Gunboat 55 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Gunboat 55 is a purebred thoroughbred that demands an attentive hand and a deep understanding of multihull dynamics. The design features a massive sail plan supported by a rotating carbon mast, allowing the vessel to reach double-digit speeds in even the lightest airs. According to Sail Magazine, the 55 was designed to be easily handled by a couple, featuring a centralized working cockpit located at the forward end of the salon. This "internal" helm station provides exceptional visibility of the sail plan and the horizon while keeping the crew protected from the elements.

The handling characteristics are defined by the Irens-designed hulls, which utilize subtle curves to provide buoyancy without sacrificing piercing efficiency. Unlike many cruising cats that rely on fixed keels, the 55 employs high-aspect retractable centerboards. These allow the boat to point exceptionally high to windward—comparable to a racing monohull—while offering the safety of being able to "trip" over the boards in heavy beam seas when retracted. However, the sheer power of the rig means the boat reaches its hull speed almost instantly; sailors must be diligent with the mainsheet, as the lack of "heeling" feedback common in monohulls can lead to over-stressing the platform in gusty conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Gunboat 55 is a masterclass in minimalist luxury, centered around the "Great Room" concept. By eliminating the traditional bulkhead between the cockpit and the salon, the 55 creates a vast, single-level living space that flows from the mast to the aft rail. The use of carbon fiber is not just structural but aesthetic, with clear-coat carbon accents contrasting against lightweight, high-end finishes.

Typically configured with three or four cabins, the "Owner’s Version" dedicates an entire hull to a master suite, featuring a queen-sized berth, a dedicated desk area, and a spacious head with a separate shower. The guest hull usually contains two VIP cabins. Because the 55 was a semi-custom build, variations exist; some owners opted for more utilitarian "galley-down" configurations to maximize salon space, while others preferred the "galley-up" layout for social cooking. A notable sibling to the 55 is the Gunboat 60, which utilizes a similar design language but offers significantly more volume for those requiring a dedicated crew cabin or additional toy storage.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Gunboat 55 is perhaps most famously (or infamously) known through the saga of Rainmaker, the first hull in the series. In 2015, Rainmaker was dismasted in a squall off the coast of North Carolina and subsequently abandoned. The incident was widely covered by Cruising World and became a case study in both the limits of high-performance rigs and the incredible durability of carbon fiber hulls, as the boat remained afloat and was eventually recovered over a year later. This event spurred significant discussion within the marine industry regarding the safety margins of "ultra-light" performance cruisers and influenced subsequent rig designs in the Gunboat 68 series.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Gunboat 55 must conduct an exhaustive survey, as the early North Carolina builds faced production challenges during a tumultuous period for the company.

• Mast and Rigging Integrity: Given the history of the model, the carbon mast and standing rigging (typically synthetic) require ultrasonic testing. Any signs of compression at the mast step or fraying in the Kevlar/Dyform shrouds are immediate red flags.
• Centerboard Trunk Seals: The retractable centerboards are high-performance tools, but their trunks are prone to wear. Check for leaks around the gaskets and ensure the lifting mechanisms operate smoothly under load.
• Hydraulic Systems: The 55 relies heavily on hydraulics for sail handling and board control. Search for evidence of "creep" in the rams or fluid leaks in the manifold, which can indicate failing seals or aged hoses.
• Delamination Check: While the carbon construction is incredibly strong, the transition zones near the forward cockpit and the chainplates should be inspected with a moisture meter and percussion hammer to ensure no core compression or delamination has occurred following high-load racing sessions.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are often part of the unofficial "Gunboat Family," which frequently gathers for the Gunboat Regatta held in various Caribbean or Mediterranean locations. While there is no public-facing technical wiki, the Gunboat official website maintains a heritage section that provides some technical background and legacy support for older models. Most technical knowledge is shared through private owner groups and the specialized refit yards in Newport, RI, and La Grande-Motte, France, that specialize in high-modulus carbon repair.

The Verdict

The Gunboat 55 remains one of the fastest and most visually arresting cruising catamarans ever built. It is a boat for the elite sailor who views the journey as a high-speed tactical exercise rather than a slow drift.

Pros:

• Performance: Capable of sustained speeds over 20 knots and exceptional light-air agility.
• Visibility: The forward cockpit helm provides the best sightlines in the multihull industry.
• Construction: Full carbon fiber build ensures a stiff, responsive platform that does not "oil-can" in heavy seas.

Cons:

• Complexity: Requires a high level of maintenance for its hydraulic and electronic systems.
• Safety Margin: The high power-to-weight ratio demands constant attention and early reefing to avoid rig or hull overstress.
• Price: Even on the brokerage market, the 55 commands a massive premium due to its build materials and brand prestige.