Gulfstar 60 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Gulfstar 60 is a powerful, heavy-displacement vessel that excels in offshore conditions where its 60,000-pound-plus displacement provides a stable, sea-kindly motion. Designed with a tall masthead rig—often configured as a cutter to break down the large sail area—the boat carries roughly 1,600 square feet of sail. This gives it a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio in the mid-17s, a figure that suggests surprising agility in light air for a boat of this scale, provided the bottom is clean and the sails are modern.

The hull features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that balances tracking stability with maneuverability. While it lacks the "pointability" of a dedicated racing yacht, owner anecdotes and historical reviews in publications like Cruising World emphasize its ability to maintain high average speeds over long passages, often clocking 200-mile days with ease. The helm is typically described as heavy but reliable, offering significant feedback in a blow. Because of its high freeboard and center cockpit, the ride is notably dry, though the windage of such a large hull requires careful handling during low-speed docking maneuvers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Gulfstar 60 was designed to provide "super-yacht" levels of luxury for its era, taking full advantage of the 16-foot beam. Most hulls were finished in high-quality teak joinery, moving away from the Formica surfaces found in earlier, smaller Gulfstars. The standard layout features a massive full-beam master stateroom aft with a private head and often a bathtub, a feature rare for 60-foot sailboats of that vintage.

Moving forward, the yacht typically includes a large walk-through galley to starboard and a dedicated navigation station to port. The main salon is characterized by high ceilings and an expansive seating area, often customized by original owners to include wet bars or specialized entertainment centers. Forward of the mast, the boat usually offers two additional guest cabins, making it a popular choice for crewed charters or large families. Some variations exist in the forward V-berth area, which was occasionally configured as a dedicated crew quarters with independent deck access. A notable sibling to this hull is the Gulfstar 63, which utilized a similar hull form but was often finished as a motor yacht or a highly customized deck-saloon variant.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Gulfstar 60 must navigate the complexities of a large, aging systems-heavy yacht. While the structural integrity of the "Performance Series" was a step above early models, several specific areas require a rigorous marine survey:

• Fuel and Water Tanks: Like many Florida-built boats of the 70s and 80s, the Gulfstar 60 utilized aluminum or iron tanks that were often "glassed-in" or placed in positions that make removal extremely difficult. Evidence of corrosion or leaking in these tanks can lead to a massive interior demolition project.
• Balsa-Cored Decks: The massive deck expanse is balsa-cored. Any unbedded hardware or hairline cracks in the gelcoat can lead to significant core rot. A moisture meter and percussion testing are essential across the entire coachroof and side decks.
• Chainplates and Rigging: The loads on a 60-foot cutter are immense. Rigging age is a primary concern, but specifically, the points where the chainplates meet the bulkheads should be inspected for signs of movement or water intrusion, which can weaken the structural attachment points.
• Blistering: While Gulfstar improved their layup process, hulls from this era are still prone to osmotic blistering. It is common to find 60s that have undergone a full bottom peel and epoxy treatment.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Gulfstar 60 often find support through the Gulfstar Owners Association, a long-standing group of enthusiasts who maintain archives of original brochures and technical manuals. While there is no longer a factory support presence, the Lazzara family’s continued involvement in the industry through Lazzara Yachts has provided a sense of continuity for the brand's legacy. Technical discussions often migrate to larger platforms like CruisersForum, where the specific nuances of the 60's plumbing and electrical systems are frequently documented by those undergoing refits.

The Verdict

The Gulfstar 60 remains one of the best values on the market for sailors seeking a true "blue water" mansion on a budget. It offers a level of interior volume and offshore capability that usually commands a much higher price tag in brands like Hylas or Oyster.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and a luxurious master suite.
• Powerful offshore performance with a comfortable, dry motion.
• Stronger construction than earlier "value-oriented" Gulfstar models.
• High "bang-for-the-buck" ratio in the pre-owned market.

Cons:

• High maintenance costs associated with 60-foot systems (large sails, heavy winches).
• Potential for expensive tankage and deck core repairs.
• Large size and windage make it challenging for short-handed docking.