The name Buchan Boat Co. resonates deeply within the history of Pacific Northwest sailing, synonymous with innovative design, competitive spirit, and robust boatbuilding. Founded by the legendary Bill Buchan Sr., the company's trajectory from custom wooden masterpieces to fiberglass production yachts left an indelible mark on the marine industry, fostering a dynasty of world-class sailors and enduring vessels.
The Origin Story
At the heart of Buchan Boat Co. was William "Bill" Buchan Sr., a legendary figure renowned for his extensive experience in crafting small sailboats. In the mid-1940s, driven by a desire to combine racing performance with family cruising comfort, Buchan Sr. embarked on his first significant design: a 39-foot racing sailboat. He meticulously built this wooden vessel in his spare time over two years, naming it 'Linda' after his daughter. While 'Linda' proved capable in strong winds, her weight was a drawback in the lighter air often found in Northwest waters.
Undaunted, Buchan Sr.'s next endeavor in 1948 resulted in 'Heather,' a lighter, faster 38-footer with a slender 7.33-foot beam and lines reminiscent of a 6-Meter or R-Boat. This boat quickly became a testament to Buchan Sr.'s innovative spirit and his relentless pursuit of speed. In a now-legendary tale that highlights his hands-on approach, Bill Sr., seeking to improve 'Heather's' CCA rating, famously cut off the entire deck with a skill saw, raised the ribs, added new planks, and reinstalled the deck. This audacious modification lowered her rating without compromising speed, showcasing his ingenious problem-solving skills.
History and Evolution
The success of Bill Sr.'s custom designs, particularly 'Thistle' – a fine, slender 38.5-foot racing/cruising boat launched in 1957 – attracted the attention of fellow sailors. Admiration for 'Thistle's' competitive performance led to the formal establishment of Buchan Boat Co. in 1959, founded by Bill Sr. and his son, John, with the explicit goal of entering sailboat production.
Their initial production offering was the Buchan 40, a slightly longer and beamier revision of the 'Thistle' design. Between 1959 and 1961, eight of these sleek, wooden Buchan 40s were built, four at their Madison Park dock yard and four at a shipyard in Houghton-Kirkland. These boats quickly gained popularity in CCA races, with Bill Buchan Sr.'s new Buchan 40 securing a 2nd place in the A Class at the 1961 Swiftsure race.
However, Bill Sr.'s dedication to optimizing race performance and ratings led to further innovation. In late 1961, he tasked his son John with modifying the Buchan 40 jig. John's extensive revisions, including widening the mid-sections, refining the bow, and introducing a reverse transom, culminated in the creation of the 37-foot prototype, 'Thunder,' launched in 1962. Bill Sr. was initially skeptical of the "fat little boat" but was astounded by its surprising speed, famously exclaiming, "it goes like thunder!"
A pivotal moment in the company's history came in late 1962 when Bill Sr. embraced the burgeoning trend of fiberglass construction. Son John used the modified 37-footer jig to build a precision plug boat from red cedar, which then served to create a strong mold for fiberglass production. The first fiberglass Buchan 37, 'Salute,' was built in the summer of 1963. Initial production took place at the Houghton-Kirkland shipyard, with later Buchan 37s manufactured at Buchan Boat Co.'s own facility in the Totem Lake area of Kirkland. Approximately 50 Buchan 37 hulls were ultimately produced from this fiberglass mold, distributed across the Pacific Coast, including Hawaii.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Buchan Boat Co. carved out a reputation for producing high-performance racing and cruising sailboats. Their identity was deeply rooted in the practical, hands-on, and often experimental approach of Bill Buchan Sr. The company's vessels were known for being "light and fast," particularly in light air, and remarkably "sea-kindly in big seas". Bill Sr.'s personal motivation for racing success directly influenced the design and construction, as he constantly sought to optimize performance and ratings.
Unlike many builders who collaborated with a roster of renowned naval architects, the Buchan boats were primarily the product of the family's own design prowess. Bill Buchan Sr. was the chief designer for the early wooden boats, and his son John played a crucial role in the significant redesign that led to the highly successful Buchan 37. Key design features of the Buchan 37 included a full-length keel with an attached rudder, which, while not as close-winded as modern fin-keel designs, provided a forgiving and stable ride in challenging conditions. The careful attention to fore-and-aft trim was also critical for optimal speed.
Iconic Models and Legacy
While Bill Buchan Sr.'s early personal builds like 'Linda,' 'Heather,' and 'Thistle' established his reputation, the Buchan 40 marked the company's entry into production with eight units built. However, the true icon of Buchan Boat Co. remains the Buchan 37.
The prototype, 'Thunder,' proved its mettle by securing First Place Overall in the 1965 Swiftsure race, finishing a remarkable 18 minutes ahead on corrected time. The subsequent fiberglass production of the Buchan 37 cemented its status. With around 50 hulls produced, these boats quickly became a familiar sight at the front of racing fleets, making significant sailing history in the Pacific Northwest. Notable examples include Bill Buchan Jr.'s 'Mara,' which won First Overall in the 1967 Swiftsure, and Lon Robinson's 'Gamin,' which was awarded "Boat of the Year" at the Seattle Yacht Club in 1980 and completed numerous Swiftsure races.
The Buchan 37s, though considered heavy by modern standards, continue to demonstrate excellent performance in light air and exceptional seaworthiness. Their robust fiberglass hulls were known for their strength and solidity, famously avoiding the delamination problems that plagued many boats of that era. Each Buchan 37 featured a custom interior layout, tailored to the owner's preferences, showcasing a collaborative approach to the final product.
The legacy of Buchan Boat Co. extends beyond the vessels themselves to the "Buchan Sailing Dynasty," where each generation of the family has achieved world-class performances. This deep-rooted connection to sailing and competition remains a defining characteristic of the brand's heritage.
The Builder Today
As a boat building enterprise, Buchan Boat Co.'s primary operations, as described, concluded after the successful production run of the Buchan 37s in the mid-20th century. The company, as a builder of complete yachts, is no longer actively producing new boats. However, the spirit and legacy of the Buchan family's contributions to marine design and sailing continue.
The enduring quality of Buchan boats, particularly the Buchan 37, means that many are still actively sailed, raced, and maintained by dedicated owners. There is a strong community of enthusiasts who appreciate the seaworthiness, performance, and classic lines of these vessels. Examples like 'Mara' and 'Gamin' continue to win races, and others, like 'MacDuff,' undergo refurbishment, affirming the lasting value and robust construction of these fiberglass hulls.
It is worth noting that a separate entity, "Buchan Marine," exists today, specializing in marine ventilation products like cowl and dorade vents. While sharing the Buchan name, this company focuses on marine components rather than whole boat construction. The original Buchan Boat Co. may no longer be building new yachts, but its creations remain cherished pieces of sailing history, embodying a unique blend of engineering prowess, racing ambition, and enduring craftsmanship that continues to inspire sailors in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
