I purchased a 78 Gulfstar 37 in Sausalito last October and spent about six months refitting and updating the systems before beating up the coast to
Washington.
They are essentially a big (50')
boat crammed into a 37'
hull with good sailing qualities, spacious accommodations, ample stowage in a heavily built-10 tons-vessel. Perfect for cruising the San Juans, Queen Charlottes, northern
Puget Sound and the inside
passage to
Alaska.
The Pacific was not in a good mood during my voyage but Egret came through with flying colors. Double reefed in 30 knots with 10' swells and I could still sleep soundly. I have previously owned a
Hunter Legend and a
Catalina 36 and I would have dreaded being aboard either in such conditions. Unlike most modern masthead rigs, which rely on the
power of the
head sail, the Gulfstar allows for a
mainsail which is actually large enough to maintain firm control of the vessel.
My wife and I have nothing but positives to say about this
boat. Once I addressed the issues caused by the neglect of the previous owners, it's been everything I knew it would.