What boat should I get?

[MusicMrfixit]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 27' 1978 Bayliner Buccaneer with trailer for $2500. It looks like it is in good shape, and I live on the west coast, so I am looking for a trailerable sloop to take to Catalina on the weekends, HOWEVER, this is my very first boat (well, I did once own a sunfish 12' that I used in Biscayne Bay In Florida) and I am on a budget. The Buccaneer looks like a bulky football and hard to handle. Does anyone know about the stability, handling, and temperment of this boat, and would it be a good choice to learn on? Its on a trailer and I am not keen on paying slip fees just yet, so I can keep it in my yard when not in use. I was always told that a good captain knows every weld and bolt in his ship, so if I have to fix her up, at least I'll know what goes into it. Is this a good choice, or should I go with a Catalina, Benneteau, or TMI or some other brand? Any advice will be welcomed.

[Ocean Girl]

Welcome aboard, here are some links to help in your research. My friend had a buccaneer, I'm afraid I used to rib him about it. The rig on his looked like it came off a sunfish, such tiny rigs! But maybe that was just his boat.


http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ser-49565.html

Look at buying a 24' BAYLINER BUCCANEER - SailNet Community

http://www.48north.com/jun_2007/seaslugs.html

BUCCANEER 275 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Great site for comparing production Boats.
Sail Calculator Pro v3.53 - 2500+ boats

Bayliner Sailboat Photo Gallery

The last two links above are great for researching statistic ( sail calculator ) and a list of buccaneers that have been or are still for sale. It can give you a good idea what's out the and what they usually sell for.

Also take a look at the columbias, the bubble tops sail really well, they all sail well. They are better built, and you should find bunches in. CA.
Columbia 26 MKII sailboat for sale

Cheers, happy boat shopping
Ocean Girl

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, MusicMrfixit.

[Hudson Force]

The Edsel, the Corvair, the Hostess Twinke, the Bayliner Bucaneer, and my own Morgan Out Island............... These are just a few of a long list of products that have developed an image of destained reputation blossomed and spread largely from those that pass on the rumor without first hand experience. I would only ask from those with direct knowledge. Maybe you could search for an owner's club source of experiences and limitations.

[SkiprJohn]

OP is looking for a trailerable boat. I'd not start recommending fixed keelers.
I prefer Catalinas but others here will respond I'm certain with other recommendations.
kind regards,

[Cheechako]

Not sure which Buc that is. If it's the one with the tall freeboard hull and all the side windows..... it wont sail well at all. If it's one of later ones built from various hulls from other defunct companies, (US Boat etc) it may be a decent sailor. OTOH, if the trailer is not a pile of rust... it's probably worth $2500

A Cataline 25 or Oday 25 etc at maybe $5000 would be a better investment and easier to sell....

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by MusicMrfixit

I was always told that a good captain knows every weld and bolt in his ship,

Damn. More evidence on my lack of ability.

[sartorst]

I have sailed on both and the catalina will out perform the buccaneer by far!! even in resale value

[Petrel]

Originally Posted by sartorst

I have sailed on both and the catalina will out perform the buccaneer by far!! even in resale value

Look at a International Marine West Wight Potter

[Miniyot]

Personally I would go with a Catalina. Maybe that is because I had one? Easy to singlehand, easy to load and unload from the trailer, easy to pull even with a Chevy Camaro. I had it 5 or 6 years and sold it for the same as I paid....but the trailer was rusted bad when I sold it....not when I bought it.

People recognize the Catalina name and trust it. Good or bad????