Gunfleet 58 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Gunfleet 58 is rooted in Richard Matthews' extensive experience in the yachting industry and his desire to create substantial cruising yachts with variable draft capabilities. Following his successful tenure at Oyster Yachts, Matthews founded Gunfleet Marine in 2010, assembling a core team of former Oyster specialists to realize his new vision. The Gunfleet 58, introduced in 2013, followed the brand's inaugural Gunfleet 43, expanding the model range with a larger, equally innovative offering.

Designed by the esteemed Tony Castro, the Gunfleet 58 embodies a philosophy centered on performance, versatility, and comfort for long-distance cruising. Castro's design incorporates a fixed ballast keel with a hydraulic centerboard, a signature Gunfleet feature that allows the yacht to reduce its draft significantly, from a maximum of 11.81 feet to a minimum of 5.74 feet, providing unparalleled access to secluded anchorages and shallow coastal areas. Construction is robust, utilizing fiberglass with Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforcements to ensure exceptional strength and durability, a hallmark of Gunfleet's commitment to quality for serious bluewater voyaging. The design also features a central cockpit, highly favored for offshore sailing, and twin rudders for enhanced control and maneuverability. There is no indication of significant variations or MkI/MkII versions during its production run, which commenced in 2013 and continues to the present day.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gunfleet 58 is designed as a performance cruiser, capable of lively sailing across various conditions. With a total calculated sail area of 1611.26 square feet and a displacement of 68,343 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) is approximately 15.32. This ratio indicates a yacht with decent performance capabilities, suitable for comfortable cruising without being overly aggressive in light airs. The ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/Disp) stands at approximately 30.3% (20,695 lbs ballast / 68,343 lbs displacement). While this figure is not as high as some dedicated offshore racers, the yacht's heavy displacement, combined with its carbon-reinforced hull and the deep draft afforded by the deployed centerboard, contributes to its overall stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up well to stronger winds.

The displacement to length ratio (Disp/Length) is a high 442, categorizing the Gunfleet 58 as a heavy, substantial cruising yacht. This aligns with its purpose as a serious bluewater vessel, providing a comfortable and stable motion in a seaway. Owners consistently praise its sailing abilities, noting its speed on all points of sail and general satisfaction with its performance. The twin rudders enhance responsiveness and control, particularly when the centerboard is raised for shallow water access or when sailing off the wind. The ability to vary the draft is a significant advantage, allowing the boat to navigate both deep oceans and shallower cruising grounds effectively.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Gunfleet 58 is characterized by spaciousness, luxury, and meticulous craftsmanship, designed to provide maximum comfort for owners and guests during extended voyages. While specific headroom figures are not consistently published, the design emphasizes light-filled spaces and sumptuous, hand-crafted accommodation. The yacht typically features a four-cabin layout, including a large double island berth in the forward cabin with an en-suite head, and additional guest cabins, often totaling seven berths in four cabins with two heads.

The central cockpit design allows for a large master cabin located aft, a favored arrangement for offshore sailing that offers privacy and stability. The interior finish utilizes high-quality materials, with thoughtful layouts for systems and ample storage to support self-sufficiency during long periods aboard. Reviews highlight the boat's generous interior volume, offering significant living space comparable to larger vessels, with comprehensive deck and interior arrangements designed for comfortable cruising. Modern amenities are integrated throughout, catering to the expectations of a luxury cruising yacht.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gunfleet 58 express high levels of satisfaction, frequently praising the yacht's exceptional sailing capabilities and luxurious amenities. Many describe the boat as a "dream yacht," appreciating its gripping design and comfortable, fast, and easily handled nature, even for a crew of two. The robust construction and the practicality of the variable draft system are consistently highlighted as major strengths, allowing for adventurous cruising without sacrificing the ability to explore shallower areas.

While overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, some minor issues have been noted, such as the initial quality of certain interior components like roofing panels on earlier models. However, these appear to be isolated instances rather than widespread systemic problems. The ownership experience is generally characterized by pride and appreciation for a highly engineered, state-of-the-art cruising yacht built for serious voyaging.