Mirage Ski Racer vs River Racer ?

**Scott Gilmore** · 09-17-2004, 08:12 PM

I was trying to find a Mirage site (with no luck) to find out the difference between the Ski Racer & River Racer. 95 to 97 vintage. Are they the same boat other than 4 seat full interior & floor vs 2 or 3 seat center steer pretty much stripped down, 800 lbs vs 6 to 700lbs ? Same top & bottom ? OR am I wrong ? Please enlighten me ! Thanks ! Scott

**captcarb** · 09-17-2004, 08:24 PM

Take a look at these pictures and you will see that the deck is totally different.

BK is brad collins wife, I don't remember his screen name. If you e-mail her she can tell you the difference in the bottoms. They built the 95-97's.

Jim

**Scott Gilmore** · 09-17-2004, 09:04 PM

Captcarb for the reply . I've heard 95 to 97 are the ones to look for. Scott

**WaterBoy** · 09-17-2004, 10:04 PM

I've had a 94 Skiracer (sold to 2DeRiver) that was a light layup, I currently own a 97 Riverracer. I believe the bottom hull is the same between the two for the same yrs. The only thing different is the top deck. If I was looking for one, I'd look for a 94 to 96. They were some made in the 5??lb range. I believe mine is in the 600 to 650 range.

Also, I honestly believe that my old skiracer is lighter than my current river racer.

Waterboy

**PARKER RABE** · 09-17-2004, 10:32 PM

the hull on a ski racer is a little different , on a river racer on the side of the hull is all smooth around and under the sponson , on a ski racer it has a big ridge in it on the side , of the hull at the water line ...

**WaterBoy** · 09-17-2004, 11:00 PM

Not saying your wrong, but you talking about this ridge. Now, on the newer mullins boats, I don't know if they have the ridge or not.

Waterboy

**WaterBoy** · 09-17-2004, 11:03 PM

same ridge.

Waterboy

**stoker2001** · 09-17-2004, 11:42 PM

the ski racer has a two+inch step runnin fore and aft (in area shown in pics) that i thought makes the ski racer wider.

**PARKER RABE** · 09-17-2004, 11:59 PM

waterboy yep - right under where the #s would be and it runs back .

**WaterBoy** · 09-18-2004, 12:18 AM

Here might be a better view.

Waterboy

**Scott Gilmore** · 09-18-2004, 06:47 AM

So can I figure all things being equal the( hull weight & power )the S/R & R/R handle & perform pretty much the same ? Thanks ! Scott

**PARKER RABE** · 09-18-2004, 08:14 AM

kinda - the river racer is gonna be a little bit more light up front , b/c of only 1 person sitting up front , instead of 2 .

**Wolverine** · 09-18-2004, 08:40 PM

If both boats are equal in weight and balanced proportionately, there will be very little if any difference in performance in my opinion. The change in the bottom came in mid 94' to 95' model years. Older hulls had a different bottom and were not near as fast as the newer bottom design. The new bottom is every bit as fast as an STV and takes the rough water better to boot. LPB must have copied a messed up bottom because there is no way that an STV even comes close to comparing in ride quality to a Mirage when rough water comes into play. We've had 3 STV's (2 ProComps and 1 Euro) and 3 Mirages and every STV driver has come away feeling that the Mirage is a superior rough water hull, but is more sensitive to driver input. As far as the Brad Collins or Mullins built boats and which one to buy? We've had 2 of Brads and one of Mullins. Brad always built a good boat and you can't go wrong finding a nice used one from 94' thru 97'. As far as a Mullins boat - personal differences aside - he builds a good boat. He did have some quality issues when he started building them, but he has that wrinkle ironed out and the current boats are solidly built. Find a 2000 or newer. Just my 2 cents.

**Scott Gilmore** · 09-19-2004, 10:21 PM

Well , I bought a really clean 96 Ski Racer today (wimpy motor) & Had it out on Hardy Dam ALL DAY today . I must admit, the quailty , handling, ride & speed are all more than I expected ! I'll post pics soon ! Thanks for all the replies . Scott