BUCCANEER 18
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 18 ft |
| LWL | 16.67 ft |
| Beam | 6 ft |
| Draft | 3.83 ft/ 0.58 ft min |
| Displacement | 500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 19.4 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 7.4 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 17.33 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 6.5 ft |
About the BUCCANEER 18
The BUCCANEER prototype was introduced at Yachting Magazine's "One of a Kind" Regatta in 1967 where it displayed impressive performance, placing second over all. (Ed. note: Read the story by Dick Gibbs about the preparation for this regatta on the BUCCANEER web site.) BUCCANEER PRODUCTION HISTORY: Chrysler Corporation - 1968 thru 1980, hull #1 thru approx. #4050. (Just over 4000 boats built). Texas Marine Industries (TMI) - 1981 thru 1982, hull approx. #4051 thru approx. #4750. (Around 700 boats built). Wellcraft Marine Corporation, Starwind Division - 1982 thru 1984, hull approx. #4751 thru approx. #5000. (Approx. 250 boats built). Gloucester Yachts (sold as GLOUCESTER 18) - 1985 thru 1986, hull #5001 thru #5059. (59 boats built). Cardinal Yachts - 1987 thru 2000, hull #5060 thru #5065, #5100 thru #5106 and #5200 thru #5214. (28 boats built). Nickels Boatworks became official builder in 2008. Nickels Boatworks merges with WindRider in 2015.
The Buccaneer 18 is a classic 18.0 ft fractional sloop designed by Rod Macalpine-Downie/Dick Gibbs, with 5000 hulls built in 1968. Its lightweight 500.0 lb displacement and high SA/D ratio of 44.51 define it as a performance-oriented day sailor rather than a heavy cruiser.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day sailing, club racing, and trailerable cruising, appealing to owners who prioritize ease of transport and lively handling over long-range offshore comfort.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low comfort ratio of 4.16 and minimal 500.0 lb displacement, the Buccaneer 18 is not designed for bluewater passage-making and is best restricted to protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 18 and Pearson 18, as they share similar 18-foot dimensions, trailerable footprints, and roles as accessible entry-level cruisers from the late 1960s.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 18ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
34 reported issues across 10 systems for the BUCCANEER 18, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BUCCANEER 18? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 34 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the BUCCANEER 18
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