KEY POINTS:
If there was a Hall of Fame for New Zealand powerboats, one of the first to be inducted would doubtlessly be the Buccaneer 550 Classic XL.
Released in 1997, it was described at the time by its designer, Buccaneer Boats' managing director, Gerry Gerrand, as "the quintessential Kiwi cabin runabout".
As is the case with manufacturers and designers (and Gerrand is both), he had high hopes for his creation. He believed his new trailerboat would prove to be popular and, 11 years down the track, he has proved to be right on the money.
For just over a decade, the 550 Classic XL has remained the most popular model in the Buccaneer line-up. Over 570 now grace the nation's waterways.
Still, few great models have remained untouched forever and Gerrand has now released an updated version.
Renamed the 565 Classic XL, it features a restyled deck and a new internal hull liner. The little hull has not been altered: it still has a length of 5.67m and an overall length of 5.91m (including bowsprit).
In response to requests from both dealers and customers, provision for a freefall anchor winch has been made in the revamped boat. The forward cabin bulkhead has been moved aft 150mm, creating a larger and deeper anchor locker to accommodate this.
The loss of room in the cabin is hard to spot and I'm sure most 565 buyers will consider the trade-off worth it. While revamping his foredeck, Gerrand also replaced the main hatch, fitting a new low-profile, alloy-framed Culé, which, he says, also offers better leak proofing.
But the main changes in the revamp have been structural.
The 565 Classic is now manufactured using the same modern construction methods that have been introduced to other Buccaneer models over the past few years.
This means the 565 is built using the Advanced Composite Stringer System (ACSS). This is a full fibreglass inner liner and stringer system that virtually does away with timber in the boat. It cuts production time and costs and allows the manufacturer to pass on the savings to the customer.
In simple terms, the boat is now built using three large moulds for the hull, deck and inner liner respectively.
All timber side panels and upholstery boards have been replaced with polymer plastic board. Plexus adhesive is used to bond the bits together and the liner now stretches from gunwale to gunwale, bow to stern.
This has produced a stiffer and stronger boat.
There are also three composite stringers either side, with foam filling all the side cavities to maximise the flotation capabilities of the boat.
One area where these manufacturing changes are noticeable is in the cabin. Here the bunk bases are now one unit, part of the hull liner, with moulded recessed bins for storage under both sides.
Provision has also been made in the cabin floor mould for either a chemical or an electric flush toilet, complete with a hinged lid; a great feature for this style and size of boat.
The dash is also a separate moulded unit and one that has got much attention. The emphasis here has clearly been on ensuring that everything has been placed to be either easily accessible or easy to read.
For example, the instrument cluster forms a natural line at eye level, with the flush-mounted electronics right in the centre where the driver wants to see them. Gerrand, himself a keen fisherman, has not stinted on the space available for electronics, either: there's ample room to accommodate at least one of the new, larger combination units.
Buccaneer has also installed a Quick rope/chain anchor system in that new foredeck locker and the control for that is handily positioned to the left of the steering wheel.
The seating configuration on the 565 Classic XL is pretty standard: single pedestal to starboard for the skipper, a back-to-back on the port side and aft corner seats, the port one being removable and providing access to the transom walk-through.
This arrangement provides seating for five. Those wanting an extra seat can opt for a removable bin seat that sits just behind the helm.
In a move sure to be welcomed by the safety-conscious, the 565 boasts new, higher cockpit coamings.
For those more interested in fishing, there is a large cockpit, rod holders set into the coamings and the option of a sizeable, transom-mounted bait board.
There is no shortage of stowage in this little boat, either.
There is a moulded wet locker immediately behind the generous 165-litre fuel tank, the standard moulded side trays along each side and further lockers built into the transom.
More stowage can be found under the king/queen passenger seats, under the helm pedestal seat and in good-sized shelves conveniently placed for both front passenger and skipper.
The battery, oil tank and cut-off switch are in the centre under the engine well.
A rigid frame bimini/rocket launcher is another popular option. It provides ample headroom for most adults and protection from the sun. It can also be folded down for those with restricted height in their garage.
The 565 can be easily powered by a 115hp outboard, although petrol heads, those keen on skiing and those with diving buddies will possibly feel more comfortable with the recommended maximum of 150hp.
With a 150hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard, there is no shortage of power right throughout the rev range.
The 565 planes quickly and enjoys excellent throttle response when required to power into a steep harbour chop.
It also reaches just over 45 knots at 5900rpm, a more than respectable figure for what is basically a standard family cabin boat.
Those familiar with the 550 will not be surprised by the 565's performance; after all, below the waterline nothing has changed.
The Classic still features a 23-degree hull, two strakes running along each side, flat chines and a central running plank that tapers away as it runs for'ard.
This is a hull designed to perform well in the roughish water we Kiwis often encounter on our way home. So it tends to give a soft and pleasant ride, generally landing straight off the waves.
A high windscreen keeps the wind to a minimum and the chines keep the spray away from the windscreen.
Contact Marine editor Mike Rose on (09) 483 8284; (021) 735 015 or mrpr@xtra.co.nz.
