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Gulfstar 40 Sailmaster
Designer: Lazarra  ·  Builder: Gulfstar Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Gulfstar 40 Sailmaster

Designed by Lazarra and built by Gulfstar Yachts in the United States starting in 1980, this masthead sloop represents a comfortable cruising yacht from an era when American builders were establishing their reputation for quality fiberglass construction. With only ten hulls produced, the Sailmaster 40 remains a relatively rare find in today's used boat market. The yacht's substantial 20,000-pound displacement and generous 8,500 pounds of ballast create a stable, seaworthy platform well-suited for coastal and offshore cruising. Her fin keel with rudder-on-skeg configuration offers a good balance of performance and directional stability, while the 12.08-foot beam provides ample interior volume for extended cruising comfort. With a comfort ratio of 32.23, this boat prioritizes seaworthiness and motion comfort over racing performance, making her an excellent choice for couples or small families planning longer passages. The capsize screening formula of 1.78 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore work. Her 705 square feet of sail area and SA/Displacement ratio of 15.37 suggest moderate performance in light to medium conditions, while the hull's 7.64-knot theoretical hull speed provides respectable passage-making capability. The standard 50-horsepower engine offers reliable auxiliary power for maneuvering in tight quarters or powering through calms.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 39.92 ft / 12.17 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.50 ft / 9.91 m
Beam 12.08 ft / 3.68 m
Min Draft 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Displacement 20,000.00 lb / 9,072 kg
Ballast 8,500.00 lb / 3,856 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 705.00 ft² / 65.50 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Lazarra
Builder Gulfstar Yachts (USA)
First Built 1980
Number Built 10
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 15.37
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
 42.5
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
 260.09
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 32.23
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.78
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.64 kn
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. 1,402.80 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 4-108
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 60 gals / 227 L
Water Capacity 250 gals / 946 L
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