Freedom Mirage

 

Freedom has done a great job finishing off the Mirage too. There are no untidy niches and the Gelcoat and upholstery are as neat as they come.

Seating is upholstered in the marine suede the Modern Boating team finds far superior to vinyl on sweaty summer days. The Mirage?s windscreen is armoured glass and a folding boarding ladder on the transom is standard equipment.

A quality stereo system comes standard and an aft table, ski pole and bimini shade canopy are options.

PERFORMANCE & HANDLING
Out on the water we were keen to put the Mirage through its paces, because sophisticated hull shapes are strong selling points for imported bowriders. When we mentioned this to Glen, he put the Mirage into a turn that had the water at eye level beside the passenger seat.

He then changed direction back the other way in a tight S-turn that generated some mighty impressive Gs. Needless to say, the Mirage tracked like it was on the proverbial rails. (And our knuckles gradually regained colour!).

At the wheel, the seating is one of the most comfortable we?ve come across. In Glen?s high G turns unfortunates in the bow lounge found yet another use for the sturdy bow rail. And a recessed grab handle beside the passenger seat came in handy too. Secure seating and the Freedom Mirage?s surefooted and predictable handling add a real fun factor to a boat we like very much.

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Powered by a 150hp Yamaha fourstroke, the test boat packed quite a punch. There really isn?t much lacking in fourstrokes these days, although in a lower cost package, any of the several punchy traditional two-stroke V4s would leave nothing to be desired either. So, how much will a Freedom Mirage set you back? Try around $44,900.

YAMAHA OUTBOARDS
Much has been written about Yamaha?s impressive 150hp four-stroke outboards. It?s a technologically advanced 16-value, DOHC engine, that neatly fi lls the gap between Yamaha?s mighty V6 outboards and its class-leading 115hp four. It utilises electronic fuel injection for crisp, consistent performance, with unprecedented quietness, clean emissions and fuel economy.

And like all of Yamaha?s larger four-strokes it is lightweight and compact. This 150hp four-stroke outboard actually weighs less than its two-stroke carbureted predecessor.

ENGINE ROOM
The Freedom Mirage was powered by a super quiet, super smooth 150hp, Yamaha four-stroke outboard. V4 two-stroke engine options are available.

PERFORMANCE
In calm conditions on the Noosa River with four adults onboard the Mirage bowrider recorded the following performance figures: 8.1 knots @ 2300 rpm, 25.2 knots @ Cruise speed, 39.5 knots @ 5900rpm

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