Ken Fickett, the builder behind Great Harbour trawlers in Gainesville, Fla., and the original Mirage line of small sportfishing boats, has unveiled a new Mirage 32-foot model designed to serve as either a sportfishing boat or a cruising boat. The Mirage 32 embodies Fickett’s long-standing philosophy of simplicity: a smaller, well-thought-out boat that encourages owners to use and enjoy it rather than worry over maintenance and complexity.
Fickett sums up his approach plainly: “Less boat equals more boating.” He argues that a boat sized and outfitted for low maintenance allows owners to follow their normal “cycle of interest” — weeks or months of active boating followed by stretches of land-based activities without anxiety over storage, upkeep, or costly repairs. In his view, a simpler boat reduces the time and money an owner must spend to keep it ready, making regular use more likely and long-term ownership more satisfying.
The Mirage 32 is designed to be efficient and straightforward to own. Fickett emphasizes building practices that minimize potential failure points, such as reducing or eliminating through-hulls and using shoot‑thru transducers where practical. Those choices lower the risk of leaks and other hull-penetration issues, which in turn reduces repair bills and the need for frequent haul-outs. The result is a boat that’s easier to maintain and more reliable in everyday use.
Electrical simplicity is another core element of the Mirage 32 concept. Rather than layering on complex charging systems, Fickett recommends simple solutions like an inexpensive solar panel to keep batteries topped up. This kind of modest, reliable approach reduces the number of components that can fail and keeps ownership costs and troubleshooting time to a minimum.
Fickett also challenges the modern tendency to continuously upsize and over-equip boats. He suggests that smaller, less complicated boats encourage a deeper relationship between owner and vessel — a “marriage” rather than an “affair” with a constantly changing yacht. Owners who invest in a modest, thoughtfully equipped boat are more likely to keep and enjoy it for many seasons, he says.
On the performance side, the first Mirage 32 will be fitted with Volvo’s IPS pod drive system, a modern propulsion option that pairs well with Fickett’s emphasis on efficiency and weight-conscious construction. He predicts the lightweight design will deliver fuel economy in the range of 2 to 3 miles per gallon at 25 knots, a competitive figure for a 32-foot boat with capable cruising speed. For buyers seeking a lower-cost alternative, Fickett is also offering the Mirage 32 with Volvo’s new sterndrive options, which he says will lower purchase price while delivering comparable performance.
The Mirage 32 is aimed at boaters who want a versatile platform — one that can be set up for serious sportfishing or comfortable coastal cruising — without the maintenance burden that often accompanies larger, more complex boats. By prioritizing simplicity in construction, systems, and propulsion, Fickett hopes to make responsible boat ownership easier and more enjoyable. For many owners, that means more days on the water and less time worrying about upkeep.
Fickett’s design choices — from no through-hulls and shoot‑thru transducers to simplified electrical systems and efficient propulsion options — underline a single idea: a boat should facilitate the pastime, not complicate it. The Mirage 32 is a practical expression of that philosophy, offering a balanced package for those who want reliable performance, lower running costs, and a simpler ownership experience.
Click to hear Fickett discuss his design philosophy.
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