Construction and Structure
The hull is a solid fibreglass laminate with substantial thickness in the keel and bilge areas, and these boats were built before aggressive weight-saving became the norm, so there is plenty of glass in the hull and a generally conservative structure. The keel is an integral fin with encapsulated ballast on the later sailing versions, while some earlier boats have a fuller underbody that edges toward a different profile. All variants use a skeg-hung rudder, which suits long-distance cruising and offers good protection. Decks are typically fibreglass with plywood or balsa coring in way of the flat panels. Chainplates are typically stainless flat bar bolted to substantial bulkheads or structural knees inside the hull, rather than being fully encapsulated within the structure.
Rig and Handling
The Gulfstar 44 carries a masthead sloop or ketch rig, with a mainmast typically measuring 54 feet at the foretriangle hoist (I), 17 feet at the foretriangle base (J), 47 feet at the mainsail hoist (P), and 15 feet at the mainsail foot (E). The Sailmaster variant often has shallower draft and more emphasis on motoring comfort than sailing performance, marking a distinct flavour within the model range. The skeg-hung rudder and integral fin keel combination lends itself to predictable steering and protection when offshore.
Accommodations
The centre cockpit layout is a major part of the Gulfstar 44's appeal. It allows for a generous aft cabin with a proper double berth, good storage, and a degree of privacy. Forward, you typically find a saloon with an L-shaped settee and table to one side and a straight settee to the other, plus a forward cabin with a V-berth. Some layouts include a second heads compartment forward, which is handy for guests. The galley is usually down and to one side, near the companionway, with ample counter space and room for serious provisioning. Headroom is generous throughout, and the beam carries well into the ends, which makes the interior feel spacious. The cockpit itself is usually centre-cockpit, with a deep well and high coamings that feel secure offshore. Most boats were delivered with aluminium-framed opening ports and fixed windows set into the cabin sides.
The Verdict
The Gulfstar 44 is a thoughtfully laid-out centre-cockpit cruiser with a heavily built solid fibreglass hull and protected skeg-hung rudder, aimed at couples or families undertaking serious coastal or offshore passage-making. The accommodation plan makes intelligent use of the beam and centre-cockpit volume, while the conservative structure reflects its pre-weight-saving-era construction philosophy.
Pros
- Solid fibreglass hull with substantial glass in keel and bilge areas conservative structure
- Skeg-hung rudder on all variants aids protection and offshore suitability
- Centre-cockpit layout yields a private aft cabin with proper double berth
- Generous headroom and beam carried into the ends for a spacious feel
- Chainplates bolted to substantial internal structure rather than encapsulated
Cons
- Earlier hulls may have a fuller underbody versus later sailing versions
- Sailmaster variant trades sailing performance for motoring comfort and shallower draft
