Improved performance and superior styling generally adds up to higher price-tag. But Buccaneer have bucked that trend with their second generation 530 Esprite XL.

Whenever you can make improvements to an already popular boat and cut the cost in the process, you’re onto a winner. That’s what Buccaneer have achieved with their 530 Esprite XL – a clearly superior second generation boat with a price-tag $2500 cheaper than the model it succeeds.

Buccaneer runabouts have long been regarded as some of the most eye-catching trailer boats on New Zealand’s waters; the smooth styling and sweeping lines are instantly recognisable. The re-modelled 530 Esprite - powered by a 130hp Yamaha saltwater series two-stroke outboard - holds true to that pedigree with Buccaneer DNA running strongly in this latest offering. The broad blue colour band on the topsides and the distinctive ivory white deck are finished to a high level gloss, making for a striking first impression sitting on its single axle DMW Premium Series galvanized trailer, complete with alloy wheels.

Soon we were off in a moderate but building easterly, headed for the calmer reaches of the upper Waitemata Harbour with a couple of young blokes keen to test the rig’s towing abilities with wakeboards and skis.

Standard equipment and stoage includes:

A 90 litre alloy under-floor fuel tank sits dead centre of the under floor area, in the optimal position to effect trim, particularly “out of the hole”. Fore and aft of that are drained stowage areas for bulky objects such as dive cylinders. Fibreglass non-skid foot rests for both driver and passenger sit just behind a large storage area in the bows. A curved half bulkhead prevents the tendency of gear migrating south into the cockpit area while underway. There is also ample stowage for life jackets and safety equipment under the squabs of the back to back seats. Water skis, fishing rods or any other long items can be stowed in side pockets along with the standard equipment light pole. A shallow anchor locker is accessed through the center opening wrap around screen. A functional looking bow sprit and roller fairlead complete the set up. The back to back seats are plush upholstered in two-tone marine vinyl in a neutral colour scheme with marine carpeted floor. Built into the transom are small boarding platforms, one of which is mounted with a stainless steel telescopic boarding ladder. The removable stainless ski pole is a standard item.

Performace:

Ergonomically, the seating position is easily one of the best I have used. Under hard throttle and tight turns the heavily upholstered seats lock you in securely. All round visibility through the curved screen is excellent. Wheel and engine controls fall to hand comfortably. Yamaha digital gauges are easily read in the faux burl walnut look dash panel. The boat tracks impeccably in hard turns with not a hint of breaking out or cavitation. The Yamaha 130HP Saltwater series was ample to launch both our skier and wake boarder onto the plane with minimal effort. A 17” prop had the engine at the rev limited maximum of 6200rpm trimmed out at full throttle. There was no sign of chine walk or unpredictability. Noise levels are pleasantly low. Normal conversation was possible even at wide open throttle. When low speed manoevering, the flexibility is there to fully stand or perch on top of the back rests and operate the boat. The all stainless Steerflex cable steering is light and responsive at any trim setting. Propeller torque was almost non-existent.

Boating’s verdict

The big winner with this boat is the end user. Smart use of the latest manufacturing technology has not only enabled the price to come down, but put a better boat in the hands of buyers. As Wade Gerrand commented: “The brief was to manufacture the boat cheaper, but our dealers and customers are amazed at how much better the boat is.” Anyone in the market for a family friendly runabout with superior styling and performance should have the Buccaneer 530 Esprite XL on their shortlist.

Sidebar Performance

RPM 1500 - 7 MPH

RPM 2500 - 10 MPH

RPM 3000 - 14 MPH

RPM 3500 - 20 MPH

RPM 4000 - 28 MPH

RPM 4500 - 32 MPH

RPM 5000 - 37 MPH

RPM 5500 - 41 MPH

RPM 6000 - 45 MPH

RPM 6200 - 47 MPH