I have recently been looking for a different boat to trailer.I love my current boat,but the wife hates it,hence my search for a different one.Current boat was never wanted by the Mrs.,it was a very neglected boat indeed when she first laid eyes on it...and argued with me for months about even having it in the yard on its trailer while doing the resto work.It has only a single cabin so no space away from my occassional epic snoring.Later,she "grudgingly" would go for day sails on it but no more.I began looking for a roomier,2 cabin trailerable. I thought while I was at it,I would also look for something with an inboard engine and holding tank for a real marine toilet.I absolutely did not want another extensive project. After about 2 months of looking my exasperation levels were climbing to astral heights.Boats big enough to have the room I wanted were border-line impossible to trailer launch at a regular remote boat ramp having no crane to set mast etc.They were invariably over the 8.5 ft beam limit before all the insane wide load permits,haul times, etc kicked in.I had all but given the idea up.Then out of the blue,a friend who works at a local marina called and said he had a boat he wanted me to see.First of all...my tastes run to the VERY traditional lines of pre-1970 boats designed by the greats.The boat my friend had found was one I had never even heard of.And when I saw it I had to laugh....as it appeared very strange to my eyes.It more resembled a speed boat with a mast and rigging than what I was expecting to see.My first words ....wow,what is it?LOL! What it was was a 1977 Bayliner Buccaneer 285CC.After examination of the surprisingly solid strange looking boat,I really surprised myself....I bought it! It seems to just fit the bill.Inboard diesel,2 cyl/15 hp Volvo that runs great,has a usable aft cabin,and scads of storage for scuba gear and supplies.The interior needs a complete rebuild,but is all there and very solid.I figured the guys here would like to give an opinion or 2 about this boat, but after getting over the looks of the boat,it is simply perfect for trailering.And has the room I was looking at Hunter 27 and Ericson 27 boats for,without the hassles of launch and set up these boats presented.Also is about 1000 # lighter,and has a loooong shoal keel.I feel it will make a great little boat that will immeasurably extend my range and comfort.What do ya think?
