Buckler 23' / 24': information sought

[Rachael]

I'm looking for information on a "Buckler". All I know for certain at this stage is that it was 23' or 24' long and has a centre cockpit... and that the one that's come to my attention was, at some stage (and aside from being sunk by the sea-scouts), twin-masted.

It's not the Islander (which appears to have been by the same people but was much shorter) but might (speculating) be a MkI or MkII. The only potentially relevant links I can find (anywhere) are these:

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F156098
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8810

The Buckler in question may well have been extensively remodelled... not least with a single 24' mast and inboard, 5HP diesel engine... but I'd appreciate any and all observations on the design of this craft.

[Rachael]

http://www.boatshop24.com/images/bootsbilder/images_64/s8/1517864gross.jpg

http://www.boatshop24.com/web/en/werften/s/b/bucklershand/1569433.htm
http://www.boatshop24.com/web/en/werften/s/b/bucklershand/1517864.htm

[Rachael]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2741581133_650ce9f743.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2742421124_17b0f89666.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2742421128_7cd8df2bcf.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2742421134_8af7b57c19.jpg

[mr curious]

ha he ha - blue peter?

that design is just calling out for a "junk rig".

imho
..

[Butch .H]

Man what :D :D :D :D it is junked:D

[Rachael]

This one's a tad better...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2744096971_e4a54450ba_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2744934192_be00e25b12_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2744097861_33ab839de0_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2744098369_27838e31c6_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2744098789_ec3ee65fb5_o.jpg

[Butch .H]

No dont get me wrong I would love to have one of them.Prefrably a junked on for a re-build. Man they are so ugly thats what makes them cute:D

[mr curious]

but seriously... :D

i like it, particularly the livin space

:?:

[Butch .H]

A chicken coop an dog kennel and a trailer park home:P

[Rachael]

i like it, particularly the livin spaceI'm struck by how bright the rear cabin can be: many "prettier" boats are rather more like caves below-decks... and those six large windows certainly get used to good effect in the one example above.

Having seen the rough and ready one in the flesh (albeit without having yet gained access to the cabins) I get the impression that turning the cockpit into a cabin as shown in the red Buckler would be essential... if only to avoid wet dashes to the toilet / foreward cabin.No dont get me wrong I would love to have one of them.Prefrably a junked on for a re-build. Man they are so ugly thats what makes them cute:DThe photo of the boat at sea with 4 sails up is quite inspiring... but "Tigga" currently has a bermuda-rig that might not be as striking no matter HOW much work is done on everything else.

What anyone taking one on would have to take to is the mid-cockpit sailing position: you get a very clear view of the sails and of where you are going... but lose that spectacular outlook along the full length of the boat that we get used to with more conventional vessels.

The cockpit is also very deep: having grown up dangling over the edge of dingies I might find that (as well as the wheel rather than a tiller) a bit disappointing...

[Butch .H]

What are the asking for old Tigga.A good clean up will probebly reveal she is not in bad shape.Although no boat is work free even if the boat is free:D

[Rachael]

What are the asking for old Tigga.The registered owner passed away earlier this year and the family isn't really sure what she's worth.... so are basically open to offers. It's a bit difficult to make any judgement without seeing inside the cabins... but the keys have finally been located - so watch this space!A good clean up will probebly reveal she is not in bad shape.Although no boat is work free even if the boat is free:DThe GRP isn't in bad shape: just one ventilation cap broken. The windows need replacing, but that's no big deal. The front mooring point was wooden, and came up through the GRP... and it's rotted away: not good, but maybe no big deal either.

The engine is water cooled and was rebuilt in 2007 after the head and one cylinder were cracked by frost. So long as the frost didn't get it this last (fortunately very mild) winter it should be fine (although the propeller may be too big for the engine). What little I could see of the wiring (very little) didn't inspire confidence... but it was all working in some fashion last summer!

The real unknown is the interior: I'll post photos once I've got some!

[Butch .H]

Yes please let us know what you find.It will be interesting. I think you could dress a boat like that up realy nicely:)

[mr curious]

how sea worthy is the Buckler?

[Rachael]

The Buckler appears to have been designed for use at sea. They are pretty substantial boats and the deep, covered centre cockpit / wheelhouse strikes me as thought up with big swells in mind - you are a LOT more enclosed and protected than on a more conventional yacht.

The draft appears to be somewhere between 1.06m and 1.1m (around 42"). They are 2.5m (over 8') wide, and the two for which I have details weigh 1,600 kg /1800Kg (3,500-4,000 lbs). The same two Bucklers have 9hp / 10hp inboard diesels an with four sails it seems that 24-27 square meters of sail could be hoisted.

I get the impression the thing would be pretty uninspiring and tub-like in light winds on sheltered waters... but would probably come to life when crashing through the waves with strong winds and tides to ride.

