Crowther Buccaneer 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Buccaneer 24 is defined by its light displacement and high power-to-weight ratio. Unlike many cruising trimarans of its era that featured heavy, full-volume amas (outer hulls), Crowther utilized slim, high-aspect floats that minimize drag while providing sufficient buoyancy to resist burying in a puff. This design philosophy results in a boat that is exceptionally "twitchy" in a positive sense—it accelerates instantly in light air and maintains a high average speed across the wind spectrum.

Because the boat is a trimaran, the Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio is significantly higher than that of a comparable monohull. In practice, this means the Buccaneer 24 tracks with precision and exhibits very little heel compared to a ballasted boat, typically sailing at a consistent 5 to 10 degrees. However, handling requires a proactive approach to sail trimming. Because the boat does not "lean" to spill wind, the rigging and crossbeams (akas) take the full force of gusts. Owners often report that the boat feels most at home on a reach, where speeds in excess of 15 knots are common, though its ability to point high—aided by a deep daggerboard in the main hull—surprised many early critics of multihull performance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "cabin" of the Buccaneer 24 is rudimentary, reflecting its primary purpose as a coastal racer and weekender rather than a long-distance cruiser. The narrow main hull (vaka) limits the interior volume, but Crowther managed to fit a functional layout that typically includes a double V-berth forward and two narrow settee berths in the main cabin. There is no standing headroom; the interior experience is akin to "sitting-room only," though the addition of a "pop-top" or doghouse on some custom builds improves the sense of space.

The boat was originally designed for plywood/epoxy construction using the "stitch and glue" or "stringer and frame" methods, leading to significant variations in interior finish based on the builder's skill. Some versions utilize a "wing" deck configuration that extends the interior floor space slightly over the water, while others remain strictly confined to the central hull. Its siblings, particularly the Buccaneer 28, offer a significantly more voluminous interior with standing headroom and a dedicated galley, making the 24 the "sports car" of the family and the 28 the "grand tourer."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach the Buccaneer 24 with the understanding that the vast majority are home-built vessels. Consequently, build quality is the primary variable.

• Crossbeam Integrity: The "akas" or crossbeams are the most critical structural components. On plywood models, these are often box-section beams. Buyers should inspect the connection points where the beams meet the main hull and the floats for signs of "working" (movement), stress cracks, or rot.
• Plywood Rot: In older wooden examples, freshwater ponding in the bilge or at the base of the mast step can lead to localized rot. A thorough percussion test (tapping with a light hammer) across the hull and decks is essential to find soft spots.
• Daggerboard Trunk: The trunk is a high-stress area. Inspect the trunk for leaks or structural cracking, particularly if the boat has a history of groundings, which can lever the trunk against the hull laminate.
• Weight Creep: Over-built home projects or those with excessive layers of fiberglass "sheathing" can be significantly heavier than Crowther’s original specifications. A heavy Buccaneer 24 loses its primary advantage—performance—and may sit too low in the water, causing the crossbeams to "slam" in chop.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Buccaneer 24 is preserved by a dedicated community of multihull enthusiasts. While there is no longer a formal manufacturer "owners association" in the corporate sense, the design remains a staple topic of technical discussion among the Small Trimarans community and various multihull design wikis. Plans for the boat have historically been managed by the Crowther family or licensed agents, and technical support is frequently found through veteran multihull builders who specialize in Crowther's early West System plywood techniques.

The Verdict

The Crowther Buccaneer 24 remains one of the most cost-effective ways to experience high-performance multihull sailing. While it lacks the amenities of a modern production catamaran, its pedigree as a Lock Crowther masterpiece ensures it remains a respected and formidable sight on the water.

Pros:

• Exceptional speed-to-dollar ratio.
• Trailerable, allowing for expanded cruising grounds and lower storage costs.
• Proven Crowther design with a well-balanced helm.
• Daggerboard provides excellent upwind performance for a multihull.

Cons:

• Extremely limited interior volume and lack of standing headroom.
• Variable build quality due to the nature of home construction.
• Requires active sail handling and reefing in high winds to manage stability.
• Susceptibility to rot in older plywood examples.