Continuing the Legacy
For Buccaneer, the 635 Exess was created to fill a gap in the company’s lineup between smaller under 6-metre boats and larger offshore models, giving buyers a versatile option with more space and capability without sacrificing towability.
Over 25-years of production, the 635 went through various tweaks, and this new model having a number of changes which have been based on customer and dealer feedback. Most notably is an all-new deck mould and gone is the sliding door to the forward cabin, and while some people loved the feature, it is now restricted to the 635 hardtop model. Add to that, there is a new look dash, and other small subtle refinements throughout the boat.
At around 6.3 metres in hull length and 6.7 metres overall, the 635 Exeed is compact enough to remain trailer-friendly while still providing the volume and stability needed for coastal boating. The 2.42 metre beam gives it a relatively wide stance for a boat of this size, which translates directly into better stability both at rest and underway.
A hall-mark of the 635 is its hull design and is arguably one of the best performing hulls in its category. It uses a 21-degree deadrise at the transom, a configuration that strikes a balance between soft riding in rough water and stability when stationary.
The 635 features a fully constructed bow to stern, gunnel to gunnel fibreglass hull liner, complete with fibreglass top hat stringer system. Add to that, the hull is foam-filled with closed-cell polyurethane, which enhances buoyancy, reduces noise, and improves safety by providing flotation even in adverse situations. In practice, this design gives the boat a solid, quiet ride and the ability to handle choppy conditions with confidence.
Our late, former editor Barry Thompson was a huge fan of the 635. In fact he had a 635 Esprite model for a number of years.
The Buccaneer 635 hull was a proven design he knew well from long-term ownership, and would often highlight its good handling, smooth ride, and notably dry performance thanks to its full bow shape and regarded the 635 hull as a highly capable, reliable, and well-refined design, forming a strong foundation for the boat.
Layout
The cockpit layout is one of the boat’s most best features. It offers a large, open working area that is ideal for fishing, diving, or general kiwi boating. High coamings provide a sense of security, particularly for families with children or when moving around in rough seas.
The seating arrangement is flexible, and includes a removable transom bench seat with storage – simply leave in if you are doing water sports and family boating for the day, or leave at home if you want to free up cockpit space for fishing.
The seating configuration on our test boat was the traditional back-to-back with storage underneath – notable a fridge was fitted under the port side seating. Alternatively, you can have single pedestal seats, or a mixture of both.
Side pockets on both sides of the cockpit also house rod racks, and there is a large wet locker under the floor. In the transom there is a separate locker for battery switches and general storage. To port is a live-bait tank with a window, with a washdown hose tap fitted inside. There is provision for a ski pole, while a bait board can also be fitted in its place.
Above, a Targa top provides protection from the sun and can easily be lowered for garage storage or towing to and from the ramp – alternatively a traditional collapsible bimini top is also offered.
Inside the forward cabin, there is an offering of two long bunks (around 2 metres in length) that can be converted into a double berth with an infill cushion. A chemical toilet is typically installed beneath the central cushion, and there is enough sitting headroom for occupants to relax out of the weather.
Performance
The 635 hull is rated up to 250hp with our test boat fitted with a Mercury 200hp V6. With two people aboard and a half load of fuel, we managed 43-knots at 5800rpm using 55L/H. 20-25 knots cruise and the fuel consumption was around 18-20L/H giving a range of around 240 nautical miles.
Fitted to 635 was the new Lenco Pro Control Auto tab/trim system which is an automated trim tab system that adjusts the boat’s trim continuously in response to speed, load, and sea conditions. It helps keep the hull level, improving stability, reducing bow rise on acceleration, and making the ride more consistent without needing constant manual input from the helm.
In practice, it reduces the workload on the skipper by automatically finding an efficient running attitude and maintaining it as conditions change. The result is smoother handling and improved comfort in varied conditions, particularly when weight distribution or sea state shifts during a trip.
The Buccaneer 635 Exeed, with its deep 21-degree deadrise hull, is designed to handle a wide range of conditions, from moderate chop through to more demanding offshore seas.
Its running surface features twin strakes per side, a double chine layout, and a wide keel ski plank, all working together to improve stability and lift. The full bow sections help the boat punch cleanly through oncoming swell, maintaining momentum and comfort.
In following seas, the hull tracks predictably with a strong sense of control and minimal bow steering. Overall, the design delivers a confident, settled ride that balances offshore capability with everyday usability.
Our test day conditions threw a little bit of everything at us, and we managed to put the new 635 through its paces in some blustery and choppy conditions on the entrance to the Tamaki Estuary.
The Lenco Pro Control system kept the boat level and true no matter what direction you approached the chop, and we managed to keep the spray down as well.
While not replacing your ability to drive the boat, it certainly adds another layer of technology which can enhance the boating experience.
At the helm, seat is adjustable with a lift-up bolster in the base which allows you to stand and drive (which I did given our water conditions) and the windscreen provides plenty protection from the wind.
Looking down at the helm, you are immediately drawn to the whopping 16-inch Garmin MFD which is built into the new-look dashboard. Below that is the sleek Loom-A-Tech switch panel that offers Bluetooth connectivity and customisable colour options. While there is also the Fusion stereo system, a GME VHF radio, and the control to the Lenco trim system over to the right.
The Buccaneer 635 Exeed continues the long-running success of the 635 hull, which is widely regarded as a proven, highly capable design with a soft ride, good handling, and a notably dry performance. While the new model isn’t a radical redesign, it refines the formula with customer-driven updates like improved layout options, a reworked cabin access, and modernised helm electronics and controls.
The hull itself remains the standout feature, with its 21-degree deadrise and foam-filled construction delivering stability, comfort, and confidence in a range of conditions. Combined with practical cockpit design and strong offshore performance, the Exeed builds on the reputation of its predecessor rather than replacing it in spirit.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 6.76m
Beam 2.42m
Deadrise 21 degree
Trailerable Weight 1840kg
HP Range 150-250hp
Fuel Capacity 240L
Test Power Mercury 200hp V6
