Gulfstar/Catalina's

[mandlmaunder]

Gulfstar/Catalina\'s

Does anyone have experience or still own either of the above with a stern cabin (preferably) around 40ft-50ft.
Please tell the good and the bad.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

Re: Gulfstar/Catalina\'s

We currently own a 1978 Gulfstar 43 ketch, centre cockpit.

Gulfstars are heavy boats, and need a good wind to get going, so as a rule we are a lot slower than other boats, until the wind picks up, then we are off like a train. The ketch rig was a bit akward to deal with a first, and we are still learning the best combinations and sail plans, but I still feel the versatility and safety outweigh these problems.

Ours is comfortable while underway, with no slamming, more inclined to go through rather than over the waves.
We have never had any worrying moments, despite going through the Aldernay Race, on with a spring tide against a force 6, we managed to break the dolphin nose off, and didn't realise it had happened, the boat is definitly not the weakest link.
The build quality feels good, and most people we meet express a willingness to go sailing with us, as the lines and feel seem to instil confidence in people that the boat will take what ever gets thrown at it.
You would have to spend a whole lot more money to get this level of build and quality on a new boat.
The down side: We have had problems with the antisiphon valves on the heads, and have had to disassemble some cupboards to get to them.
It is an old boats and needs looking after, we are currently trying to solve an oil leak on the engine, a Perkins 4108.
The acid test:
Are we happy with our boat? Yes
If we were looking for a another boat, would we buy another? Yes