Buccaneer 320 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Bayliner, a company primarily known for powerboats, ventured into sailboat manufacturing around 1970, a strategic move influenced by the fuel crisis of the early 1970s. During this period, under brand names like Buccaneer Yachts and US Yachts, Bayliner aimed to produce high-quality, affordable sailboats that emphasized interior amenities and family-friendly layouts. The Buccaneer 320, starting production in 1976, emerged from this era, bearing the signature of William Garden, who is credited with design #602.

William Garden, a Canadian and American naval architect and marine engineer, was renowned for his functional and seaworthy designs, often characterized by a "stronger character" and a focus on heavy cruising yachts capable of steady, comfortable passages. While Bayliner's broader sailboat strategy sometimes involved designs influenced by or "splashed" from other builders, the Buccaneer 320 benefited from Garden's dedicated input. The "Buccaneer 325 is similar" note suggests a close kinship, with some owners noting the 325 as a center cockpit variant, potentially differentiating it from the 320 in terms of deck layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Buccaneer 320 is equipped with a masthead sloop rig and a fin keel, a combination that typically provides a balance of sail power and maneuverability. With a length overall of 32 feet and a waterline length of 28.5 feet, she has a theoretical hull speed of approximately 7.15 knots.

Her performance ratios paint a picture of a capable, but not overly aggressive, cruiser:

• The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.07 suggests moderate performance, indicating that the boat should perform adequately in a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive to light air or excessively overpowered in strong breezes.
• A Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.248 is on the lower side for a cruising sailboat, implying that while she will be stable, she may exhibit a tendency to heel more readily in stronger winds compared to stiffer designs with higher ballast ratios.
• The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 241.14 classifies her as a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser. This contributes to a solid motion in a seaway and a generally comfortable ride, typical for boats intended for coastal cruising and family outings.

Owners have generally described the Buccaneer 320 as sailing "really well," highlighting its ability to combine good sailing characteristics with its comfortable cruising aspirations. The fin keel further enhances its "splendid maneuverability," making it responsive to helm input. Propulsion is provided by a 33hp Volvo Penta MD33 diesel engine, offering reliable auxiliary power.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with Bayliner's philosophy during its sailboat production era, the Buccaneer 320 was designed with a focus on interior comfort and amenities. Although specific headroom measurements are not readily available, the design, like other Buccaneers of its time, featured "high-sided" hulls, suggesting ample interior volume for a boat of its length.

The interior layout, typical for cruisers of the mid-1970s, would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Storage space would have been a priority for extended cruising. The boat is equipped with a fresh water capacity of 60 gallons (227 liters), supporting longer stays aboard. While precise details on finish quality and materials are scarce, Bayliner generally aimed for value-driven construction, offering practical and functional interiors suitable for family use.