Crowther Buccaneer 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Buccaneer 28 are defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio and a hull form that favors low wetted surface area. Unlike modern production trimarans that utilize folding beams, the Buccaneer 28 typically features fixed beams, which provides a rigid, responsive platform that translates wind pressure into immediate forward motion. The boat is known for its ability to "fly" the main hull in heavy air, though it is most often sailed with the main hull just skimming the surface to maximize stability.

Handing is generally described as light and nimble. The boat tracks well due to its deep daggerboard, which is essential for upwind performance—a historical weakness for many early multihulls that Crowther successfully addressed. According to technical discussions often found in heritage multihull circles, the Buccaneer 28 feels more like a large dinghy than a keelboat; it provides significant tactile feedback through the tiller. While it lacks the sheer mass to punch through a heavy chop with momentum, its ability to accelerate rapidly between wave sets allows a skilled helmsman to maintain high average speeds. The rig is often a simple masthead or fractional sloop, sometimes modified by owners to include a "wing mast," a concept Crowther pioneered to improve aerodynamic efficiency over the mainsail.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 28-foot trimaran, the Buccaneer 28 offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it remains minimalist by modern standards. The main hull contains the primary living space, typically configured with a small V-berth forward, a central settee area that can double as additional sleeping berths, and a compact galley. Headroom is limited—often around 5'8" to 5'10" depending on the specific builder's deck mold—necessitating a "stoop" for taller sailors.

The Buccaneer 28 was part of a broader family of designs. Its most famous sibling is the Buccaneer 24, a smaller, more spartan version that became one of the most built trimarans in history. For those seeking true blue-water capability, the Buccaneer 33 offered significantly more volume and a dedicated head compartment, while the Buccaneer 40 was a legitimate ocean-crosser. Because most 28s were amateur-built, the interior finish varies wildly from utilitarian painted plywood to high-end teak veneers. Some versions featured a "pop-top" over the companionway to provide standing headroom while at anchor.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Buccaneer 28 requires a rigorous inspection of its structural integrity, as the majority were constructed using the West System (epoxy) and plywood method. While this makes for a light and stiff boat, it creates specific vulnerabilities.

• Plywood Rot: The primary concern is freshwater ingress into the plywood core. Buyers should use a moisture meter and a percussion hammer to check the decks, especially around stanchion bases and chainplates. The "skin" of the amas is also prone to rot if they were not properly ventilated during storage.
• Beam-to-Hull Connections: The crossbeams (akakas) are the most stressed parts of the boat. Look for stress cracks or "working" evidence where the beams meet the main hull and the amas. Any signs of delamination or softness in these areas are critical red flags.
• Daggerboard Trunk: The trunk is a common site for leaks and structural fatigue. Ensure the trunk is reinforced and that there is no evidence of water damage to the surrounding floors.
• Ama Buoyancy: Early Crowther designs occasionally featured amas with less buoyancy than modern "wave-piercing" designs. Ensure the amas haven't been modified in a way that compromises the original center of buoyancy, and check for signs of past "pitch-poling" damage in the bow sections.

Community & Resources

The Buccaneer 28 enjoys a dedicated following among multihull enthusiasts. Technical support and original design philosophy are often preserved through the Multihull Yacht Club of Queensland (MYCQ) and various heritage multihull groups that celebrate Lock Crowther’s contributions to the sport. While no longer in active production, the "Crowther Multihull" community remains a vital resource for builders looking to restore or modify these classic designs.

The Verdict

The Crowther Buccaneer 28 remains an iconic choice for the sailor who prioritizes performance and the "pure" feel of a multihull over luxury amenities. It is a boat for the tinkerer and the enthusiast who appreciates the pedigree of a world-class designer.

Pros

• Exceptional speed and light-air performance.
• Proven design from a legendary naval architect.
• Easily driven hull that requires smaller, less expensive sails.
• Strong community support and historical significance.

Cons

• High maintenance requirements for plywood/epoxy hulls.
• Limited interior volume and headroom compared to monohulls of the same length.
• Fixed beams make docking and trailering more difficult than modern folding designs.
• Variable build quality due to the nature of home-construction.