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Buccaneer 28 Crowther
Designer: Lock Crowther  ·  Builder: From Plans  ·  First built: 1973
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About the Buccaneer 28 Crowther

Lock Crowther's Buccaneer 28 represents a pioneering effort in affordable multihull design from the early 1970s. This 28-foot trimaran emerged during the initial wave of multihull enthusiasm, offering amateur builders access to Crowther's innovative trimaran concepts through detailed construction plans. Built from plywood using traditional construction methods, the Buccaneer 28 features a generous 21.5-foot beam that provides exceptional stability and interior volume for its length. The masthead sloop rig carries 610 square feet of sail area, delivering a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 38.84 that promises spirited performance in moderate conditions. With a modest 4.75-foot draft, this trimaran can access shallow anchorages while maintaining good directional stability. The design reflects Crowther's philosophy of creating fast, seaworthy multihulls without excessive complexity. While primarily suited for coastal cruising and daysailing, the Buccaneer 28's stable platform and reasonable accommodations make it capable of extended cruising in protected waters. The wide beam provides excellent load-carrying ability and reduces heel under sail, creating a comfortable sailing experience for crews accustomed to monohull behavior. As a plans-built boat, examples vary in quality and configuration depending on individual builder skill and preferences.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.25 ft / 8.61 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.75 ft / 8.15 m
Beam 21.50 ft / 6.55 m
Max Draft 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Min Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Displacement 4,000.00 lb / 1,814 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 610.00 ft² / 56.67 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Trimaran Dbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Plywood
Designer Lock Crowther
Builder from plans
First Built 1973
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Performance Ratios
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
3.79
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
5.43
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.93 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 12.32 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
KSP 1.01
How It Compares

vs. First 28 Beneteau, Laser 28, Santana 28, Triton Pearson, Westsail 28

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
28.3 ft
First 28 Beneteau
28.2 ft
Laser 28
28.4 ft
Santana 28
28.3 ft
Triton Pearson
28.3 ft
Westsail 28
28.3 ft
LWL
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
26.8 ft
First 28 Beneteau
24.3 ft
Laser 28
23.6 ft
Santana 28
23.0 ft
Triton Pearson
21.5 ft
Westsail 28
23.5 ft
Beam
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
21.5 ft
First 28 Beneteau
9.8 ft
Laser 28
9.5 ft
Santana 28
9.2 ft
Triton Pearson
8.3 ft
Westsail 28
9.6 ft
Displacement
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
4 lbs
First 28 Beneteau
5 lbs
Laser 28
3 lbs
Santana 28
7 lbs
Triton Pearson
6 lbs
Westsail 28
13 lbs
Ballast
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
First 28 Beneteau
2 lbs
Laser 28
1 lbs
Santana 28
2 lbs
Triton Pearson
3 lbs
Westsail 28
4 lbs
Sail Area
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
610 sq ft
First 28 Beneteau
Laser 28
365 sq ft
Santana 28
Triton Pearson
Westsail 28
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
First 28 Beneteau
Laser 28
135 s/nm
Santana 28
180 s/nm
Triton Pearson
Westsail 28
267 s/nm
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
First 28 Beneteau
37.1 %
Laser 28
Santana 28
34.0 %
Triton Pearson
43.6 %
Westsail 28
31.1 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
3.8
First 28 Beneteau
Laser 28
12.2
Santana 28
Triton Pearson
Westsail 28
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
5.43
First 28 Beneteau
Laser 28
2.40
Santana 28
Triton Pearson
Westsail 28
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
First 28 Beneteau
Laser 28
Santana 28
275
Triton Pearson
311
Westsail 28
464
Hull Speed
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
6.9 kts
First 28 Beneteau
Laser 28
6.5 kts
Santana 28
Triton Pearson
Westsail 28
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Buccaneer 28 Crowther ★
First 28 Beneteau
2.8
Laser 28
4.5
Santana 28
Triton Pearson
Westsail 28
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