MIRAGE 5.5
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 20 ft |
| LWL | 17.33 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 5.33 ft/ 1.33 ft min |
| Displacement | 1,200 lb |
| Ballast | 320 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 26.08 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 22.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 7.25 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 195.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 107.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 182.9 sq ft |
About the MIRAGE 5.5
Designed as IOR mini-ton.
Designed by Ken Fickett and built by Mirage Mfg. (USA) from 1975–1983, the Mirage 5.5 is a lightweight, performance-oriented 20-foot sloop with a total production of 550 hulls. Its low displacement of 1200.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 26.97 define it as a nimble, planing-capable day sailor that prioritizes speed over heavy-weather stability.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day sailing, racing, and light cruising in protected waters, appealing to owners who value ease of trailering and quick acceleration. It is ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a responsive, low-draft vessel for weekend getaways rather than extended offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 1200.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 3.01, and a comfort ratio of 6.41, the Mirage 5.5 is not designed for bluewater cruising and should be restricted to coastal and protected waters due to its light ballast of 320.0 lb and lack of heavy-weather stability.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 22 and the Catalina 22, which share similar length overall (20.0 ft) and masthead sloop rigs, though the Mirage 5.5 is significantly lighter and more performance-focused. The Cal 20 is another relevant comparison for those seeking a trailerable, fin-keel sloop from the same era.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataAsking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1976–2004 · median $5,495
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 20ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 6 systems for the MIRAGE 5.5, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MIRAGE 5.5? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 13 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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