Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster, or Hunter 456 CC?

[Kenomac]

For the money, take a look at what Island Packet has to offer in a 2000-2005 boat. Similar amenities, much better quality overall.

[Gerrycooper56]

A 2000 to 2005 Island Packet 45 for $156k?

[Cheechako]

Not sure why just those two choices. But there would be a lot to say for a 2006 boat vs a 1980 boat. I have friends that sailed a Gulfstar 44 to OZ and have had it about 25-30 years. Great boat. Of course they have rebuilt everything over the years. Maybe take baby steps right now. Buy the Hunter if it's some kind of huge bargain , in good shape and doesn't have a trouble reputation, , sail the Caribe. Decide later if it's a world cruiser. You may never do that. One doesn't have to "round the globe" to have fun cruising.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Gerrycooper56

A 2000 to 2005 Island Packet 45 for $156k?

No, I said see what IP has for the money. Older boat maybe smaller.

[ASIMPLELIFE]

Well, let me give you my two cents. I have been cruising for the last two years on my fantastic 47 Gulfstar. I love her. I have read all the negatives. Let me tell you my facts: Sails at 32 degrees apparient wind. Hold 165 gal fuel/300 water. 135 HP engine (nice when needed) Large engine room, easy maint. As for the hull, yes blisters are an issue but easy repair. I would rather run aground in a thick hull. I would sail her anywhere. She pounds thru the waves with ease and no flexing. We are currently in Trinidad. Hunters are nice looking but seldom sail past Chicken Harbour (George Town). You do not see alot of Hunters further down. Feel free to check out my website www.asimplelife.us

[BZT54]

Looking at the two boats on Sailboatdata one of the striking differences is their displacements, 23K verses 38K. I have a fiberglass 37’ double ender that displaces 28K.
The Hunter has great lines and accommodations but that is where the applause ends. She is too light and WILL flex when you get into the sh*t crossing an ocean. They have always had a reputation for a shoddy build. She also has a fin/spade rudder combo that I would never go blue water with. The Gulfstar to the contrary is a heavier lay up and I would venture to say doesn’t flex at all. The modified keel with skeg is a better combination for off shore, however, in my opinion a bit too shallow draft for off shore work. Btw those picture windows are a no, no for blue water. Her age would be my big question. Have the systems on board been updated?
With regard to the rigs, the Hunter will definitely sail and point better but I do not like tall rigs without a backstay. They make me nervous. The Gulfstar's ketch rig is not my first choice. A cutter rig would be ideal but the ketch does have the advantage of the extra stick in case of a dismasting at sea.

I would go to the Hunter and Gulfstar forums and read through what owners have to say about these two models and by all means get in touch with Kenomac; he knows what he's talking about. There is a reason why he owns an Oyster and it's not just because he can afford it.

Frankly speaking, there are better choices for blue water out there in your price range. The problem is you may have to compromise on size.

BZT

[Gerrycooper56]

Hunter Owners has the 456 weighing 26,000 lbs


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[BZT54]

Originally Posted by Gerrycooper56

Hunter Owners has the 456 weighing 26,000 lbs


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

Still very light for a 47 footer....

BZT

[Suijin]

For that money, in that size range center cockpit you really ought to be giving a look to older Hylas too. Great sailors, great build, pretty, and super layout, and they have aged well and have a borderline cult following.

1989 Hylas 47 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[BZT54]

This article should give the OP something to think about. It would be interesting to see which boat this group favors.

10 Best Center Cockpit Two Stateroom Sailboats For Under $200,000 - Waves « Jordan Yacht Brokerage

BZT

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by BZT54

This article should give the OP something to think about. It would be interesting to see which boat this group favors.

10 Best Center Cockpit Two Stateroom Sailboats For Under $200,000 - Waves « Jordan Yacht Brokerage

BZT

Most of the boats on that list were on my short list when I was shopping. Ended up with the Pearson 422. It wasn't the top of my list but was the best deal. All things considered I think the most bang for the buck.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by BZT54

This article should give the OP something to think about. It would be interesting to see which boat this group favors.

10 Best Center Cockpit Two Stateroom Sailboats For Under $200,000 - Waves « Jordan Yacht Brokerage

BZT

You notice how many of those boats aren't being made anymore, for a looooong time now?

[BZT54]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

You notice how many of those boats aren't being made anymore, for a looooong time now?

They don’t build them like they used to. Take a look at these old gals.

- Spindrift 43 Center Cockpit Sailboat for sale in United States :: Boatshop24

1983 Spindrift Center Cockpit Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Used Spindrift 43 for Sale | Yachts For Sale | Yachthub

SPINDRIFT 46 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Here is another link for the OP to salivate over….

Best Center Cockpits - Cruising Anarchy - Sailing Anarchy Forums

BZT

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

You notice how many of those boats aren't being made anymore, for a looooong time now?

You'd be hard pressed to build almost any of the larger boats in that list for today for less than $800k. You get a lot of boat for your money when you pick up a well maintained and updated one for under $200k.

Are the designs outdated? Yes in some ways, no in others. Fabrication technology as well as rigging and hardware has advanced considerably. But much of contemporary boat design is driven by how the majority of boats are used and by cost considerations. It's a mixed bag.

The better question should be, and the answer is self-evident, why are people buying these boats when you can pick up a brand new Beneteau for the same price?

Me, I'd take the Gulfstar 44. I think the layout works better than the others on the list and I'm partial to a counter stern in a CC...sort of smoothes out the lines. The 44s from the early 80's are built like brick sh!thouses too, which is always a benefit when crossing an ocean.

This example looks like a whole helluva lot of boat for $90k:

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1981...s#.U7VgQBY2zwI

[BZT54]

"The better question should be, and the answer is self-evident, why are people buying these boats when you can pick up a brand new Beneteau for the same price?"

Hmm...Because it's best to have a solid hull under you?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...eak-63178.html