Well, I can't speak for what Jeff has heard from other Gulf owners, but our
Gulf is not poorly built and is hardly uncomfortable! My wife and I have owned an Ericson 28 and chartered practically every Hunter, Beneteau, Catalina model out there and been on many a Cascade/Crealock/Etc. and there is no doubt whatsoever that our Gulf is a better all around cruising boat in terms of comfort, performance and solidity than anything else we've been on. Not as fast, but not slow. I find I can keep up with or pass most every other boat on the water near my size, if I try. And the incredible light and space and head room and airy feel of our pilothouse Gulf make it stand head and shoulders above all the other dark small dungeons out there.
Every boat has pros and cons, of course, but one of the most wonderful characteristics of the Gulf 32 is the performance/value ratio. We could have bought any used boat her size for our family cruising and were overjoyed when a Gulf came up for sale in our local waters. Having sailed her in all kinds of conditions, outside of ocean crossing gales, I can testify to what every other Gulf owner will say: She is stiff and forgiving and carries her sails well and keeps you feeling safe and comfortable in all conditions. See the Tsing Tao website for an exhaustive description of Gulf 32 characteristics including in rough weather.
Having done a major retrofit of our 20 year old Gulf, there is no doubt that some things were not done to current codes, but I have not found shoddy or careless work anywhere. My Ericson, which we enjoyed, was certainly no better in build quality. And talk about uncomfortable motions...
Hadn't heard of Rawson's. Glad to learn about them.
We love our Gulf and wouldn't trade her for anything else I've been on yet. You can discern my bias if you read carefully!!
