The boat dates from what period documentation calls Gulfstar’s “golden era,” when build quality had improved after the company’s earlier production shortcuts.
Design and Construction
The 40 Sailmaster shares its hull with the Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster but uses a center-cockpit configuration intended to improve helm dryness and charter-market appeal. The hull is solid fiberglass, with a modern fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Teak interiors and good build standards reflect Gulfstar’s improved-quality period.
The boat measures 39.92 feet overall, although a separate construction table lists 40.00 feet. Waterline length is 32.5 feet, beam is 12 feet, displacement is roughly 22,000 pounds, and ballast is about 8,200 pounds. Those proportions, together with the center cockpit, suit stable, forgiving passagemaking more than racing.
Rig and Handling
The Sailmaster carries a center-cockpit sloop rig, though some ketch options are noted. Its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder provide responsive handling and protection.
The masthead sloop sail plan includes a mainsail of about 325 square feet and a genoa near 586 square feet. This moderate sail area favors comfort and easy handling over high performance. Reviewers credit the design with excellent motion comfort, stiffness, and bluewater potential. They describe a stable, forgiving ride in rough conditions rather than lively acceleration in light air.
Accommodations
Below, the Sailmaster has a spacious, practical layout designed for cruising and charter use. The aft cabin sits beneath the center cockpit and often has either a centerline or offset berth. A U-shaped galley and large saloon occupy the main living area, while a forward V-berth and head complete the accommodations.
Good headroom, generous storage, and plenty of natural light give the interior the character of a serious cruising boat rather than a weekend coastal cruiser. Ample tankage also supports extended passages without constant resupply.
Known Issues
Potential blistering and osmosis—common concerns in 1980s fiberglass boats—make a close survey of the keel-to-hull junction important. Given the boat’s age and solid-fiberglass construction, the joint and surrounding hull below the waterline should be inspected closely rather than assumed sound.
Refits and Ownership
With only about a dozen boats built for a single charter client, the Sailmaster is scarce, and its ownership history often includes documented charter service. The teak interior and solid-fiberglass structure provide a straightforward baseline for refitting. However, the limited production run means a small owner pool rather than the support of a broad production run.
The Verdict
The Gulfstar 40 Sailmaster is a rare, purpose-built center-cockpit cruiser that trades performance for comfort and a drier offshore helm. Its shared Gulfstar 39 hull, solid construction, and charter-grade interior make it a sensible bluewater candidate for a buyer who values shelter and stability over speed—provided the osmosis survey around the keel joint comes back clean.
Pros
- Center cockpit provides a drier helm and better offshore protection
- Excellent motion comfort and a stable ride in rough conditions
- Spacious, practical interior with an aft cabin, U-shaped galley, and good natural light
- Solid-fiberglass construction from Gulfstar’s improved-quality era
Cons
- Production of only about a dozen boats means a small owner pool
- Potential blistering or osmosis around the keel-to-hull joint requires careful surveying
- Moderate sail power favors easy handling over performance
