Moving up to a Gulfstar 43

[Uncle Jim]

Yes friends I’m moving up to a gulfstar 43, well that’s not quite accurate, I’m moving (or helping to move) a gs43 from westbrook CT to Norfolk VA, well the trip was really this past weekend, inspite of the 30+ winds

I'll post my account of the trip as I can get them organized.

Jim

[BK]

I did a lot of sailing (powering) in Hawaii on a 43 GS, Aft cabin, center cockpit model. It goes fine downwind but because of 13' beam that goes almost the entire length of the boat it tacks at about a beam reach. We could not change tacks without the aid of the engine. The GS owner said the 43 GS was designed as a power boat and then they stuck a mast in the center. Great condo boat but I would not sail it out of sight of land in case the engine goes out.

[Uncle Jim]

It goes fine downwind but because of 13' beam

That's the model we were on a '77 with the center cockpit. It is, as the admiral would call it an ooh boat, as that's the first description one has when stepping on board. This boat had a complete interior redone and the salon looked good. However we could not keep the genny filled on a board reach to running. Possible due to oversized crusing sails. The helmsman was pretty good with the sails under most conditions but just on the downwind leg we had the problems.

Also the hull speed seemed to be about 7.5 to 8 knots. And that took at least 15+ winds to start us moving.

Another thing I noticed and I would dissagree with it being a great condo is the amount of space from the deck to the top of the cabin. The step was not the easiest for my bad knees and stiff joints and getting in and out of the cockpit was not easily done.