Advice on the best ~27’er for Great Lakes Sailing

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by CAR54

high quality build that includes stainless steel ribs, lead keel, and a cored hull

I've never seen any ribs in a J-28, let alone stainless steel ribs.
Did you add these yourself ? Photos ?

[Drinky Crow]

Mirage 25 - Used Sailboat Market in Canada

[PerfectPirate]

My choice would be the C&C 27, either Mk III or Mk IV, or the Ontario 28, if you can find one. For offshore work (ie. blue-water), the CS 27 is a better choice, but on the Great Lakes the C&C and Ontario designs are more family-friendly and well-suited to the light airs. The Mirage 27 has an attractive cabin interior design, but the build quality is not up to C&C or Ontario Yachts standards. Also, the rudder is a bit under-sized and easy to over-power, so you need to always be ready to dump the mainsail. Catalina 27's are nicely built boats and very family friendly, but their sailing qualities are not quite up to C&C and their engine access is terrible. Otherwise a good choice as a floating, traveling cottage. You might also consider a Tanzer 29, which is an innovative design and quite well-built.


These forums tend to be very unkind to the Atomic IV engine because the predominantly American membership has a bias towards diesels. After living with one for 17 years, I can attest to their quality and durability. They are simple to maintain and very reliable. In 45 years of crewing and sailing on the Great Lakes, I have only ever heard of one Atomic IV installation blowing up, and that was because the skipper did not bother to run the blower after refueling in mid-lake. On the other hand, the power-boat club upstream from me has had 3 explosions in the last 8 years. Of course, none of those were Atomic IV engines. I am respectful of my Atomic IV and its gas tank, and consequently have total faith in them.

[dreadpiratk]

One thing to look out for is how the boat was stored over winters. I’ve found in my search that boats that a previous owner invested in a custom cover, or at least some winter storage system are in much better shape then ones that sit out. Much of the weathering of boats up here happens over the harsh winter months while boats are on the hard. Was it shrink wrapped each year? Covered? Left out? Ones that have been consistently protected are definitely worth more.

[Drinky Crow]

FIPO>>>Mirage 25 For Sale