Gulfstar 37's Pro's & Cons

[Andyman]

I'm still new to sailing but in the next 5 years I'd like to end up living aboard and sailing mostly in the Pacific. I'm drawn to the Gulfstar 37's. I like the looks, inside and out. But at this point, I really don't know squat. I'd like to get some opinons on these boats...positive and negative.

Thanks!

Andy

[Denr]

They're great boats if you want to sit in a harbor, watch the bad weather roll in a stay dry while in the pilothouse, these are crappy boats to sail, like having a townhouse (the pilothouse) in your way all of the time, there are MUCH better boats, light winds they're like molasses in a Chicago winter.

[kvaavik]

Denr, I think you have the Gulfstar 37 confused with other boats in their line. The 37 is a classic sailboat, no coachhouse. Gulfstar made a bunch of motor cruisers and sailboats that could have been called motor cruisers. But the 37 isn't one of them. It has a fin keel, skeg hung rudder, and a very nice layout for its era.

I've spent years sailing one. First the pluses:
- Reasonable performance for a cruiser. My '77 Gulfstar 37 easily outsailed an '89 Hunter 37 on a 6 hour port to port in the Great Lakes. It's no race sled, but it performs well for a cruiser.
- Roomy cabin with tons of teak. Very pretty and comfortable if it's been maintained.
- Fairly dry boat, the long bow overhand keeps the water off the deck and cockpit.

Minuses:
- The boats from the late '70's, early '80's have osmosis problems. We spent a long spring peeling the outer layer of glass off the hull and recoating with West Systems epoxy.
- Over time, the lifeline stanchions leak. They'll need to be rebedded.
- The engine is a challenge to access. Monkey-like abilities are a big plus.

We loved our '37, but we finally got a bad case of 5'-itis and are moving up to a bigger boat.

I'd be happy to fill in more details if you have more questions, let me know.

[RobertLarson]

Originally Posted by kvaavik

I'd be happy to fill in more details if you have more questions, let me know.

We just purchased a 1978 Gulfstar 37 and have a few questions that I would like to ask if you could get in touch with me. Email is robert_AT_rlarson.com.

Thanks

[chrisziolkowski]

Originally Posted by RobertLarson

We just purchased a 1978 Gulfstar 37 and have a few questions that I would like to ask if you could get in touch with me. Email is robert_AT_rlarson.com.

Thanks

I have 1978 Gulfstar hall # 102.I am working recently on engine ( replace heat exchange, fresh water pomp with pully, all oil hoses) . Ready to start important project - skeg attachment to the hull( fiber glass reinforcement). Some suggestion ? ,,,,,,,,, some question ? . Write me Email - Chrisazpl @yahoo.com

[southwindphoto]

good read thanks.. Looking at a 79