Any real info on the Buccaneer 32?

BillyBodecker · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

Hello folks, been lurking here for a while picking up great info from this forum, figured it was now time to join you all.

I'm in the market for a boat in the mid-30 foot range that will be comfortable for longer term sailings. I'm up in the Seattle area and I've come across some terrific bargains on the Bayliner Buccaneer 32, a few of them on the market now in the $10K to $20K range that look to be in fine shape, just in need of some cosmetic work.

I've researched Buccaneers and seen that they seem to have a bad rap in the sailing community. Mostly folks just think they're ugly, and I'm fine with that. But what I'm having trouble finding is hard data regarding their sailing qualities and durability. I see some stuff out there on the smaller Bucs but nothing on the 32.

So can anybody point me to hard data that tells me why I should stay away from this boat? I understand she's far from being a racer, but is she a decent recreational sailer? Do these boats have documented construction problems? Are they unsafe in severe weather? Or is the beef just that they're "ugly"? I love the layout, I can live with the looks, and you just can't beat the price! So help me out here folks, why should I NOT be looking at the Buc 32?

Freesail99 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

Have a look at this site. Some good information from people who sail the buccaneer. The bucc 32, I believe is a buccaneer 325 which is a center cockpit.

Bayliner Buccaneer Sloops

Plumper · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

My Dad had a 30 and loved it. It was not really strongly built but he used it for coastal cruising and didn't have any problems. It sailed really well. Of course it was a Bill Garden design. I am not sure who designed the 32.

sailingfool · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

Billy,

These must be terrible sailing vessels, they have no keel and a bulky, high topsides hull, and they must be pig-slow, I'd suspect that a Mac26 might give it a run for the money.

But hey, somebody bought this boat before, and someone new needs to buy it again, so go for it. Just look for a good engine and a lot of dockside amenities and enjoy. Think of it as a documinium. Make a very, very, low offer and be patient, you can expect the owner to come to you.

Cruisingdad · #5 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfool

Billy,

These must be terrible sailing vessels, they have no keel and a bulky, high topsides hull, and they must be pig-slow, I'd suspect that a Mac26 might give it a run for the money.

But hey, somebody bought this boat before, and someone new needs to buy it again, so go for it. Just look for a good engine and a lot of dockside amenities and enjoy. Think of it as a documinium. Make a very, very, low offer and be patient, you can expect the owner to come to you.

Geez, SF, tell us how you really feel!

- CD

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyBodecker

Hello folks, been lurking here for a while picking up great info from this forum, figured it was now time to join you all.

I'm in the market for a boat in the mid-30 foot range that will be comfortable for longer term sailings. I'm up in the Seattle area and I've come across some terrific bargains on the Bayliner Buccaneer 32, a few of them on the market now in the $10K to $20K range that look to be in fine shape, just in need of some cosmetic work.

I've researched Buccaneers and seen that they seem to have a bad rap in the sailing community. Mostly folks just think they're ugly, and I'm fine with that. But what I'm having trouble finding is hard data regarding their sailing qualities and durability. I see some stuff out there on the smaller Bucs but nothing on the 32.

So can anybody point me to hard data that tells me why I should stay away from this boat? I understand she's far from being a racer, but is she a decent recreational sailer? Do these boats have documented construction problems? Are they unsafe in severe weather? Or is the beef just that they're "ugly"? I love the layout, I can live with the looks, and you just can't beat the price! So help me out here folks, why should I NOT be looking at the Buc 32?

Billy, I do not have first hand knowledge of the boat, but please understand that the day may come when you might want to sell that boat. If you think it is an ugly boat going in, how will you be able to get rid of it to someone else??

Depending on what you want to do, I would seriously take a look at other boats that meet your price range. I strongly suggest at LEAST looking. What is the old adage... know what you are saying 'no' to.

Sailing ability is VERY imporant unles you never plan on leaving the dock. If that is the case, why buy a sailboat at all?

I am not discouraging your boat. Everyone has different opinions on what makes a good boat for them. All I am saying is to at least look around.

- CD

BTW: I looked up that boat. We have a few of those at Cedar Mills. I have never once seen one of them leave the docks. Maybe coincidence... maybe not.

Faster · #7 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

Unfortunately these boats have a history of construction deficiencies and poor sailing performance.

They are often sold to beginners on the basis of their space, layout and the low price. The best "comfy cruiser" in the fleet is probably the 305, referenced above by Plumper, but I am aware of a serious flaw in one of those too... totally saturated coring throughout the hull.

I think the best that can be said here is that they DO introduce people to sailing, and those that stick with it generally move onto better boats in short order and really appreciate what they ended up with...

BillyBodecker · #8 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

Thanks for the quick responses everybody.

I'm familiar with that Buc owners website and have looked through it a bit. I'm seeing a certain amount of commentary there, but nothing that indicates serious problems with this boat, either in sailing characteristics or construction quality.

I have been looking at other boats, many others. I've looked at a Fuji 35, Cal 36, a couple Catalinas, and even one absolutely bizarre home built. IF the Buc 32 was even close to comparible to these others in terms of sailing and construction, it would be a no-brainer, I'd go for the Buc. But I suppose that even though I'm not coming across hard facts that tell me to stay away from this boat, the universal "general feeling" about the Buc from the sailing community should probably have me looking elsewhere.

The search continues, and I'm getting close to making the plunge. Thanks all.

Faster · #9 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

Billy, true enough that there is not much hard data here (other than the 305 I mentioned, I saw the water draining out of test holes in the hull myself) but this could have been an isolated incident. The hull ports had been improperly sealed, saturating the core over a period of years.

But I doubt this universal caution is undeserved.. as you gain experience you'll appreciate a better boat, and when it comes to resale (as we all do at some point) that too will be a factor.

CharlieCobra · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008

They were built by Bayliner, that itself should be enough. Myself? I can't stand them but that's just me. They're the only boat uglier than a Mac 26X. There again, that's only my opinion. However, somebody liked them or they wouldn't have sold any, right?