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horsebuggy · 14-10-2017, 11:32

I bought a 1989 sunray Mirage cabin cruiser 27' I am trying to get it ready for winter. we have a half of tank of gas and want to use sta-bil but don't know how much gas a half of tank is could you please help?

Thanks George

**atoll** · 14-10-2017, 11:51

Sailboats built by Mirage Yachts Ltd (CAN) by year on Sailboatdata.com

**skipmac** · 14-10-2017, 11:58

I have to say I'm quite surprised you didn't get any specifications that would include that information when you purchased the boat.

Not familiar with that boat but a quick search on google I found one listed for sale that shows total fuel capacity of 57 US Gallons. Seems a bit small for a 27' boat. Maybe you could do some additional searching on the internet.

horsebuggy · 14-10-2017, 12:02

Thank you for your reply. i tried to search with no info cumming up . i agree 57 gal seems very smalll

Again thanks George

**skipmac** · 14-10-2017, 12:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by horsebuggy

Thank you for your reply. i tried to search with no info cumming up . i agree 57 gal seems very smalll

Again thanks George

I keep finding more of these for sale but so far out of ten or so listed only one mentioned fuel tank capacity. Maybe it's a big, company secret.

I did find a slightly smaller Sunray listed that showed 40 gallon fuel capacity so 57 gallons for the 27' would be in line. I have a 22' outboard powered boat that holds 85 gallons. Had a 25' twin I/O that carried 110 gallons. Based both previous boats the 57 gallons seems quite small.

Have you filled the tanks to see how much it takes? Also, DO NOT BELIEVE THE FUEL GAUGE UNTIL YOU PROVE ITS ACCURACY. The 25' twin I purchased (new) the dealer assured me it would get 2 miles per gallon. First long trip I took it to the Bahamas. 45 miles there. About 40 miles of riding around after I got there. With 110 gallon tanks I figured an easy 200 mile range even leaving a little reserve. Tank gauge showed over half full, calculations showed I should have over half tanks so at least 100 mile range to make a 45 mile crossing. Since gas was double the price in the Bahamas decided to fill up when I got back to FL. Ran out of gas 10-15 miles after I left West End. Dealer lied about about the fuel consumption and the fuel gauges were wrong.

Lesson, check fuel capacity and consumption before you go far from home.

belizesailor · 14-10-2017, 14:57

Can you access the tank? If so, measure it and calc capacity. Remove sending unit or inspection hatch to confirm how much fuel is really in it.

**GordMay** · 15-10-2017, 04:37

Greetings and welcome to the CF, George.

boatpoker · 15-10-2017, 05:09

The Sunray has a balsa cored bottom and I have yet to see one that is not seriously compromised so I am going to assume you did not have the bottom surveyed at time of purchase. I highly recommend you have the bottom inspected by a qualified glass repair tech or a surveyor.

**skipmac** · 15-10-2017, 05:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatpoker

The Sunray has a balsa cored bottom and I have yet to see one that is not seriously compromised so I am going to assume you did not have the bottom surveyed at time of purchase. I highly recommend you have the bottom inspected by a qualified glass repair tech or a surveyor.

Are you referring to the Sunray specifically or any balsa cored hulls?

boatpoker · 15-10-2017, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

Are you referring to the Sunray specifically or any balsa cored hulls?

As stated, specifically Sunray.

**skipmac** · 15-10-2017, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatpoker

As stated, specifically Sunray.

I thought that was the meaning but wasn't certain. Was there some specific issue with the Sunray building process that was a problem? Didn't remove or seal the core around fittings, dry layup in places or the kind of resin used?

boatpoker · 15-10-2017, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

I thought that was the meaning but wasn't certain. Was there some specific issue with the Sunray building process that was a problem? Didn't remove or seal the core around fittings, dry layup in places or the kind of resin used?

You are correct on all counts, They were shoddily built and used the cheapest polyester orthophthalic resins rather than the more expensive and more water resistant isophthalic polyester resins. Stringers (engine beds) were chopped mat covered plywood with engines secured with lag bolts and the transoms were also weak and used construction grade plywoods. A sound Sunray would be an oddity.