Spicy Rib
7Pages

review Buccaneer 630 Enforcer RIB WORDS BY JOHN EICHELSHEIM PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANDO AZEVEDO A new fibreglass trailer boat model from a New Zealand boat builder is always a cause for excitement, so I was looking forward to meeting Buccaneer Pleasure Craft’s new 630 Enforcer RIB.

ade Gerrand trailered the Enforcer up the Waikato Expressway to Auckland for our review. With the boat’s Southern Pacific PVC tubes fully inflated, the trailer requires flags, but at 2.688m wide, it’s not too troublesome to tow. With the tubes deflated, the 630 comes in at under 2.5m, so there’s no need for the flags. She rides on a dual-axle Enduro galvanised steel trailer, override braked on one axle. Multiple rollers support the boat and the rig, with a belly-full of fuel, weighs-in at 1,660kg on the road. This boat is the first of the new model to leave the factory floor. Buccaneer...

The Buccaneer 630 Enforcer is a welcome addition to the family of New Zealand-built RIBs ABOVE There's a decent amount of dry storage in front of the console under the moulded seat. RIGHT The top of the stainless steel hitching post on this boat will soon sport a Maxwell capstan. Handholds are positioned strategically around the boat. FAR RIGHT The Smart helm console is reminiscent of the El Dorado and the cockpit is large for a boat of this type.

605 hull, by creating a new hull mould which could accommodate PVC tubes. The 605 is a great performer, so it was no surprise to discover the new 630 also boasts impressive handling attributes. Although this is a completely new model, some of its components have a familiar look to them. The new helm console draws inspiration from Buccaneer’s El Dorado (it probably shares some of the same mouldings). Like all Buccaneer models, the boat has a fully-moulded hull liner with closed cell foam between the lining and the hull. The console works well. It’s large enough to provide decent shelter for...

Buccaneer has pushed the tubes outboard so the internal beam is generous. There’s plenty of room to sidle past the centre console. RIGHT The 3.0-litre Mercury 150hp is a torquey beast, but also lightweight. It’s a good match for this hull.. We Have Moved Same Friendly Team Come in and see us, and the entire Challenger Product Range Challenge Yachts 20 Saunders Pl, Avondale, Auckland 09 8200 500 sales@challengeyachts.com www.challengeyachts.com 78

removable bait table mounted on the transom. Obviously, a RIB has limited options for fishing rod storage because of its tubes, but four rod holders flush-mounted across the transom, five in the rocket launcher, plus two on the bait board demonstrate that Buccaneer is serious about fishing. The RIB’s walkaround design and bow area are certainly ideal for casting and lure fishing. The stainless-steel frame supporting the bait board also serves as a tow point for sea biscuits, water-skiers, wakeboarders and the like, which should keep the kids happy. Moulded swim-steps either side of the...

single overhead cam design with two valves per cylinder. SOHC engines are known for better low end torque compared to dual overhead cam designs. Spinning a 17-inch by 14.5-inch Inertia propeller, the Merc gives the Enforcer a top speed of a shade under 40 knots at 5,500rpm. The RIB easily cruises at 25-plus knots, and happily, the boat feels better the faster you go. In terms of fuel burn, the sweet spot is between 3,000 and 3,500rpm with the boat making 20 knots, but fuel consumption increases only slightly up to 30 knots. We had a bit of chop to deal with and some left-over swell, but the...