Harken: Buccaneer Deck Layout

Photo: Darrin Farrell
Courtesy Nickels Boat Works

buccaneer 18

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Mainsheet System
The 6:1 mainsheet features six lightweight Carbo blocks in series for smooth, low-friction trimming. The system is simple, fast to rig, and utilizes a swivel cam base for easy cleating at any angle.

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Rig Tension System
To tension the shrouds and jib forestay/halyard, a track on the mast is adjusted with an underdeck double-triple block purchase. The control line exits the purchase to the cockpit for convenient midrace access upwind or downwind. It provides up to 400 lb of forestay tension for high-performance sailing in strong winds or minimal tension in light air.

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Small Boat Furling
The low-friction Harken Small Boat Furler lets the crew set and furl the jib from the cockpit. Multiple stacked races of ball bearings let it rotate easily under load.

CLASS HISTORY
Celebrating its 40th year, the Buccaneer's designer was speed genius Rod MacAlpine Downie and originally commissioned by the Chrysler Marine division. The Buccaneer 18 is a wide-beamed and powerful sit-in dinghy. With a roomy cockpit and easily handled controls, the double-handed "Bucc" is manageable by one and can accommodate as many as three people. She is fast and planes in 8-10 knots. Well-balanced, self-righting, and self-bailing, the Bucc is embraced by a lively class that spans from Alaska and Toronto to South Carolina and Arizona.

LINKS
Buccaneer 18 Class
Nickels Boats Works
Dealers
McLube Marine

BOAT SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 18 ft (5.4 m)
Draft: 3 ft 10 in (1.17 m)
Beam: 6 ft (1.8 m)
Weight: 500 lb (226.7 kg)
Main/Jib: 175 sq. ft (16 m)
Spinnaker: 178 sq ft (16.5 m)