Article from Propeller magazine Issue Aug/Sept 2001
What he needed was something to fill the gap between the 605 and 720 and offer all the best attributes of both for a general all-purpose family cabin boat. The new 635 Exess should fill that slot nicely. Gerrand didn't have to look far for the right size hull to start from as he already had it under the 635 Esprite and the 635 Billfisher. Starting with a well-proven hull also meant he didn't have to spend a lot of time and finance on designing and building a new mould. In fact he was so happy with the existing '635' hull that no changes were made.
Everything
above the gunwale and inside is totally new and while it's obvious there's
a lot of traditional Buccaneer ideas in the layout and styling, there's
also a number of innovative features that set it apart from other models
in the Buccaneer range. The development of the 635 stems from a lot of ideas from the original 605 Executive and the later 605 Elite and 605 Escape models, but with improvements. It is part of the continual process at Buccaneer that sees new model development every year, that is more than just a revamp either cosmetically or in layout of an existing model. The 635 is effectively a complete new model, albeit based on an existing hull. However that's where any similarity to any other Buccaneer stops and it is certainly not just an enlarged 605. The 635 Exess is not just longer than the 605, it's dimensionally bigger all round and provides a lot more space both in the cabin and cockpit. Interestingly the 635 Exess has a lockable cabin, something that comes with the Billfisher series, but has not been available with the 605 or 720.
Lock-Up
Buccaneer wanted to give people the choice of a large open cabin and yet provide a lock-up situation that you would normally only find in a lot larger trailerboat. They created the open plan style with their 605 and 720, but with the 635 Exess have recognised the demand for enclosed cabins.
The cabin is spacious and airy and in no way feels closed-in when the curved sliding door is shut. What it does however is provide the necessary privacy for anyone using the toilet and also means you have somewhere to secure your gear when you're away from the boat.
The bunk bases are one unit with moulded recessed bins for storage under both sides. Wide side trays feature thickly padded backrests, with the upholstery backboards now formed from the more durable Starboard. The plush patterned fabrics on the squabs bring some lively relief to the grey flexmate cabin linings.
Externally the cabin doesn't seem that large, but once inside you soon appreciate the volume. There is sitting headroom right through to the forward squab, which is essential anyway considering that's where the chemical toilet is mounted. A standard feature of the 635 Exess, the chemical toilet is removed for cleaning, although you do have the option of an electric loo, with or without a holding tank if you prefer something more permanent.
The 635 Exess has seen a lift in the level of trim and finish in Buccaneers. You may have to open the lockers and look at the way the internal mouldings and edges are finished or peer under the squabs to see intricately moulded bins, but the attention to detail is impressive.
Buccaneer have not only upgraded their level of trim, they have also changed from the common grey to ivory coloured vinyls, which are more balanced towards the hulls' gelcoat finish.
This higher level of trim is also carried through to hardware, from the stainless steel surround at the base of the removable ski-pole to the recessed cleats, navigation lights and oval style Italian handrails. Starboard polymer has replaced teak on the coamings and even the rod holders have been upgraded.
240 Litre Tank
Storage in the cockpit is excellent, with moulded side panels designed for rods and gaffs, but with a wide enough lower tray for a heap of other gear, such as wakeboards and waterskis. There are a couple of side shelves as well as a glovebox to keep your cellphone dry! The helm seat pedestal provides good storage with a convenient aft-opening door and there is enough space under the back-to-backs for dive tanks. Provision has also been made for a small fridge to be fitted in the front of the moulded base.
Not forgetting the rear bin seat which has loads more storage space and is the obvious place to stow the wet gear after a dive or even better, the day's catch. One of the new side-opening SoPac flush-mounted hatches opens to another space, which we used for ropes and fenders. There is an open area behind the 240 litre underfloor fuel tank, which can also be used for wet storage.
Buccaneer
have plans for a moulded unit for this space which will stop things falling
back around the bilge pump. If you go for the optional ultra long range
300 litre tank, then that extra space is forfeited. Twin batteries, oil
tank, BEP battery cut-off switches and washdown pump are all tucked away
in a separate locker behind the rear seat.You can have any seating layout you like, as long as it's the one that comes with the boat! A back-to-back on the port side, single pedestal to starboard and removable bin seat aft provides a format that has been designed to cater for the space, comfort and storage requirements of the average fisherman, diver and family boatie. I liked the fact that the helm seat comes standard with a sliding base so you can place it right where it's best for you to drive.
A lot of emphasis went into the design of the dash and it's something of a statement in the 635 Exess. It is a separate moulded unit, complete with burr elm accents behind all the gauges and switch panels. Everything has been placed to be either easily accessible or easily readable. 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. Our test boat was fitted with a Humminbird sounder, but there's enough space to take even larger combination units such as the Furuno 1850. Even the positioning of the VHF and CD player has come in for special attention, with the base of the moulded unit angled slightly upwards for better access. A Muir rope/chain anchor system allows all the anchoring chores to be carried out from the helm, so there is no need to go forward at all. If you do find the need, then a large Weaver hatch in the foredeck provides access from the cabin. An exceptionally large anchor locker is capable of handling a serious amount of tackle.
Tough in the Rough
The 635 Exess with its deep 21 degree hull is able to handle both moderate chop and reasonably nasty seas without a problem. The running surface has two strakes per side with a double chine arrangement and a wide ski plank down the keel. The full bow sections really part the swells when running into them and in the following sea you'll feel in full control with no bow steering.
I have experienced both the Billfisher and Esprite versions of this boat in both calm and very rough water and the new Exess is equally as good.
For the test we had an Evinrude 150 Ficht Ram, which topped out at 44.5 mph @ 5200 rpm. This is the lowest recommended power option and personally I would like to have seen it with 200hp or even 225hp. It is a big boat after all, and from experience I know that the more the power, the better this hull handles. As a comparison, 200hp will up the speed to around 50mph and from 225hp you can expect better than 55mph.
The 635 uses a lot more mouldings than the current 605 and Buccaneer have chosen to stay with the traditional glassed-over-plywood cockpit floor, with timber stringers as found in the 605 and 720. The 635 Esprite and Billfishers all utilise fully moulded self draining GRP cockpit liners, but as a boat such as the 635 Exess will more than likely have a fully carpeted cockpit anyway, Gerrand felt it wasn't necessary.
Visually the 635 makes a statement right from the window line to the recessed foredeck hatch styling. It is a new look for Buccaneer and could very well be the forerunner of a total style change for the company. The lockable cabin may not be for everyone, but it does provide a positive aspect to the layout of the boat, that with very little effort or cost, could be made into a comfortable overnighter.
Buccaneer 635 Exess
Model 635 Exess
Designer Gerry Gerrand
Material GRP
Type Cabin
LOA 6.76m
LOH 6.32m
Beam 2.42m
Deadrise 21 degrees
Engine Capacity 150 - 225 hp
Power Options outboard only
Fuel Capacity 240 litres
CPC Rated Yes
Manufacturer
Buccaneer Boats, Box 10433, Te Rapa, Hamilton, Ph 07 849 7129,
Fax 07 849 7389,