Buccaneer 277 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Bayliner, a company founded by J. Orin Edson, the Buccaneer 277 embodies Bayliner's overarching vision of providing high-quality, affordable boats for families. Bayliner's entry into the sailboat market around 1970 was a strategic response to the early 1970s fuel crisis, making sailboats a more appealing option for many consumers.

The Buccaneer 277's production began in 1978, marking it as a late-era model in Bayliner's relatively brief, decade-long foray into sailboat manufacturing, which concluded in 1979. Bayliner's approach to sailboat design, particularly under the Buccaneer Yachts brand, often prioritized interior comfort and family-friendly layouts over pure sailing performance. During this period, Bayliner was known for basing many of its models on "splashed" copies of designs from other builders, aiming to infuse them with a "unique aesthetic" while keeping costs down.

While the Buccaneer 277 shares its hull and general design with the Buccaneer 272, a notable aspect of its design lineage is the attribution, albeit "unauthorized," to D. Peterson. This suggests that the boat's lines may have been influenced by or derived from the work of a prominent designer without official licensing, a practice that was not uncommon at the time. The 277's primary distinguishing feature is its 12 horsepower Volvo Penta inboard diesel engine, setting it apart from the 272, which typically featured an outboard or a smaller gasoline inboard.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 27.5 feet and a waterline length of 24.5 feet, the Buccaneer 277 features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration generally associated with good maneuverability. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.07 suggests a moderate performer, capable of cruising comfortably but not necessarily a light-air speedster. The boat's displacement to length ratio of around 183.65 indicates it is a light to medium displacement cruiser for its size, balancing a reasonable turn of speed with a comfortable motion.

Despite a relatively low ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.264, online sources describe the Buccaneer 272, and by extension the 277, as a "reasonably good performer" that is "reasonably stable / stiff and has a good righting capability." The hull design has been noted as "significantly more speedy" and "slimmer than 86% of all other designs" when compared to similar sailboats of its era, indicating a design philosophy that aimed for respectable performance within its cruising brief. This suggests that the overall hull form and appendages contribute positively to its sailing characteristics, providing a balanced feel at the helm and predictable behavior in varied conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The Buccaneer 277 was designed with family cruising in mind, offering an interior layout focused on maximizing usable space and comfort. With a maximum headroom of 6.08 feet, the cabin provides adequate standing room for most individuals. While specific detailed layouts for the 277 are not extensively documented, it is understood to follow a typical arrangement for a sailboat of its size from that era.

Based on insights from owners of similar Buccaneer models, the interior likely features a V-berth forward, a compact head compartment, a salon area with settees that may convert into berths, and a small galley. Some models, like the Buccaneer 272, were noted to have interiors fully covered with carpet on the walls, a common aesthetic choice for value-oriented boats of the 1970s. The fresh water capacity of 20 gallons supports extended weekend trips or short cruises. Given Bayliner's emphasis on amenities, the interior finish would have aimed for comfort and practicality, likely utilizing a mix of fiberglass liners with some wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Buccaneer sailboats, including the 277 and its sibling 272, often appreciate their value proposition and accessibility, with some acquiring them as attractive entry-level cruisers. While comprehensive owner reviews specifically for the Buccaneer 277 are scarce, the general sentiment around Bayliner's sailboats from this period highlights their design as contemporary for their time. These boats often served as solid platforms for those looking to get into sailing without a significant upfront investment, aligning with Bayliner's core mission. Common maintenance, as with many boats of this vintage, may involve addressing original components and refreshing interior finishes that have aged over time.