Blue Water Image 2008 boat specs
Blue Water
Blue Water Image 2008
2008
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Blue Water Mirage 2009 boat specs
Blue Water
Blue Water Mirage 2009
2009
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Blue Water Image 2008 vs Blue Water Mirage 2009: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Blue Water Image 2008 and the Blue Water Mirage 2009 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Blue Water Image 2008 at 19,0 ft versus Blue Water Mirage 2009 at 20,0 ft. At 2 450 lbs and 2 500 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class - either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the Blue Water Mirage 2009 has a 95-hp advantage over the Blue Water Image 2008's 225-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Blue Water Mirage 2009 carries 30 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Blue Water Image 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 7 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Blue Water Mirage 2009 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Blue Water Image 2008 with its 225-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeBlue Water
MakeBlue Water
ModelImage
ModelMirage
Model Year2008
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam92 in.
Beam89 in.
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Meters2.26
Beam - Inches92
Beam - Inches89
Weight - Detail2,450 lbs.
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs.
Weight - kg1111.3
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - lbs.2450
Weight - lbs.2500
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet20
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 4 in.
Length overall - Meters5.79
Length overall - Meters6.2
Length overall - Inches228
Length overall - Inches244
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches4
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal30
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max225 hp
Engine max320 hp
Operational Info
Maximum peopleSeating: 7
Maximum peopleSeating: 7

Blue Water Image 2008 vs Blue Water Mirage 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Blue Water Image 2008 or the Blue Water Mirage 2009?
The Blue Water Mirage 2009 is the longer of the two at 20,0 feet overall. The Blue Water Image 2008 comes in at 19,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Blue Water Image 2008 or the Blue Water Mirage 2009?
For trailering, the Blue Water Image 2008 has the edge at 2 450 lbs dry weight versus 2 500 lbs for the Blue Water Mirage 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Blue Water Mirage 2009 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Blue Water Image 2008 tops out at 225 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Blue Water Image 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Blue Water Mirage 2009 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Blue Water Image 2008 measures 92" wide, compared to 89" for the Blue Water Mirage 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Blue Water Image 2008 or the Blue Water Mirage 2009?
The Blue Water Mirage 2009 has the bigger tank at 30 gallons, versus 25 gallons on the Blue Water Image 2008. That 5-gallon difference translates to roughly 15–25 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Blue Water Image 2008 and Blue Water Mirage 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Blue Water Image 2008 and the Blue Water Mirage 2009 are built by Blue Water. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.