[mr curious]

sounds good to me.

it's so different i like it. strange but true...

:)

[Rachael]

The real unknown is the interior: I'll post photos once I've got some!Well... the interior is a mess! At the very least it needs cleaning up, rubbing down, painting and some tlc... but if I were taking it on Id be tempted to strip it back to the GRP shell and start again.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2765612980_7f6d37cb23.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2764767107_d3bc14bcda.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2764766177_7e7c1a4a63.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2764766049_9c0fcdb427.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2764766319_b7ba2aa0f6.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2764766595_26a1893e70.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2765612670_17abd7e274.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2765612796_825931cb2a.jpg

ps. I'm guessing that this is a Mark I and that the Buckler in the other photos is a Mark II: this one certainly has a far less appealing accomodation arrangement in the real cabin.

[BHOFM]

It needs a lot.. LOT of TLC, but I see a lot of potential as
well!

Our Catalina 25 looked almost that bad, it had been out
of service for 10 years and we had to cut the locks off, they
had no idea where they might be? Had to have new tires
on the trailer just to get it home! The wife was not a happy
camper when she saw it the first time! I bought it while she
was out of town!

[Rachael]

I've decided that this beast would not actually be right for us even if completely refitted, not least because we'lll want to operate the boat from a trailer.

I've a friend who might take it on... but if not, it will be up for grabs!

When I consider the best interests of my partner (novice), daughter (not yet 4) and dog (collie, yet to be trained as competent crew) I am inclining towards something more like your Catalina 25... though for myself I'd perhaps forget the cruising comforts and go for something more fun for day-sailng, like a Soling, a Sonar or even a diddy thing like a Stratos.

Sadly, no one boat is going to be the answer for us.. :(

[Butch .H]

Dont give up I found my boats found me;)

[mr curious]

don't give up!

i dig the cozy factor of that cabin.

consider a little diesel heater for the inclement weather of the UK, it would certainly be on my list for your buckler.

she will be like a lounge on water.

:cool:

[Butch .H]

LOL Yup Mr C you rule you cinical old sod:D :D :D :D :D

[Meanz Beanz]

I know nuthin... but the hull line very much reminds me of Mr Roberts "Spray" line of boats.

http://www.bruceroberts.com

:D

[fredez]

Hi,

we have a buckler, are living in DK. and operate the boat from a trailer, just bought it for 2 month ago for 250£.

[Butch .H]

Nice:)

[Martin.1967]

I´ve bought one of them some days before last christmas. There is a lot of refit to do. They built that boats, I think, only for five years, beginning 1975. The fixtion of the masts is terrible. But the GFK is strong. It will be a long job to get new life into my boat. It´s so cracy, that it`s good. A special, different, slow, unconfortable, small "ship", that has always fascinated me. I hope, one day, mine will look as good as the blue and the red one. These days it´s still near to the "Tigga"...

[Rachael]

Well... Tigga is afloat! She seems to purr along quite reasonably under motor... though a full sailing test has yet to be attempted.

Photos and a report to follow... perhaps including (if it's attempted and survived) a coastal passage from Lowestoft to Harwich!

I'd be happier NOT supporting such a venture prior to a complete refit and extensive testing... but she needs removing from the broads before the costs of keeping her there bankrupt the friendly soul who has taken her on.

Anyone able to loan flares, a GPS and/or a liferaft, for a weekend please shout!

Edit: Following unexpected developments, Tigga is now safely moored on the Broads and will remain there for the remainder of the winter - which at least offers a bit of breathing space for finding a new home and testing her out a little :)

[Martin.1967]

Be carefull that the motor doesn´t pump up the boat with the coolingwater. In my Buckler the exhaust pipe was broken, so that the gas and the coolingwater came out...
Check the bilge pump, too! I´m looking forward to see some photos from your adventure.Good luck!

[alijhood]

wow! Any idea where the one in really bad shaped was stored? Was it norfolk? Also, did you buy the red one in the end? Why did the one in bad shape not have any heads?!

[alijhood]

also, fredez? Did you really mean £250?!

[fredez]

Yes, I really mean £250

[alijhood]

From where? would you recommend bucklers?

[fredez]

I don`t know anything about them, only what other people told me, that the Bucklers is a good sailer, but very very slow, ( the price was nice:-)

[alijhood]

great thanks fredez. Do you have any more pics of her? I am thinking to get one and would like some ideas, and yours looks so good.

