The Gulfstar 45 is a different hull form with many different design features from the other Gulfstars. They share a lot of the same hardware and things, but there are a number of differences - one of them being speed.
The Gulfstar 45 is called a "Hirsh", while no other Gulfstars were done by Hirsh. (it is frequenly incorrectly spelled Hirsch if you are looking for them online)
The Gulfstar 45 is a better sailor than other Gulfstars and better than full keel boats, as it has a modified fin keel. That said, you will need to add a downwind sail if you want to be happy. The boat points up well (for a modified fin) and we averaged 6-7 knots, averaging all conditions, from dead calm to blustery. The max speed we ever saw was 8.9 knots, but we never did see 9. You'll see 6 knots all the time, and 7 a lot of the time.
The sail plan is not tall but in all honesty, I don't see putting anything larger on this boat. As it is, the genoa sheets are 3/4", the mainsheet is 5/8", etc... lots of force there.
They are a good combination between a boat that will sail, and a boat that will be safe in the ultimte storm (full keels), with their modified fin keel.
They can take a lot of weather, given the 26,000lbs displacement. They are very comfortable under sail and feel like you can go just about anywhere in them without worrying about the boat. They are strong too. I hit a dock once on my first day out with her backing into a slip. I broke the dock and had to pay for the damage. Boat damage? Not even a scratch. Just a little mark from the wood of the dock I had to buff out with a little spit and my finger.
When buying them, watch for gelcoat voids. We had more of them than I was comfortable with. Other than that... very reliable boat. Everything was built strongly.
PM me with any questions you might have. I know this boat inside, out, under and over.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ericvanduyn  we are going cruising in July and look for a good cc monohull
the gulfstar 45 interests us a lot but we are confused with the stories about poor quality of the 50' etc as they were produced for charter mainly
how about the 45
30 produced and 6 for sale for decent pricing compared with simular yachts.
Second question = do they sail well? they seems to be a bit underpowered with the lenght of mast and her volume
appreciate the advise from you out there doing what we will do finally = sail
Eric |