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Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster
Designer: V. Lazarra  ·  Builder: Gulfstar Yachts  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster

Part of Gulfstar's ambitious foray into larger cruising yachts during the 1970s, the 50 Sailmaster represented the Florida builder's attempt to capture the growing market for serious bluewater cruising boats. This substantial cruiser emerged during an era when American builders were increasingly focused on creating vessels capable of extended offshore passages while maintaining the comfort expected by discerning yacht owners. Built with Gulfstar's characteristic solid fiberglass construction, the 50 Sailmaster embodied the design philosophy of spacious, comfortable cruising without sacrificing seaworthiness. The model featured the generous beam and interior volume that became hallmarks of American production cruisers, offering accommodations that could comfortably support extended voyaging or comfortable coastal cruising. While Gulfstar faced financial challenges that eventually led to the company's demise, their larger models like the 50 Sailmaster demonstrated serious offshore capabilities. These boats found favor among cruisers seeking proven construction and ample living space for extended passages. Today, surviving examples are valued by sailors who appreciate vintage American craftsmanship and the robust construction methods employed during this period of sailboat manufacturing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 50.00 ft / 15.24 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 41.00 ft / 12.50 m
Beam 14.50 ft / 4.42 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 41,000.00 lb / 18,597 kg
Ballast 11,900.00 lb / 5,398 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,008.00 ft² / 93.65 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer V. Lazarra
Builder Gulfstar Yachts
First Built 1982
Last Built 1985
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
123
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
13.62
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
41.19
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
1.69
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. 8.58
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.71
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. 2.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 58.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 19.1
P (Mainsail Luff) 51.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.8
SA Fore 553.9
SA Main 453.9
How It Compares

vs. Gulfstar 50, Passport 50, Stevens 50

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
50.0 ft
Gulfstar 50
50.0 ft
Passport 50
50.0 ft
Stevens 50
50.0 ft
LWL
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
41.0 ft
Gulfstar 50
39.7 ft
Passport 50
39.0 ft
Stevens 50
37.8 ft
Beam
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
14.5 ft
Gulfstar 50
13.7 ft
Passport 50
13.5 ft
Stevens 50
14.3 ft
Displacement
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
41 lbs
Gulfstar 50
35 lbs
Passport 50
34 lbs
Stevens 50
31 lbs
Ballast
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
11 lbs
Gulfstar 50
10 lbs
Passport 50
13 lbs
Stevens 50
12 lbs
Sail Area
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
1 sq ft
Gulfstar 50
896 sq ft
Passport 50
Stevens 50
1 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
123 s/nm
Gulfstar 50
126 s/nm
Passport 50
Stevens 50
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
13.6
Gulfstar 50
13.5
Passport 50
Stevens 50
18.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
Gulfstar 50
30.0 %
Passport 50
38.2 %
Stevens 50
38.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
41.2
Gulfstar 50
38.9
Passport 50
Stevens 50
33.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
1.69
Gulfstar 50
1.68
Passport 50
Stevens 50
1.82
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
Gulfstar 50
250
Passport 50
255
Stevens 50
258
Hull Speed
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
8.6 kts
Gulfstar 50
8.4 kts
Passport 50
Stevens 50
8.2 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Gulfstar 50 Sailmaster ★
1.7
Gulfstar 50
1.8
Passport 50
Stevens 50
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