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Gulf Coast 20
Designer: Martin Bludworth  ·  Builder: Gulf Coast Sailboats (Usa)  ·  First built: 1967
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About the Gulf Coast 20

Despite limited documentation, this compact sailboat represents an intriguing entry in the small cruiser category from a builder that focused on practical, affordable designs. Gulf Coast Marine developed a reputation for creating boats that prioritized functionality over flash, making sailing accessible to budget-conscious sailors seeking genuine offshore capability in a trailerable package. The design philosophy behind this model appears centered on maximizing interior volume while maintaining seaworthy proportions. Small boat naval architecture from this era often emphasized heavy displacement and conservative sail plans, characteristics that typically translate to steady, predictable sailing behavior even when conditions deteriorate. For potential owners, this boat likely offers excellent coastal cruising capabilities with occasional offshore potential, assuming proper seamanship and weather awareness. The compact size makes single-handed sailing manageable while still providing enough space for weekend adventures with crew. Maintenance costs remain reasonable compared to larger vessels, and the trailer-sailer format opens up cruising grounds far beyond your home marina. While specific performance data remains elusive, boats of this size and vintage typically reward patient sailors who appreciate traditional sailing qualities over pure speed, making this an appealing choice for those seeking authentic sailing experiences without breaking the bank.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 19.92 ft / 6.07 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.94 ft / 4.86 m
Beam 6.92 ft / 2.11 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 1,400.00 lb / 635 kg
Ballast 400.00 lb / 181 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Martin Bludworth
Builder Gulf Coast Sailboats (USA)
First Built 1967
Last Built 1975
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
28.57
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
154.32
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2.36 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 1.33 ft / 0.41 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 173.00 ft² / 16.07 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 154.32
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