525 & 530 Exess
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Buccaneer Billfisher 525 & 530 Exess Article from Propeller magazine Issue June/July 2004 In 2002 Buccaneer released the 635 Exess. Last year that was followed by the even bigger 735 Exess. So it would have seemed logical that for 2004 the much anticipated 835 Exess would be unveiled. Not so. This year the company has gone right back to basics with two new models under 5.5m. Compact they may be, but they also represent a whole new construction system for Buccaneer, that is the forerunner of future models. The new Buccaneer 525 Billfisher and its more upmarket variant, 530 Exess share the same hull, deck and interior mouldings with the difference being in the fit-out and appointments. The 525 Billfisher is the more basic version of the two, although while lacking some of the refinements of the 530 Exess, it is also well equipped. The basis of the new boats is the existing hull used in the 525 Escape. They are the first Buccaneers to utilise the new Advanced Composite Stringer System (ACSS) system, which incorporates a full fibreglass inner liner and stringer system and virtually does away with any timber in the boat. There are basically three large moulds for the hull, deck and inner liner and these are added to with hatches, seats and side pockets. Timber side panels have been replaced with polymer plastic board as used in other Buccaneer models such as the 635 and 735 Exess. Using Plexus adhesive to bond everything together, the liner stretches from gunnel to gunnel, bow to stern. It has not only cut down production time, but has also produced a stiffer and stronger boat. There are three composite stringers either side, with foam filling all the side cavities to maximise the flotation capabilities of the boat. The new boats more than comply with the CPC flotation requirements. Buccaneer's managing director Gerry Gerrand said that the new boats are pitched at getting people into boating, but more importantly getting them introduced to the Buccaneer brand. "We want them to experience our product right from the start and then hopefully this will lead them into other models as their boating experience and requirements change in the future". The company's intention from the start was for a base model which would suit divers and fishermen, but as time went on, a prototype was built and it was realised that the new styling would also be a winner in a higher profile version. Hence from the 525 Billfisher was also born the 530 Exess. When I was shown the first of the two boats on Auckland Harbour just a few weeks prior to the New Zealand Boat Show, they were still very much under wraps. The 525 Billfisher was complete and ready for market, but the 530 Exess was still a concept boat and incomplete in a number of areas and certainly not ready for a full test. However, Gerry assured me that it would all be complete and a finished production boat would be at the show. For the purpose of writing this article I took a complete look over the 525 Billfisher. I also make reference to the 530 Exess when appropriate. A few years ago Buccaneer introduced the 172, a boat that was targeted directly at the aluminium market and was a reasonably back-to-basics, no-frills version. The 525 Billfisher takes over from the 172, albeit with a few more refinements. It comes from the factory complete and with very few options available. The big difference between the 525 Billfisher and the 530 Exess is what comes standard from the factory and for that there is around a Model 525 Billfisher Price (Boat Only) $19,500 Price as Tested $41,300 Package Boats from $37,990 Designer Gerry Gerrand Type Half Cabin LOA 5.60m LOH 5.30m Beam 2.25m Height on Trailer 2.20m Deadrise 21 degrees Trailerable Weight 1050kg Engine Capacity 90 - 115hp Power Options Outboard Only Fuel Capacity Tote tanks PERFORMANCE 600 rpm 3.5 mph 1000 rpm 4.5 mph 1500 rpm 6.5 mph 2000 rpm 8.0 mph 2500 rpm 10.0 mph 3000 rpm 13.5 mph 3500 rpm 22.0 mph 4000 rpm 29.0 mph 4500 rpm 32.0 mph 5000 rpm 37.0 mph 5500 rpm 40.5 mph All speeds recorded on a Lowrance GPS and rounded off to the nearest 1/2mph. Notable Standard Equipment CPC rated, stainless ladder, fibreglass liner, composite stringer system. Notable Optional Equipment 90 litre underfloor fuel tank, ski pole, bow rail, Humminbird M25 Fishfinder. Engine Make Johnson HP 90 Model 2-Stroke Cylinder Type V4 Displacement 1726cc Max RPM 5800 rpm Propellers 19" Renegade Retail Price $13700 Trailer Make DMW Model 500 Premier Braked No Multirollers Yes Std Features Jockey wheel, submersible lights, winch Price $3995 Manufacturer Buccaneer Pleasure Boats Ltd, Hamilton

$6000 price difference. Standard features on the 525 Billfisher include folding- extending ladder, recessed side cleats, rod racks and full CPC rating. Things like bowrails, ski pole and underfloor fuel tank are optional on the 525 but standard on the 530. The 530 also includes extra grabrails, burl walnut dash, fitted carpet, upgraded level of trim, underfloor locker, and teak coamings. Boats Supplied By: Family Boats, Auckland, Ph 09 2740511 The 525 Billfisher is rated to 115hp with a 90hp recommended, whereas the 530 Exess is rated to 130hp, with 115hp recommended. I ran the first 525...

owner. With the Buccaneer name behind it, the 525 maintains the marque's reputation for quality. The higher half-cabin and full bodied design has got to have a lot of appeal to people wanting a boat that offers maximum space and usability in this size range. The manufacturer reserves the right to alter standards, specifications and options without notice. Photographs on this website may show optional equipment. Engine sizes mentioned on this website are a guideline only and may vary according to requirements and outboard types.