Purpose-Built, Owner-Operator, 78ft Pocket-Explorer

THE BRILLIANCE OF BUFFALO NICKEL IS ITS SIMPLICITY. EVERYTHING IS ENGINEERED TO WORK WITH THE SEA, NOT AGAINST IT
One of the most accomplished examples of a purpose-built, owner-operator explorer, BUFFALO NICKEL is now available for sale for the first time since her launch. Scroll through the owners’ blog at buffalonickelblog.com and a clear picture emerges of BUFFALO NICKEL in her element—crossing blue-water distances, anchoring in quiet coves, and settling into the steady cadence of life at sea. It’s a record of past voyages, but also a hint of what lies ahead. For the next owner, those entries feel less like an ending and more like an invitation to chart new horizons of their own.

PURPOSEFULLY ENGINEERED
BUFFALO NICKEL, an FPB 70 built by Circa Marine, is part of a design lineage unlike any other in long-range cruising. Conceived by ocean-crossing innovators Steve and Linda Dashew and built by Circa Marine in New Zealand, the FPB series was created around a singular mission: to allow experienced owners to cross oceans safely, efficiently, and comfortably without the need for a large crew or heavy-displacement expedition vessel. The FPB approach emphasizes intelligent hydrodynamics, an easily driven aluminum hull, a low center of gravity, and exceptional efficiency. Every system is laid out with clarity and redundancy. Rather than overpowering the sea, the FPB design works with it—moving predictably, operating economically, and giving owners confidence over long distances. The brilliance of BUFFALO NICKEL is its simplicity— everything is engineered to work with the sea, not against it. BUFFALO NICKEL embodies that philosophy completely. She is not a conversion or adaptation; she is a platform designed from the keel up for self-sufficient, real-world passagemaking.

PROVEN PERFORMANCE ACROSS OCEANS
Where many yachts advertise “passage-ready,” BUFFALO NICKEL provides hard proof. Her cruising history spans thousands of miles through the Pacific and into high-latitude regions where distance, weather, and autonomy truly matter. One of her most defining chapters was the owners’ passage from Japan across the North Pacific to the Aleutian chain and onward into southern Alaska. This demanding route tests planning, stability, and mechanical predictability. BUFFALO NICKEL completed it calmly and predictably—the hallmark of the FPB platform in real-world use. Her seasons in Alaska further showcased her strengths. Exploring destinations such as Prince William Sound, Southeast Alaska, and the Kenai Peninsula required range, comfort, and system reliability. BUFFALO NICKEL delivered all three, offering warm living spaces in cooler months, dependable motion underway, and the independence to remain away from marinas for extended periods. These experiences reinforced why the FPB program has become a benchmark for owner-operated passagemaking. Earlier chapters of her story include years throughout the South Pacific, Micronesia, Indonesia, and the archipelagos of Japan—waters that reward efficiency and preparedness. BUFFALO NICKEL proved consistently capable and reassuring across all of them.
CAPABILITY SHAPED BY COMFORT
Life aboard BUFFALO NICKEL reflects the thoughtful priorities of the FPB concept. The great room offers panoramic visibility ideal for watch-keeping or relaxation. The interior by Sylvia Bolton blends warmth with practicality, supporting comfortable extended stays aboard. Her solar capability reduces generator use, fostering quiet days on the hook. Mechanical spaces are arranged for straightforward access and maintenance—elements that matter deeply on long passages. Storage throughout the yacht is intelligently planned, making provisioning for longer journeys simple and efficient. Even small daily routines feel effortless aboard BUFFALO NICKEL, a testament to a design created for living well at sea. This is a yacht designed by people who truly go to sea, and refined by owners who did the same.
A RARE LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY
In a world where many long-range claims rely on brochures rather than experience, BUFFALO NICKEL distinguishes herself with a publicly documented cruising history. At buffalonickelblog.com, prospective buyers can follow her voyages as they happened, revealing how she performed offshore, at anchor, and through daily life aboard. Such openness is rare among ocean-going yachts. It stands as evidence of her capability, consistency, and thoughtful and proud ownership.
BUFFALO NICKEL
FOR SALE: YOURS TO COMMAND
Having spent decades voyaging on multiple vessels around the world, BUFFALO NICKEL’s owners are now ready for a land-based chapter. Their decision is not driven by necessity, but by readiness—a natural transition toward a new phase of life. With that choice, BUFFALO NICKEL is now offered for sale, marking a rare opportunity for a new owner to step directly into a yacht with proven capability and a distinguished pedigree.
BUFFALO NICKEL is not a traditional expedition vessel. It is something more refined and more efficient: a long-range, purpose-built, owner-operated explorer designed for those who want to travel far, travel smart, and travel confidently under their own command. This is not a hard sell—just a clear opening. If you have imagined crossing oceans… If you have longed for quiet anchorages beyond the usual routes… If you value independence, capability, and purposeful engineering… Then BUFFALO NICKEL is more than a listing.
She is available. She is proven. And she is ready for your next chapter.

