Buccaneer 270 Information, Review, Specs

The Buccaneer 270 emerged during a unique period in Bayliner's history, as the predominantly powerboat manufacturer expanded into sailboats around 1970. This strategic move was largely influenced by the fuel crisis of the early 1970s, which increased the appeal of sail-powered vessels. The Buccaneer Yachts brand, under which the 270 was built, became one of Bayliner's key divisions for its fiberglass sailing craft. Production of the Buccaneer 270 began in 1975, reflecting Bayliner's overarching vision of offering high-quality, affordable boats that provided exceptional value to families. 2, 3, 5, Builder Article

The design by Bob Neck and Clark Scarboro reflects Bayliner's broader philosophy during this era, which prioritized interior amenities and comfortable, family-friendly layouts, often with sailing performance as a secondary, though still important, consideration. 2, 5, 8, 10, Builder Article The Buccaneer 270 shares the same hull as the Buccaneer 285 and is noted to be essentially the same as the Buccaneer 275, but without a diesel inboard engine. Construction involved hand-laminated fiberglass, a method Buccaneer Yachts employed for its vessels. Bayliner ceased all sailboat production by 1979, returning its focus exclusively to powerboats, marking the end of the Buccaneer 270's production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Buccaneer 270 is characterized as a light and reasonably good performer for its size. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 176, it falls into the category of "light racers," suggesting a responsive feel on the water. This relatively low D/L ratio indicates that the boat is designed to be nimble and capable of moderate speeds for its length. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio, calculated at around 16.45, suggests moderate performance in lighter winds, potentially requiring a bit more breeze to truly come alive.

The boat features a fin keel, which contributes to its maneuverability. However, a fin keel typically offers less directional stability compared to a full keel design. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.33 indicates a moderate level of stiffness and stability, suggesting it can stand up to a reasonable amount of wind, though it might heel more readily than heavier, more traditional cruisers. The Buccaneer 270 came standard with a 150% genoa and roller furling, which would have provided ample sail area for varying conditions and eased sail handling for cruising families.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with Bayliner's design philosophy of emphasizing interior amenities, the Buccaneer 270 offers a comfortable and family-friendly layout within its 26-foot length. 8, 10, Builder Article The boat boasts a maximum headroom of 6.08 feet, which is quite generous for a vessel of this size and era, enhancing comfort below deck.

While specific detailed interior layouts can vary, typical arrangements for a cruiser of this size often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into additional berths, a compact galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. Bayliner's commitment to value meant practical use of space and materials, designed for ease of maintenance and durability suitable for family cruising. The boat has a water capacity of 30 gallons, supporting multi-day outings.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Buccaneer 270 generally appreciate its attributes as an affordable and capable cruiser from the 1970s. Common discussions among owners often revolve around maintenance typical for boats of this vintage. For instance, some owners have noted that the original plywood wood core decks, while robust, may require attention over time, and historic leakage issues might necessitate fiberglass repairs and re-bedding of deck fittings. Despite these common vintage boat challenges, the Buccaneer 270 is often regarded as a good value proposition, capable of providing season after season of sailing enjoyment.