Buccaneer 250 Information, Review, Specs

The Buccaneer 250 first entered production in 1978, at a time when Bayliner, historically a powerboat manufacturer, had diversified into the sailboat market, largely influenced by the early 1970s fuel crisis. While Bayliner's sailboat production under the Buccaneer Yachts and US Yachts brands was relatively short-lived, spanning from approximately 1970 to 1979 when the company divested its sailboat division, the Buccaneer 250 represents a collaboration with a notable designer. Gary Mull, celebrated for his influential light-displacement designs, aimed to create boats that were well-built and efficient. This design ethos contributed to the Buccaneer 250's "slightly more speedy hull design" compared to many similar sailboats of its era.

Bayliner's manufacturing approach prioritized spacious and comfortable interior layouts. Although some of their models were based on "splashed" copies of other builders' designs, Bayliner sought to infuse their boats with a "unique aesthetic." The Buccaneer 250 shares a design lineage with the US-25 and later evolved into the Triton 25 under Pearson Yachts, all designed by Gary Mull. This model was offered with a standard draft of 2.67 feet, but an optional deep keel draft of 4.58 feet was also available, providing flexibility for different sailing grounds and performance preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Buccaneer 250 is categorized as a moderate-weight sailboat, designed for reasonably good performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.57, she is expected to perform adequately in light to moderate winds, offering a good balance between speed and ease of handling without being overly aggressive. Her Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of around 170.3 indicates a relatively light and performance-oriented hull for its size.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of 0.33 suggests a reasonable degree of initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind, though it might not be as stiff as boats with a higher ballast ratio. Reviewers have described the Buccaneer 250 as offering "balanced, spirited sailing," indicating a responsive and enjoyable experience at the helm. Her slender hull design, compared to many contemporaries, contributes to her potential for speed, with a theoretical maximal hull speed of 6.2 knots. The masthead sloop rig provides a versatile sail plan for various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Bayliner's focus on interior amenities is evident in the Buccaneer 250. Despite its relatively compact length overall of 25 feet, the boat was designed to offer "comfortable cruising accommodations" within a "spacious cabin." The maximum headroom provided is 5.5 feet, which is generous for a boat of this size from its era, contributing to a more comfortable interior environment. While specific interior layouts vary, typically a sailboat of this size would feature a V-berth forward, a compact galley, a main salon area, and a head compartment, catering to weekend cruising and short trips. The emphasis on "family-friendly layouts" by Bayliner means that the interior space was likely optimized for functionality and comfort for its intended use.