[owene6]

Hello, i came across this thread on the net and just had to reply! myself and 3 friends this winter purchased a Buckler 24, also known as a buckler ketch, or buccaneer. we paid the small sum of £280, and shes full working and has all her sails and new upholstery. our one is also the buckler that was featured at the 1979 boat show. what amazes me most, is the amount of room on them! we have happily had 7 stay in the rear cabin! :)

[owene6]

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v372/119/61/594995157/n594995157_4572533_6477.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v795/119/61/594995157/n594995157_4876960_2213.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v795/119/61/594995157/n594995157_4876978_8190.jpg

shes now currently being turned black with a white deck, as the white gel coat is in such bad condition, we are hoping for the full pirate ship look! :)

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1968/119/61/594995157/n594995157_5455693_6333.jpg

[owene6]

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1968/119/61/594995157/n594995157_5455691_4729.jpg

this is a painting of ours that was commissioned in 1998 by the previous owner

[alijhood]

Great Pictures! Do you have any of the interior? did you really mean £280?!

[alijhood]

is it a bilge keeler? How does it sail?

[owene6]

i wil upload some pictures of the interior soon, well its a long story, it started at an asking price of £500, but myself and my friends thought we would try a cheeky offer of £300, and he simply said "im in a good mood, you can have it for £280" and that was it, done deal :D shes a single keel, under power she happily runs along at 5 knots, shes in need of a new antifoul and scrub so im hoping we could get a bit more out of her after this. we havent sailed her yet, but we shall before long, and will keep you posted!

[joebrindle]

I'm also in on the £280 buckler. I was wondering if anyone knew any history about this boat. Like how many it sold etc

[alan white]

Dunno much about the boat, but the spreaders need to be tilted up a few degrees. The shroud to spreader inside angles should be divided equally above and below the spreaders. Is that cockpit a bit wet sometimes? I'm also curious about the inside. Must be gigantic.

[alijhood]

anyone have a trailer I could buy for a beast like this?!

[owene6]

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v362/119/61/594995157/n594995157_4281383_2421.jpg

[owene6]

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs022.snc1/2646_134201385157_594995157_6013276_7169523_n.jpghttp://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs028.snc1/2654_134721290157_594995157_6028877_6791566_n.jpg

[owene6]

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2620/119/61/594995157/n594995157_6182486_6310491.jpghttp://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2620/119/61/594995157/n594995157_6182487_4897342.jpghttp://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2620/119/61/594995157/n594995157_6182488_7810723.jpghttp://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2620/119/61/594995157/n594995157_6182489_4563958.jpghttp://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2620/119/61/594995157/n594995157_6182490_5844308.jpg

[peter radclyffe]

Well... Tigga is afloat! She seems to purr along quite reasonably under motor... though a full sailing test has yet to be attempted.

Photos and a report to follow... perhaps including (if it's attempted and survived) a coastal passage from Lowestoft to Harwich!

I'd be happier NOT supporting such a venture prior to a complete refit and extensive testing... but she needs removing from the broads before the costs of keeping her there bankrupt the friendly soul who has taken her on.

Anyone able to loan flares, a GPS and/or a liferaft, for a weekend please shout!

Edit: Following unexpected developments, Tigga is now safely moored on the Broads and will remain there for the remainder of the winter - which at least offers a bit of breathing space for finding a new home and testing her out a little :)

Dear Rachael, please dont take this boat to sea, it's top heavy & not seaworthy, your child would be safer on the broads, it may look like a pirate ship but you can't play at sea with children

[pilotmike86]

hi does any one know where i can buy one of these boats from.
cheers
mike

[owene6]

hi, im not sure of any currently forsale, and i think most people have only found them by pure luck, id say your best bet is to look round some old boat yards and spread the word a bit that your looking, they seem to then just pop up.... goodluck!

[margod]

hello
some pics of my buckler at
http://sites.google.com/site/meinbuckler/
for some years i spent my holidays in croatia with my buckler. i also had really bad weather with short waves 2.5-3m. it was a bit wet in the cocpit but i felt very sure in the boat. it is not very fast ( with my 7hp vire engine max 5.5 knots ) but very sure. always have a look at the electrical bilge pump!!!!!!!!
my worst case was heavy storm with a broken exhaust (cooling water in the bilge) and the electrical pump did not work (good luck i had the mechanical pump as well).
have a lot of fun with your boats

[Rachael]

hi does any one know where i can buy one of these boats from.Tigga is sitting opposite our boat on the Yare and I suspect the owner would be delighted to hear that someone was interested in her: he seems less than convinced that he's made the right decision.

Dear Rachael, please dont take this boat to sea, it's top heavy & not seaworthyFear not: we settled on a Pandora :)

[Martin.1967]

Nice boat! It seems that you had a good holiday in Croatia. How large has been the crew? Your fotos will help me to rebuild my Buckler. I hope that can finish the total refit till next summer. In her second life she maybe better than before. Then I´ll try it on lake Neusiedl (as I come from Austria,too! :-) )
Have you already sold yours?

[owene6]

there is a chance that we have one coming up for sale, if anyones interested let me know, it has a fully working mini petter 6 engine, black hull and white deck, two new sails, and new interior.