International Mirror Class Association of Ireland

How do I acquire a Mirror?  

Click this link to see some simple advice on how to choose your boat

Or here to see a more detailed version

BUYING A SECOND HAND MIRROR

Anyone buying a wooden boat must understand that they will require some basic care and maintenance but if they get it they will give years of service. If you are looking at a boat get someone in the know to come with you. Avoid obvious wrecks, often sold as “starter boats”. It is much better to pay a little more and avoid problems which will ruin the experience.

Things to look for:-

The Sail Number. The age of the boat can be worked out from the number which is carved inside the transom. A page on the UK Mirror Class Association website http://www.ukmirrorsailing.com/provides a guide showing the age by the number. Age is not in itself a determining issue – a well built and cared for older boat may well provide better value than a newer boat but it is a useful guide.

The Builder.

Look for a professionally built boat. The names of Brennan, Goodwin and Duffin are the leaders.

Weight.

The boat should not be difficult to lift. Look under the thwart to see if there are lead weights. If there are, this is positive. The lighter the boat the better and if there are weights there the boat can be reweighed and very possibly they can be removed without going below the minimum weight. The Class Certificate will say whether weight correctors are fitted.

Water Damage

Look for signs of water damage on the foredeck near the bow and on the floor of the boat in front of the centreboard box. Make sure that the glass tape between the side tanks and the floor is sound and has not lifted. This is very difficult to remedy as access cannot be got to the seam on the inside of the tanks.

Sails

The sails are the power plant of any sailing boat. They should have a crisp feel and be free from major creases and damage. Check that there is a spinnaker and fittings (to include the pole). One thing to look at is the position of the Jib Fairleads. Older boats have them positioned on the top of the side tanks. As sail technology developed it became possible to achieve a higher pointing angle by bringing them inboard to the thwart. The difference is not great but the sails must be cut to match. Thus if they are on the side tank they will have to be moved when new sails are acquired. (It would not be sensible to get new sails cut the old way) and when they are moved, it will not be practicable to use the old sails.

Spars

Unless the boat already comes equipped with the one piece rig (see later) you should be getting a mast, Gaff, Boom, Spinnaker pole and all associated rigging. That will be three stays, a spinnaker crane, a jib strop, three halyards (main, jib and spinnaker). Make sure that it is all there and in good condition. A few years ago a one piece Mirror mast was introduced and this has had a very positive effect on the Class. Expect to pay about €550 for the new mast. It just drops into the place where the old one was and modifications to the boat should not be necessary. The same sails seem to work reasonably well with the new mast types. However here is no need to change initially as the old rig with reasonable quality sails should be enough to get a young sailor out of the Bronze Fleet. After that expect pressure to change.

Foils

The centreboard and rudder should be made of strips of wood glued together lengthwise (laminated) and free from knocks and cracks. The plywood ones break in use and should be replaced.The tiller should be fixed permanently to the rudder stock and there should be no play whatever. It the tiller is wooden then it should be glued and screwed and free from any cracks. There is a type of tiller made from alloy tubing which is fixed to the stock with a covering of glass fiber and resin. These are good, but should be checked to see that they are free from damage.

Covers.

A cover is essential. There are basically two types, one which requires the mast to be taken down and the other requires the mast to be left up. With the older two piece mast the mast down type is better as the boat can be kept drier and is less exposed to wind damage. However, with the new one piece rig the mast will generally be left up and therefore the mast up cover is better if the boat has it or you plan to get one.

Trailers

A galvanised iron or stainless steel launching trolley is essential. Road trailers (the best kind combines with the launching trolley) have to be considered if you plan to travel. Alternatively the Mirror can be car topped on a roof rack.

Paintwork

It is not simple to paint a boat, although if it is done well it restores the boat like new. If the paint & varnish are not in reasonable condition, or at least good enough to use the boat for the rest of the season, then look elsewhere. If you must paint then it should only involve a sanding of the existing top coat and recoating. Remember that whoever painted the boat last was almost certainly able to do it better than you can.

Trident GRP Boats

These were introduced about 2000. While there were some quality problems, in particular complaints of fittings working loose, they are a good option at a reasonable cost as these issues are not difficult to get sorted out. The boats are performing well and all the maintenance is avoided.

If you decide to buy

Ask the seller to rig the boat fully ready for launching. This will establish whether any bits are missing. Parts and ropes are commonly “borrowed“ from boats that have not been in use for some time and are expensive to replace.