Can a 27' Bayliner Buccaneer Ever Be a Bluewater Cruiser ?

[GrowleyMonster]

I think you might, considering your budget, want to think about a good ol' pickup truck and a not too badly overloved trailer queen, like a McGregor 26, tow it where you want to go, launch, and enjoy the inland waters. I think that's more fun, anyway. port hopping is a good way to get some voyaging done in a brown water boat, but it does take some thought and preferably some experience to do this safely.

You may be able to find a slightly more salty boat for not too much $. A Catalina 30 or a Cal or gosh... should I add... nah. Not that. Lots of fixer uppers out there for a couple grand that you can refit for $5k or $6k and have, if not an ocean crosser, at least a capable coastal cruiser.

Frankly I am not keen on the idea of voyaging in a BAYliner. The name kinda says it all. It is an inexpensive way to get some sail time on a bay or lake, and such boats have introduced a lot of folks to sailing. Some people love them, finding that they are all the boat that they need. A day trip offshore with a dependable outboard could be a lot of fun in such a boat. Committing yourself to a several hundred mile voyage in one is not something I could recommend, however. My advice is don't do that. Not saying it is impossible, but it's definitely IMHO inadvisable.

[brianlara 3]

Originally Posted by marc2012

No offense but sounds like you are trying to make a silk purse from a sows ear.marc

THOR HEYERDAHL made a silk purse from a sows ear. KON TIKI !! It can be done. Please offer suggestive help rather than sarcastic hinderance.

[brianlara 3]

Originally Posted by James Dieterich

Imagination, ingenuity and vision, that is what I have. The vessel is sound and a clean slate so your dispersions only expose your bias to an industry that is geared towards the rich. Only a thought really…

Don't let 'em get you down James.
And keep in mind also that many people acquired their lovely Water boats">blue water boats from inheritances / deceased estates/parents.
Not all are self made.

[Jimmy4Jesus]

I noticed that this began in 2010 and has gotten replies right up to 2016 and now 2017. I'm interested in how things turned out since I recently became the owner of a Buccaneer. Be glad to hear any wisdom gained if the OP is still out there.

[Diesel Bill]

Yes, I would also like some follow up from the O.P. What did he eventually do? I remember back in 1970-71 I wanted to sail to Tahiti. I was 20-21 and didn't have 2 dimes to rub together. Found an old 30 ft carvel planked sloop abandoned in a marina. It was being sold for $1,000. I climbed all over it and fell in love with it. Could see daylight through the gaping 1/4 inch seems. Thank god I couldn't afford it at that time. Some things are just not meant to be. I'm much happier with what I have now.

[Jimmy4Jesus]

His last response was 2010 so I assume he has moved on from this thread. of course in seven years he could have made lots of changes. What is it the commercial said "The world may never know"

[Jimmy4Jesus]

Just checked, his profile was active from about 5-2010 to 7-2011. No activity or posts since.

[SanJuan]

Stumbled across this, and yes I know it is old, but had to add a comment to all the naysayers - In the meantime since this thread was started Rimas put thousands and thousands of bluewater miles on a San Juan 24. West coast to Hawaii and back several times, to the Aleutians, and finally to Samoa. All with no major mishaps, piss poor preparation, and virtually zero skills as a sailor. For crimeny sakes, he has waved off the coast guard trying to help him at least 2x.

Still no matter what one does to a Buccaneer or SJ24 it is not a Bluewater boat. But your chances of making it are better than not. It is just more risk than what most people are willing to take. Myself included, and I am much more of a risk taker than the average cruiser. But still, you wont find me in a Buccaneer or SJ24 crossing an ocean.

And face it, 90% of cruisers are so risk averse that they give up years and years and years of sailing so they can minimize to the Nth degree every aspect of risk they can imagine. Crazy? or Good to go? it's all about how risk averse you are as an individual, anything is possible. And even these small boat voyages mostly succeed. Mostly.

[Carl-T705]

Originally Posted by James Dieterich

Imagination, ingenuity and vision, that is what I have. The vessel is sound and a clean slate so your dispersions only expose your bias to an industry that is geared towards the rich. Only a thought really…

That seems like a strange view of the world and people, when your asking for help from others. Define rich.... I owned a Buccaneer. When looking at the boat and pictures of one it appears to be a beautiful pocket cruiser. Overbuilt, where would that be on this vessell? Plastic through hulls ,thin aluminum stanchion post pop riveted together.You view it as a passage maker, good for you, People have crossed the Atlantic in rowboats , so I see no reason why your boat isn't a passage maker too. You are already convinced you have a cruiser, so there you go you have one. You don't want other people's view, what you are looking for is people to support a view you have already accepted as proof of what you convinced yourself of. Who is it that had the bias again???