DerivativeGuru
Member
In my search for a new boat Gulfstars and Tollycrafts have caught my eye. Online reviews I have read of both are favorable. Any opinions of which has a superior build quality?
Gulfstar vs. Tollycraft
- Thread starter DerivativeGuru
- Start date
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Comodave
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Welcome aboard. Both are good quality boats but they are also different style boats. Either would be a good choice if the specific boat is in good condition. I would pick either one that meets your needs as far as layout and amenities.
Gulfstar44
Member
We only looked at Tollycrafts via web listings, many of which were impressive, but were always compelled to visit Gulfstars in person for a number of reasons including the use of teak throughout and for walk-in engine rooms. The Gulfstar we finally bought after 2+ years of shopping has been a blessing.
bshillam
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Tollycraft are great boats, we loved ours. Would have bought another if I could have found that pilot house style boat that fit our check list. Solid hull, good electrics, I don't personally care for a lot of the engine choices. American made, with quality in mind. They have aged very nicely - too bad their no longer in business.
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I know two people with Tollys and they swear by them. Both have taken them from the US down into the Exumas and back multiple times. I don't know anyone with a Gulfstar.
Ken E.
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As stated, Tollys are popular in the PNW. They were built in Kelso WA, so there's a local flavor with them here. Tollys seem to age well and are typically in nice shape. Many make the annual migration to SE AK. I have no knowledge of Gulfstars....very few up here.
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caltexflanc
Guru
All the Tollys I have seen, and that's been dozens (including our old 32' sedan), were planing hulls. All the Gulfstars I have seen, and been on, or know of, are full displacement. Both are well built, honest boats. I have a soft spot in my heart for Tollys, had a lot of fun on ours and those of friends. But we recently supervised the survey of, and subsequently assisted the delivery of, a Gulfstar 44MY and I was very impressed on a number of fronts. Wouldn't hesitate to have one if going slow all the time was OK.
Onward
Member
Gulfstar
I owned a 50ft Gulfstar saillboat and it was a good honest boat. Familiar with some of the trawlers in the early 80's Similar hull (perhaps the same) with the center cockpit removed and a Solon added. Gulfstar bit the dust in 1988 but most are still running. In 1986 they contracted to build 25 boats for CSY for charter. Many innovative features
I owned a 50ft Gulfstar saillboat and it was a good honest boat. Familiar with some of the trawlers in the early 80's Similar hull (perhaps the same) with the center cockpit removed and a Solon added. Gulfstar bit the dust in 1988 but most are still running. In 1986 they contracted to build 25 boats for CSY for charter. Many innovative features
Gulfstar44
Member
Should have mentioned.....
If you are a YouTuber, you might consider tuning into the C-Shel (Boat name is a play on the owners’ names) channel to watch their fun posts. This Canadian couple has fun with their Tolly, which seems to be serving them well as they live the trawler life.
If you are a YouTuber, you might consider tuning into the C-Shel (Boat name is a play on the owners’ names) channel to watch their fun posts. This Canadian couple has fun with their Tolly, which seems to be serving them well as they live the trawler life.
