Gulfstars are a mixed bag. And I don't say that as a negative comment. Some of the older Gulfstars were just modified sailboats basically with the rig removed....IOW, true displacement boats but with all of the space constraints of a sailboat(obviously, the taller cabintop afforded by a motorboat gave them more room than a sailboat). They all seem to be very heavily built. They also seem to offer a very large engine space. The interior woodwork is decent enough. And they are American made if that means anything to you. As their motorboats became more "square" and less "round"(around early 80s I think) is when you see them start following the trend of semi-displacement motorboats. The 49 is a big boat with lotsa room. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with them. It is just a matter of how well that particular boat was maintained and if you like the systems onboard(ie engines,electronics,etc). *It seems most were powered with Detroits with some of the later ones powered by Cat3208s. *My choice would be the 3208s although you would get differing opinions there. *ANother thing I have noticed with ALL Gulfstar motorboats is their narrow deckhouse. *This does give you very wide side decks but it does compromise interior space. *On this particular boat, I don't think it is really an issue since the "sundeck" is enclosed which gives you more space. *Now the knock on that is....where is the outside space??? *If you enjoy the breeze of the outdoors....where do you do that on this boat??? *Just something to think about.
-- Edited by Baker on Wednesday 20th of January 2010 01:25:33 PM