Gulfstar & Viking Value/ Offer/ Parts question

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Streff

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2019
Messages
137
Location
USA
Vessel Make
Californian 45 MY
I am looking at a 1988 63’ Gulfstar/Viking in Florida. I realize that Viking bought out Gulfstar in late 1988/1989.. Wikipedia says 1990. Viking built same design vessels, changed the bow design a bit and the vessels were then built in the Viking New Jersey yard at presumably Viking-level quality. Through Coast Guard records this specific 1988 vessel has a Gulfstar HIN, built in St. Pete FL at the GS facility, the Breaker panel has Gulfstar stamped on it, the bow design is not what viking changed it to, etc. Even though, there are 1988/1989 similar design vessels that were built by Viking at their facility, this vessel is a Gulfstar.

The boat is listed as a Viking fir some reason.. my question in general, do Gulfstar vessels hold the same value as Vikings?, Also, specifically for Gulfstar owners, are parts or support available through Viking for those vintage years.. I do like the vessels except for the bow design (which is why it was modified by Viking). If I make an offer, would the offer need to be in line with the Gulfstar market value and not Viking. Does that make sense or am I missing something?

I would appreciate any opinion or comments.

Thank you

Streff
 
Ok, so the boat is 37 years old and most likely built to the Gulfstar standards. It's probably worth its condition regardless of whether the owner and broker call it a Viking. At that age, unless it has seen a major refit, there will be issues to address. Further, it's almost 40 years old, the age when some / many insurers no longer offer coverage for boats.

Make an offer based on what you think it's worth, pointing out it has a Gulfstar VIN and was built from the Gulfstar mold not the Viking mold.

I would also consider shopping for insurance first. You might find insurance companies have a different opinion of the value than the current owner.

Ted
 
Also, specifically for Gulfstar owners, are parts or support available through Viking for those vintage years..

I've read Viking supports old models... so you might give them a call direct... might be surprised...

And then many of the subsystems will be from other OEMs anyway: Teleflex/Hynautic, Cruisair or Marine Airrrrr, Jabsco, etc etc etc so you'd be looking at pieces and parts (or replacements) directly from them or aftermarket.

-Chris
 
I wouldn't worry so much about the Gulfstar quality from the factory as what other owners may have done. I'm pretty sure this is a fully cored hull. Gulfstar built them correctly from the factory. But, someone may have drilled some holes in the core later (through hull transducers, under water lights, etc). If they didn't do the work correctly you could be looking at a wet core. But, a good survey should pick that up. Cool boats.
 
Thank you all for the comments and advice. They are all very useful/helpful and on point. After viewing the vessel again, I discovered additional areas of concern.. so I am going to think about it some more but it is an unlikely direction that I would go.

Thanks again,

Streff
 
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