Buccaneer 335 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Buccaneer 335 commenced in 1978, during Bayliner's relatively short-lived foray into the sailboat market which spanned from 1970 to 1979., 10] The vessel's design is attributed to Doug Peterson, a celebrated naval architect whose work, including the iconic One Tonner Ganbare in 1973, significantly impacted yacht racing. There is a nuance in the attribution, with some sources listing "D. Peterson (unauthorized)/Bayliner," suggesting the design may have been acquired or adapted by Bayliner.

A notable aspect of the Buccaneer 335's lineage is its close relation to the Peterson 3/4 Ton designs. The hull tooling for the Buccaneer 335 was likely shared with the CHASER 33, another Doug Peterson design, though Bayliner implemented its own modifications to the deck, keel, and rudder., 1, 3] This connection highlights the racing pedigree underlying the Buccaneer 335's hull form. Bayliner's manufacturing ethos during this period focused on delivering value and comfort, a strategy that often involved basing their sailing craft on existing designs, though the Buccaneer 335 benefited from a direct link to a top-tier designer. Given Bayliner's exit from sailboat production by 1979, the Buccaneer 335 had a very limited production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Buccaneer 335 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat that offers reasonably good performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.8, she is likely to perform well in a range of wind conditions, showing particular responsiveness in lighter air. Her impressive ballast to displacement ratio of nearly 0.50 (4,600 lbs of lead ballast in a 9,300 lb displacement) suggests a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a considerable breeze without excessive heeling. This high stability contributes to a secure and comfortable motion offshore.

Despite its initial stability, some descriptions note a "low righting capability if capsized", a characteristic that can be common for fin-keel designs if inverted, but does not detract from its excellent initial stability and ability to carry sail. With a displacement to length ratio of around 223, the Buccaneer 335 falls into the moderate displacement category, balancing cruising comfort with a capacity for performance. The fin keel configuration provides excellent maneuverability, making her responsive at the helm.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Buccaneer 335 offers a practical layout for cruising, consistent with Bayliner's focus on family-friendly amenities. The boat provides a maximum headroom of 6.0 feet, which is comfortable for many sailors. While specific detailed layouts are not widely documented, vessels of this era and size typically feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley, and a head. With a freshwater capacity of 23 gallons and a diesel fuel tank of 11 gallons, she is equipped for coastal cruising., 4] Anecdotal evidence suggests that the original interiors, while functional, might be considered dated by modern standards, leading some owners to undertake significant refits. This aligns with Bayliner's overarching goal of providing value-driven boats, where interior finish might have prioritized practicality and cost-effectiveness.