Apres Ski
Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2014
- Messages
- 24
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Après Ski
- Vessel Make
- 1991 French Canal Boat
Hi Gulfstar owners-
I am in the market for a 40-something foot trawler in general, but have recently put Gulfstar towards the top of my search list. I have some general questions for both current/past owners and anyone who as worked on Gulfstar boats from the 1970's, and specifically the 43 MK II. I've poked around this forum quite a bit, but didn't find much discussion on my main concern (leaky windows).
First, the things that are drawing me towards Gulfstar trawlers (and if you can't tell from the below, I lean towards minimizing my hours spent maintaining and maximizing my hours spent cruising!):
1. I like that the hulls seem to be solid FRP
2. I like that most decks seem to be FRP/nonskid, as opposed to teak on so many other 1970's trawlers
3. I like that, from what I can tell, the fuel tanks are FRP
4. Love that most powerplants seem to be single-engine Perkins diesels
Now, a few things on my "con" list:
5. The boat is not exactly a "looker", although she does have an endearing retro look to her. She certainly looks better than the modern "clorox bottle" boats.
6. Not a huge fan of "galley down", but can live with it
7. Have seen references in this forum to hull blistering
8. Have seen references in various places to shoddy workmanship/soft decks on some Gulfstar models
9. Tight spaces to maneuver in the engine room
10. Rounded hull-form tends to equal rolly motion in waves/chop
Now my questions to you all:
a. What has been your experience in practice with window leaks?
b. How is working in the engine room in practice? Ie., the space looks small to me, but what's it like in real life maneuvering around (I am 6'3" / 190 pounds)
c. How is the boat's handling (both tracking straight and steering around docks) in both calm and rough weather?
d. Is there anything else I should know as a prospective Gulfstar 43 MK II owner?
Thank you all so very much in advance, I will take to heart your opinions both positive and negative on the subjects above.
Best regards
-Kent (Apres Ski)
I am in the market for a 40-something foot trawler in general, but have recently put Gulfstar towards the top of my search list. I have some general questions for both current/past owners and anyone who as worked on Gulfstar boats from the 1970's, and specifically the 43 MK II. I've poked around this forum quite a bit, but didn't find much discussion on my main concern (leaky windows).
First, the things that are drawing me towards Gulfstar trawlers (and if you can't tell from the below, I lean towards minimizing my hours spent maintaining and maximizing my hours spent cruising!):
1. I like that the hulls seem to be solid FRP
2. I like that most decks seem to be FRP/nonskid, as opposed to teak on so many other 1970's trawlers
3. I like that, from what I can tell, the fuel tanks are FRP
4. Love that most powerplants seem to be single-engine Perkins diesels
Now, a few things on my "con" list:
5. The boat is not exactly a "looker", although she does have an endearing retro look to her. She certainly looks better than the modern "clorox bottle" boats.
6. Not a huge fan of "galley down", but can live with it
7. Have seen references in this forum to hull blistering
8. Have seen references in various places to shoddy workmanship/soft decks on some Gulfstar models
9. Tight spaces to maneuver in the engine room
10. Rounded hull-form tends to equal rolly motion in waves/chop
Now my questions to you all:
a. What has been your experience in practice with window leaks?
b. How is working in the engine room in practice? Ie., the space looks small to me, but what's it like in real life maneuvering around (I am 6'3" / 190 pounds)
c. How is the boat's handling (both tracking straight and steering around docks) in both calm and rough weather?
d. Is there anything else I should know as a prospective Gulfstar 43 MK II owner?
Thank you all so very much in advance, I will take to heart your opinions both positive and negative on the subjects above.
Best regards
-Kent (Apres Ski)