, 08:48 AM

Where did you find a low hours used D6?

I have not seen any used in my searches.

Thanks.

Ian.

mirage-gnv · 05-30-2010, 05:43 AM

Check w/ Steve at:
http://www.stevesmarine.com/contact_us.html
He had one more although I'm not sure if he sold it. He is a very knowledgeable Volvo guy.

TODDMANCHU · 08-11-2010, 12:06 PM

Come on... More Mirage porn!

mirage-gnv · 08-26-2010, 09:05 PM

Finally got the engine and outdrive installed..

A few minor hickups but I guess that is repowering...

Initial performance #s w/ 5 man crew and semi-fully loaded are:
2800 rpms - 28 knots / 32 mph - 12.3 gph
3000 rpms - 30 knots / 35 mph - 13.6 gph
3500 rpms - 37 knots / 44 mph - 19 gph
It ran really well and I am looking forward to putting some hours on her.
More pics and info to come..

RideSober · 08-26-2010, 09:08 PM

Amazing performance!

I have always loved those boats, enjoy that sweet ride!

The Business · 08-27-2010, 05:00 AM

Man, those are some great numbers. Did you ever get rid of your 29?

mirage-gnv · 08-27-2010, 05:28 AM

No. Still have 2 big boats in the driveway... The 29' Mirage w/ twin 230 hp diesels hasn't been getting any bites through the broker. The performance #s on it aren't too much different..
The new boat still need a name.

wsaltonstall · 11-22-2010, 11:02 AM

I repowered my 32 exactly the way you have. Your performance numbers are better than mine...slightly. at 3100 RPM I get 30 knots and burn 16.5 gph.
Question: My mechanic has really struggled getting the fuel guages hooked up to the Volvo system. Did you experience any issues with that? Any suggestions
Another question: Have you had any throttle issues. I had to reset mine twice in the two years I've had it running

TODDMANCHU · 12-13-2010, 06:10 PM

More pics and updated iinfo. This is my dream boat!