Gulfstar 50 TM Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Gulfstar 50 TM are defined by its moderate-to-heavy displacement and a hull shape that prioritizes stability over raw speed. With a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the boat tracks well in a seaway and offers a predictable, motion-comfort-oriented ride. The "Tall Mast" rig is particularly significant for this model; as noted in SpinSheet, the standard rig was often criticized for being sluggish in light air, a deficit the TM rig resolves by providing a higher sail area-to-displacement ratio.

In heavy weather, the Gulfstar 50 is known for its sea-kindliness. Its high freeboard keeps the deck relatively dry, and the center-cockpit configuration provides a secure, elevated position for the helmsman. While it is not an agile racer and can exhibit significant weather helm if over-canvassed, it excels on a reach. The ketch-rigged versions are especially popular among long-distance cruisers for the ability to balance the sail plan using a "jib and jigger" configuration during heavy blows.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Gulfstar 50 TM is its primary selling point, often described as having the living space of a much larger vessel. The most iconic feature is the aft "Great Cabin," which typically includes a king or queen-sized berth and a private head with a stall shower. The boat was produced in both two-stateroom and three-stateroom layouts. The three-stateroom version (the Mark II) added a small cabin with bunk beds tucked into the walk-through gallery, making it a favorite for families or those hosting guests.

As the model evolved from the Mark I to the Mark III, the interior finish improved significantly. Early models featured more Formica and faux-wood surfaces, while later hulls utilized extensive teak joinery and higher-quality cabinetry. Cruising World highlights that the galley-down arrangement in the walkthrough provides excellent bracing for the cook while underway, a hallmark of Lazzara’s practical cruising mindset. Headroom is generous throughout, rarely dipping below 6'4", which contributes to the open, airy feel of the salon.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Gulfstar 50 TM must account for the construction methods used during the 1970s. While the hulls are solid fiberglass, the following areas require rigorous inspection:

• Fuel and Water Tanks: Many Gulfstar 50s were built with aluminum or iron tanks glassed into the bilge. Over decades, these can corrode from the outside in. Replacing them often requires cutting the cabin sole, a labor-intensive and expensive project.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are known to suffer from crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. Because they are often glassed into the bulkheads, inspection and replacement are difficult but necessary for offshore work.
• Deck Coring: Like many boats of this era, the decks are balsa-cored. Soft spots around stanchion bases, windlasses, and hatches are common and can indicate significant delamination if moisture has reached the core.
• Ballast Material: Early Gulfstar models occasionally used lead or iron encapsulated in a resin or concrete slurry. While generally stable, any breach in the fiberglass keel stub can lead to weeping or "keel smiles" that require professional repair.

Community & Resources

The Gulfstar community is active and well-documented, centered largely around the Gulfstar Owners Association. This group maintains technical archives that are essential for owners navigating the complexities of 40-year-old systems. While no longer in production, the legacy of the 50 TM is preserved through detailed refit blogs and forums where owners share CAD drawings for tank replacements and rigging schedules.

The Verdict

The Gulfstar 50 TM is a quintessential "living-aboard" yacht that balances classic aesthetics with immense internal volume. While it requires a vigilant owner to manage aging systems, it remains a premier choice for budget-conscious sailors aiming for Caribbean or trans-oceanic cruising.

Pros:

• Exceptional Liveability: The aft stateroom and salon volume are nearly unmatched in this price bracket.
• Improved Rig: The Tall Mast (TM) configuration provides the necessary power for light-air performance.
• Solid Hull: The hand-laid solid fiberglass hull provides a sense of security in heavy seas.
• Vast Storage: Ample locker space and deep bilges make it ideal for long-term provisioning.

Cons:

• System Accessibility: Critical components like tanks and chainplates are difficult to reach for maintenance.
• Aesthetic Aging: Early models with "wood-grain" Formica can feel dated without an interior refit.
• Maneuverability: Like many long-keel cruisers, it can be challenging to handle in tight marinas under power, especially in reverse.