Gulfstar 44 Trawler - What to look out for?

drewread · Aug 15, 2024

Hi all, I'm considering a GS 44 Trawler.

Had a quick read through the forum for the ubiquitous "I own one and here is what to look out for" post but didn't spot one with a long list of answers... so I'll try starting one.

Any current owners have any special items to be on the lookout for while viewing?

Thanks!

ScottC · Aug 15, 2024

You might get more focused feedback if you state the year and model of the Gulfstar 44 you're considering.
Gulfstars of the 70's are significantly different in design than later models.

drewread · Aug 15, 2024

ScottC said:
You might get more focused feedback if you state the year and model of the Gulfstar 44 you're considering.
Gulfstars of the 70's are significantly different in design than later models.

1978 with Twin Perkins 6.354s

Deano · Aug 30, 2024

I had a newer one and loved it. It was an ‘87 Mark 2.

CP Edmunds · Oct 13, 2024

We purchased a 1980 MC44 in July, 2024. The boat was in great condition, however there is still a lot to look for with an older boat. The bottom was solid and looked like it had just had a bottom job, even after two years. Right off, we had survey issues with current leaking to ground that had to be corrected for insurance along with installing ground-fault receptacles in the two heads and galley. The leaking current ended up being failed power cables plus some earlier "wiring additions" that made use of common lamp cord. I have also had to replace some hoses, the worst being a scupper line at a thru-hull that was actually "weeping" and not caught by the surveyor. Our boat was equipped with a Purasan MSD, but lack of use by the previous owner required some maintenance. I will also need to rebuild the manual bilge pump and correct an odd installation of an electrical bilge pump that is connected to the discharge hose for the manual pump. So far, the biggest issue is finding a diesel mechanic to address a couple of minor issues on one of the engines.

Deano · Oct 13, 2024

What engines do you have?

Comodave · Oct 13, 2024

The major things, IMO, to check on an older boat, brand doesn’t matter. Are soft decks, rotting stringers and window leaks. The things like bad drain hoses, minor wiring issues are peanuts in the overall picture. This is about a 50 year old boat, so expect a myriad of small problems that you will have to work out, that is known as boating. But get the big ticket items taken care of during the survey and purchase process and you will be on the way to a good buying experience. Any old boat will cost thousands, maybe tens of thousands dollars to get it into good condition. Expect that up front and you won’t be as disappointed. Don’t focus on things like burned out nav lights but rather the big ticket things like rotting decks that can cost $20K to fix. Sure it is nice to catch a burned out nav light but what would you rather the surveyor catch, the $20K deck repair of the $3 nav light bulb?

CP Edmunds · Oct 14, 2024

Engines on the 1980 MC44 we purchased are twin Perkins TE6.354, turbo..

Deano · Oct 14, 2024

That’s what I thought for that vintage. Mine had Cats. From what others have seen those are great engines but I’m of no further use on them.

Gulfstar 44 Trawler - What to look out for?

drewread

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ScottC

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drewread

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Deano

Senior Member

CP Edmunds

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Deano

Senior Member

Comodave

Moderator Emeritus

CP Edmunds

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Deano

Senior Member

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