Name: Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster
Brand: Gulfstar

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster was designed to be a "true" sailboat, moving away from the high-freeboard, under-canvased profiles of the brand's earlier motor-sailer era. Most hulls were delivered with a ketch rig, a choice that remains popular among long-distance cruisers for its ability to balance the sail plan in heavy weather. The ketch configuration allows for several "gears," such as sailing under "jib and jigger" (mizzen and headsail) when the wind picks up, which keeps the boat stable and reduces heel.

With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "heavy cruiser" category, the 47 Sailmaster offers a motion that is predictable and sea-kindly. It does not "hobby-horse" in a chop as much as its lighter siblings, thanks to a modified fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder. While it is not a light-air flyer, the 47 Sailmaster carries its momentum well once established. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well on a reach, though, like many center-cockpit boats of this displacement, it requires a significant breeze (12–15 knots) to truly wake up the hull. The sail-area-to-displacement ratio is conservative, emphasizing safety and ease of handling over raw speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 47 Sailmaster is where the Lazzara family’s heritage in luxury yachting begins to surface. Unlike the early Gulfstars that utilized extensive Formica and faux-wood finishes, the Sailmaster series features a rich, teak-heavy interior. The layout is centered around a spacious main salon with high headroom, often exceeding 6'4", making it a preferred choice for taller sailors.

As a center-cockpit vessel, the "crown jewel" of the layout is the master aft cabin. This space typically features a large island berth, significant hanging locker storage, and a private en-suite head with a dedicated stall shower. Moving forward, the walkthrough from the salon to the aft cabin usually houses a longitudinal galley or a navigation station, depending on the specific hull's customization. The forward V-berth serves as a comfortable guest suite with its own head access.

The 47 Sailmaster shared a hull lineage with the Gulfstar 48, though the 48 was often marketed with more contemporary styling and slightly different deck molds. Additionally, the 47 Sailmaster followed the success of the Gulfstar 44, providing roughly 15% more interior volume, which translated into a more expansive galley and a larger engine room—a feature highly praised by DIY mechanics.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the construction quality of the Sailmaster series was a step above the early 1970s Gulfstars, buyers should still focus on several era-specific technical areas:

Osmotic Blistering: Like many boats built in the early 80s in Florida, the 47 Sailmaster is known to develop osmotic blisters. While rarely structural, a haul-out inspection is mandatory to determine if the hull has undergone a proper barrier coat treatment.
Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often made of aluminum or iron and were sometimes glassed into the structure or placed in locations that are difficult to access. Potential buyers should inspect for "pitting" or leaks, as replacement can involve significant cabin-sole surgery.
Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are a critical point of failure on any 40-year-old cruiser. On the 47 Sailmaster, these should be inspected for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck, as leaks here can also rot the underlying plywood bulkheads.
Deck Core: Gulfstar used balsa-coring in the decks. Any unsealed deck hardware (stanchions, cleats, or tracks) can allow moisture to enter the core, leading to soft spots. A professional moisture meter test is highly recommended during the survey.
Engine Maintenance: These vessels were commonly powered by Perkins 4-236 or 6-354 diesel engines. While these are considered "bulletproof" marine icons, they are prone to oil leaks and require careful cooling system maintenance to prevent manifold failure.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are supported by a dedicated community that preserves the technical history of the Lazzara-designed era. The Gulfstar Owners Club is the primary repository for original manuals, wiring diagrams, and hull-specific modifications. Because the Lazzara family transitioned into the high-end Lazzara Yachts, there remains a deep respect for the brand’s Florida roots within the regional yachting community.

The Verdict

The Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster is a robust, "honest" cruising boat that offers an incredible amount of living space for its price point. It is best suited for couples or families who prioritize comfort and a stable platform over racing performance. While it requires a vigilant maintenance schedule to manage its aging systems, its solid hull and classic lines make it a perennial favorite on the secondary market.

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