Design and Construction
The 40 Sailmaster shares the same hull as the Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster but was reconfigured with a center cockpit for improved helm dryness and charter-market appeal. That hull carries a modern fin keel and skeg-hung rudder beneath solid fiberglass construction, with teak interiors and good build standards established during Gulfstar's improved-quality period. At 39.92 feet overall (a separate construction table lists 40.00 feet) on a 32.5-foot waterline, with a 12-foot beam, the boat displaces roughly 22,000 pounds and carries about 8,200 pounds of ballast. Those proportions, paired with the center-cockpit layout, frame a vessel built less for the race course than for stable, forgiving passage-making.
Rig and Handling
The Sailmaster carries a center-cockpit sloop rig, with some ketch options noted, and the fin keel and skeg-hung rudder give responsive handling and protection. The masthead sloop's sail plan centers on a mainsail of about 325 square feet and a genoa near 586 square feet, yielding moderate sail power that prioritizes comfort and ease over high performance. Reviewers credit the design with excellent motion comfort, stiffness, and bluewater potential, describing a stable and forgiving ride in rough conditions rather than sparkling light-air acceleration.
Accommodations
Inside, the Sailmaster presents a spacious, practical interior layout optimized for cruising and charter use. The aft cabin — often with a centerline or offset berth — sits beneath the center cockpit, while a U-shaped galley and large salon serve the main living space, and a forward V-berth and head round out the accommodations. Good headroom, generous storage, and strong natural light make the boat readable as a serious cruising platform rather than a weekend coastal toy, and ample tankage supports extended passages without constant resupply.
Known Issues
Prospective owners should note that potential blister and osmosis issues — common in 1980s fiberglass — warrant close survey of the keel-to-hull junction. Given the solid fiberglass construction and the boat's age, that joint and the surrounding hull below the waterline deserve close inspection rather than assumption of soundness.
Refits and Ownership
With only about a dozen hulls built for a single charter client, the Sailmaster is a scarce boat whose ownership trail tends to run through documented charter service. The teak interiors and solid fiberglass structure give a straightforward refit baseline, though the limited production means a small owner pool rather than a broad production run.
The Verdict
The Gulfstar 40 Sailmaster is a rare, purpose-built center-cockpit cruiser that trades performance for comfort and offshore dryness. Its shared 39 hull, solid construction, and charter-grade interior make it a sensible bluewater candidate for the buyer who values shelter and stability over speed, provided the osmosis survey around the keel joint comes back clean.
Pros
- Center-cockpit layout for helm dryness and offshore protection
- Excellent motion comfort and stable ride in rough conditions
- Spacious, practical interior with aft cabin, U-galley, and good light
- Solid fiberglass construction from Gulfstar's improved-quality era
Cons
- Very limited production (about a dozen hulls) limits owner pool
- Potential blister/osmosis around keel-hull joint requires careful survey
- Moderate sail power prioritizes ease over performance
