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Buccaneer vs Relfex Chianti 485

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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Buccaneer vs Relfex Chianti 485
    Posted: 08 Mar 2022 at 10:22am
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A friend is looking to buy a boat for just him and his wife for fishing in the Manukau. Any feedback on these boats?  I imagine they would be pretty similar.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Malcolm in the Middle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2022 at 12:56pm
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What model Buccaneer are you looking at?
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2022 at 2:46pm
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All I know is it's the same size as the Reflex a 485 I think
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Bounty Hunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2022 at 5:51pm
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i think the question is too simple.

the package and purchase needs to be assessed in a broader sense.

what is the motor like - age, hours, maintenance history, perceived 'strength of brand'

trailer looked at in the same light - although im not sure if there are preferable brands here?

the hull - what ever suits them really - although i feel that reflex is a bit of a south island lake brand - and buccaneer is better regarded up here - as well as being closer to the factory if you need their support
No disintegrations!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Kandrew Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2022 at 8:37pm
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Originally posted by smudge smudge wrote:

All I know is it's the same size as the Reflex a 485 I think
It will be either a 495 classic or a 525, both excellent boats.

Buccaneer will have a far better resale than the reflex so you will pay more for it and they need more hp, 495 at least 90hp but more 115 and the 525 will need 115 to 140hp.

Both good boats on the water, the 485 buccaneer is a big volume boat may have more room in the cabin and the 525 comes in the billfisher, no carpet setup for fishing.

I like the 525 buccaneer great boat.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2022 at 8:49pm
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Yes absolutely depends on the total boat package as is always the case when buying 2nd hand. My understanding is that neither of these boats have inherent issues with regard to ride & stability. Is that a fair call? Reading between the lines my friend wants a boat that's easy to launch, is reasonably good in a Manukau short chop and stable enough at rest to not scare his wife. My advice is to go with the package with the best motor and trailer. Fair call? I have only been on one Billfisher, maybe another Buccaneer years ago so not to familiar and have never been on a Reflex
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Kevin.S Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Mar 2022 at 2:08pm
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Our last boat was a Buccaneer 510, really nice boat.  We looked at quite a few similar sized boats at the time and this was a better size than some we looked at.  Room in the cabin for two people to sit opposite each other.  It had a 90hp on it which we found plenty of power for the harbour.  Was OK for solo launch and retrieve.  Don't have anything bad to say about it, only changed because we had the opportunity to buy a new boat that was big enough to go out over the bar. 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Mar 2022 at 5:07am
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Thanks Kevin
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote yellafin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Mar 2022 at 4:24pm
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What about a 485 Haines Hunter? Use to own one. It was a great little boat and only needs a 60/70 to push it along. 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Mar 2022 at 7:32pm
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Thanks Yellafin, I'll pass that on
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Kandrew Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Mar 2022 at 9:36pm
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The figlass dominator is another good boat to look at if the budget is limited.

One other thing smudge if they are looking at new boats the reflex boats are now made in China.
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