Designed by Ken Fickett and produced by Mirage Manufacturing from 1975 to 1983, this compact 20-footer represents an interesting chapter in American small boat design. With 550 hulls built over its eight-year production run, the Mirage 55 found a solid niche among sailors seeking an affordable entry into keelboat sailing. The boat's defining feature is its swing keel configuration, which allows the 5.33-foot draft to be reduced significantly for trailering and shallow water exploration. This versatility makes it particularly well-suited for coastal cruising, lake sailing, and weekend adventures where launching ramp access is important. The masthead sloop rig with 190 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for its 1,200-pound displacement, while the 320 pounds of ballast offer reasonable stability for a boat of this size. With a comfort ratio of 6.41, this design leans toward the sportier side of the spectrum rather than heavy cruising comfort. The fiberglass construction typical of its era has generally proven durable, though potential buyers should carefully inspect older hulls for osmotic blistering and structural integrity. The Mirage 55 serves best as a day sailor or short-term coastal cruiser for small crews seeking an affordable, trailerable keelboat experience.
- Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
- Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
- Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
- Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
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