Buccaneer 130

[Destination Sea]

Buccaneer 130 powered by Mercury 20hp 4stroke
Ic–Chosi  13 foot  310kgs

Bought  this boat in July 2014 from  Buccaneer Boats of Gudja after considering various other boats of similar category. Basically the good freeboard that this boat has and the advantage of fitting the auxiliary motor directly to the transom pushed this boat up my ranks not to mention quality built etc.  Charlie of Buccaneer  stood by his word on delivery date and also provided various suggestions  and ideas when discussing my requirements. Full thumbs up for Buccaneer  Boats.
Basically I wanted a winter fishing boat with the least possible complications, tiller motor  thus doing away with steering and cables and carburettor engine (20 hp was the highest available) doing away with all injection complications. Personally not an issue whatsoever but I opted for simplicity. After getting the boat in July , I rigged it up with the necessary equipment and accessories.

The Boat.
The boat is nicely finished and construction is good. The width of the boat makes its very stable and its freeboard , well no need to repeat. In force 4, 2 persons on board  I did not encounter any unpredicted behaviour or any safety issues.. Storage space at the back will take up the battery (64a/h), 25l fuel  tank and there is also space for an additional  2 x 10l jerry cans if required. Front storage is ample.
Performance:
The boat can take a higher hp engine 40 or 50 if not mistaken  however having only a 20hp attached (usually I am alone but sometimes my wife joins in)I cannot advice much on max hp performance. However  the boat performance with the 20hp 4s is as follows. 1 or 2 persons on board the boat  takes about  10 secs to plan , the engine  revving @ 4500-4600 with a 10 pitch prop. Max rev attained is 5400rpm with a 10 pitch (WOT 6100rpm). I reduced prop to 8 pitch but the engine over revved occasionally (rev limiter present – mathematics did not work out ) so I replaced to the 9 pitch. (haven't tried yet) . With 4 persons on board you move quite good but  forget planning .

Max speed  appx 16 knots  @ 5400/5500rpm –1 person on board
Aux 6Hp   appx  5-6 knots

Fuel economy 20 Hp : Trolling average 4/5 knots - 1 person on board will consume  (rough estimate /depending on sea conditions) about 5l every 2 ½ hrs.
One word of caution nothing to do with the boat or engine whatsoever.
Since the engine is tiller driven and I drive the boat standing due to the 'Kabus'  when moving at full throttle  the boat sort of stops when hitting a wave  in choppy waters. Since I am neither sitting down or  holding on to a steering wheel  this sudden 'jerk' can put you off balance and steering control can be temporarily lost resulting in the boat turning to any one direction. Luckily I hold on to a rope placed from the front of the boat to the side railing to minimise these movements. However  not a nice experience to repeat so ensure you are  bolted  to the boat.

[markmalta]

Thanks for the great review! Looking forward to place my order for the model 120!!! Can't wait!! 

[skip]

Nice review Ian, enjoy the boat