The Buccaneer 605 has, in various guises, been a hugely successful and
long-running model for the Hamilton-based trailer boat manufacturer. But while the excellent deep-vee hull has always been the star, the company has been sure to move with the times, regularly updating the 605 to keep it relevant in today’s market.
The latest developments are embodied in this boat; a new Buccaneer 605 Exeed, this one featuring a fresh new colour scheme with attractive seafoam green gelcoat sides. It rides on a stylish Enduro dual-axle override-braked trailer with colour-coordinated mudguards and alloy wheels, contributing to a visually appealing and well-integrated package.
Changes to the new model are subtle but significant. They include, among others, modifications to the deck, cabin and liner mouldings, the transom arrangement, and seating. In this latest iteration of the 605, Buccaneer has incorporated several features from other models in its range, including the port locker from the 615/575 and larger seat bases with more storage, which means that this is the first 605 fitted with an optional fridge. The seating option is also new—off-the-shelf, forward-facing swivelling Captain’s seats with bolsters, and lower, rear-facing seats with storage under the bases. Pedestal seats are also offered.
The 605’s profile is subtly altered by a recessed chainplate, a more upright windscreen with new wingbacks (to allow more space atop the new dashboard for a compass or similar), and a more steeply raked sheerline at the transom. I’ll address some of the other changes as we come to them.
Powering the boat is a 175hp Mercury Pro XS engine, promising strong performance on the water. This is a V6 model fitted with SeaStar hydraulic steering and old-school mechanical, cable-actuated throttle and shift. As reviewed, the rig weighs in at around 1670kg on the trailer.
The 605 Exeed is something of an all-rounder. It’s well suited to family boating but also fishing with a bunch of mates. A canvas and stainless steel bimini top provides shelter, and there are new rebates below the screen line for the clears. The canvas is easy to remove for trailering, and the stainless steel frame, which includes a rocket launcher for fishing rod transport, folds down for garaging.
The transom has been updated with a separate locker for the battery switches, plus incidental storage, and a hinged fibreglass panel on compression latches protecting the floor-mounted batteries, one house and one start. This replaces the old domed vinyl curtain from the previous model. The bait tank on the port side also gets an upgrade with a large window inboard to easily monitor live bait health. The washdown hose also attaches to the pump outlet inside the bait tank.
Another transom change since the previous model is the rebated transom rod holders designed to accept a new, twin-leg bait board. The drop-in ski pole can also accommodate a bait board if you prefer. As is usual with Buccaneer, the large rear bench seat/fibreglass bin can be removed if not required, freeing up cockpit space for fishing and allowing easier access to the large wet locker under the floor. The cockpit drains through an optional large central scupper with a stainless steel grille via a lift-out strainer designed to trap fish scales, fishing line, and other debris before it gets to the bilge pump. Side pockets and rod racks under the gunwales accommodate fishing rods and other long items, and there are four flush, through-coaming rod holders.
A premium option fitted to the review boat is the Flexiteek used on the cockpit sole and coamings. While more expensive than closed-cell foam floor coverings, Flexiteek is longer lasting and more hard-wearing. It should last the life of the boat, says Buccaneer Boat’s Wade Gerrand, and if it gets marked or dirty over time, it can be sanded back just like real teak. The review boat featured Flexiteek (bleach/grey) the colour of pale sand, which went very nicely with the boat’s colour scheme inside—different shades of grey, tan, and white gelcoat and vinyl upholstery and trim in the cockpit with black and gold fabric used in the front cabin.
The forward cabin is relatively spacious and functional. It features infills that convert the area into a comfortable berth, making it suitable for resting or sleeping. There is provision for installing a toilet underneath the infill squabs, with a privacy curtain an option.
The cabin includes a large hatch on the foredeck, which facilitates easy access to the forepeak and the anchor. The anchor locker provides ample room for storing the chain and warp. A Maxwell capstan raises and lowers the MaxSet 4 stainless steel anchor. Overall, the forward cabin is thoughtfully laid out to maximise usability, comfort, and storage capacity.
We launched the boat into Tauranga Harbour and headed outside, past the Mount to shoot drone photography and video, hoping to beat the forecast weather change later in the day. We got lucky, enjoying early sunshine and reasonably flat water close to Matakana Island, though the wind and sea built steadily through the day as the clouds rolled in.
The 605 Exeed impresses with its quiet, dry, and supremely comfortable ride. The unique split/stepped chine does an excellent job of turning down spray, and the deep-vee hull cuts cleanly through the chop. In the turns, the 605 feels assured, while at rest it’s surprisingly stable, helped no doubt by a generous beam.
Throttle response is excellent, and the Pro XS 175 feels eager to please. With four adults onboard and the 160-litre underfloor fuel tank three-quarters full, we cruised comfortably at 25 knots, only dialling back a little later in the day as sea conditions deteriorated. The prop selection means the boat holds the plane at low speeds, which is an advantage in rough conditions, something we could judge for ourselves negotiating the steep pressure waves caused by the tide ripping out past the harbour entrance. Top speed with this engine is in excess of 40 knots, says Wade, but we didn’t test it on the day.
The 605’s new dashboard now has room for a 16-inch MFD, in this case a premium Garmin unit, with space left over for a new switch panel by Loom-A-Tech—you can change the colours on it, and it’s Bluetooth compatible—a GME VHF radio and Fusion stereo (speakers tucked in forward under the gunwales) and a USB outlet. Other controls and switches (capstan, rotary control for the new indicator panel above the main display) are arranged alongside the new moulded dashboard.
The helm area is really very tidy with everything nice and easy to reach, seated or standing, an adjustable helm seat, moulded footrest and good vision from the helm. The wiring looms by Loom-A-Tech are customised so the setup behind the dashboard is very neat and tidy, with a moulded cover that drops down for a clean appearance. This vessel features LED cockpit lights, including a floodlight, LED transom lights, and underwater lights.
A notable highlight of this model is the introduction of the new Humphree Lightning trim system (see sidebar), which promises handling benefits and ease of use. This is the first such system fitted to a New Zealand-built boat, and it was still undergoing fine-tuning, but it delivered a seamless driving experience, taking away any need to adjust engine trim when underway or fiddle with trim tabs to compensate for sea conditions, boat loading, or passenger movements onboard. Operating in automatic mode, it delivered
a stable and comfortable ride.
The Buccaneer 605 was always a great boat, and the latest edition is no different. The 605 Exeed, as reviewed here, keeps all the best attributes of its predecessors but lifts its game with an updated interior, refreshed styling, and more of the features customers have come to expect in 2025. And with that stunning colour scheme and meticulous build quality, she’s quite a looker as well.
