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Buccaneer 285
 ·  Builder: Bayliner Marine Corp.  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Buccaneer 285

With its compact yet capable design, this 28-foot sailboat represents Buccaneer's commitment to creating accessible cruising vessels for coastal exploration. The Buccaneer 285 emerged during an era when manufacturers focused on providing comfortable accommodations within a manageable size, making it an attractive option for couples or small families seeking weekend adventures and short-term cruising. Built with fiberglass construction typical of its generation, the 285 features a traditional sailplan that balances performance with ease of handling. The boat's moderate beam provides stability while maintaining reasonable docking flexibility in crowded marinas. Below deck, the layout maximizes the available space with practical amenities suited for coastal cruising rather than extended offshore passages. This model appeals particularly to sailors transitioning from smaller boats or those seeking a reliable platform for exploring protected waters, bays, and coastal regions. The Buccaneer 285's design philosophy emphasizes comfort and seaworthiness over pure performance, making it well-suited for relaxed cruising where the journey matters more than speed. While not designed for serious offshore work, it offers sufficient capability for confident coastal sailing in moderate conditions, backed by Buccaneer's reputation for building solid, unpretentious cruising boats.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.67 ft / 8.13 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.33 ft / 7.11 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 2.25 ft / 0.69 m
Displacement 6,050.00 lb / 2,744 kg
Ballast 1,650.00 lb / 748 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 380.00 ft² / 35.30 m²
Headroom 6.08 ft / 1.85 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Bayliner Marine Corp.
First Built 1976
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 256
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 18.37
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
 24.07
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
 1.76
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. 6.47
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.27
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. 666.89
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.25
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 26.25
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.75
SA Fore 158.81
SA Main 141.09
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