Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster entered production in 1978 and continued until 1981, with approximately 79 units built. Gulfstar Yachts, founded in 1970 by Vince Lazzara and Richard Valdez, quickly became a significant manufacturer of fiberglass boats. Lazzara, having previously co-founded Columbia Yachts, aimed to create a new line of cruising boats with Gulfstar, focusing on versatile designs that made cruising more attainable for a broader market.

While early Gulfstar models sometimes faced scrutiny regarding workmanship, the company's design philosophy evolved toward a "balanced approach" over time, leading to improvements in construction and performance. The 47 Sailmaster, as a later model, benefits from this maturation, embodying Gulfstar's emphasis on practical cruising characteristics. These vessels were offered with both sloop and ketch rigs, though the ketch configuration is frequently encountered.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster is characterized by its substantial build, designed for comfortable cruising rather than high-performance racing. With a displacement of 38,000 pounds and a waterline length of 40.5 feet, its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 255 places it firmly in the category of a moderately heavy, traditional cruiser, emphasizing stability and load-carrying capacity. The sail area to displacement ratio, around 11.12, suggests that while she is capable of respectable performance, particularly upwind for a cruising boat, she will require a decent breeze to get moving efficiently and is not optimized for light-air speed. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.276 indicates a solid, stable platform, though owners might find she benefits from reefing relatively early in stronger winds to maintain comfort and control, reflecting her design emphasis on stability over ultimate stiffness. The combination of a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder contributes to predictable handling and good directional stability, especially important for offshore passages. Overall, the Gulfstar Sailmaster 47 is noted as a "moderate performer that favors comfort over speed, stability over agility."

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster is designed for liveability and extended cruising comfort, making it a popular choice as a "practical liveaboard." The center-cockpit configuration allows for a spacious aft owner's cabin, which typically features a centerline queen-size berth and extensive storage, including numerous lockers and drawers. Forward of the main salon, there is usually a private guest stateroom, providing good separation and privacy for those aboard.

While the exact maximum headroom is not consistently listed, the overall impression from reviews and available layouts suggests a generous and cozy interior. The salon often provides ample seating for entertaining large groups, with space that can be customized to suit an owner's specific cruising needs. General interior finishes from this era of Gulfstar production tended towards practical materials, with later models showing improvements in construction and overall quality compared to earlier designs. Ventilation and light are typically provided by overhead hatches and portlights, common for cruising boats of its vintage.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster often highlight its solid construction and generous accommodations, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable entry into long-distance or "bluewater" cruising. Despite some initial perceptions of Gulfstar yachts that led to "grimaces" from segments of the sailing community, the 47 Sailmaster remains a popular choice among cruising motorsailer enthusiasts.

Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around the boat's practical layout and robust build, even if some older models may require a commitment to ongoing maintenance and upgrades. A recurring note for boats of this vintage, and sometimes specifically mentioned regarding Gulfstars, is the potential for leaks around original deck fittings and stanchion bases due to manufacturing practices of the era, suggesting that re-bedding these fixtures may be a necessary maintenance item. Despite these considerations, the enduring presence of these yachts on the water decades after their construction attests to their lasting appeal and the comfort and capability they offer as classic cruising platforms.