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Gulfstar 52 Ms
Designer: Lazarra  ·  Builder: Gulfstar Yachts  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Gulfstar 52 Ms

Built during Gulfstar's productive era in sailboat manufacturing, this 52-foot motorsailer represents the company's approach to combining sailing performance with motor yacht comfort. The "Ms" designation indicates this vessel was designed as a motorsailer, featuring more substantial engine power and accommodations than a pure sailing yacht of similar size. Gulfstar earned recognition for building solid, seaworthy vessels that appealed to cruising sailors seeking reliability over racing performance. The 52 Ms continues this tradition, offering the versatility that made motorsailers popular among long-distance cruisers who valued the security of reliable auxiliary power alongside traditional sail propulsion. The design emphasizes comfortable coastal and offshore cruising, with accommodations that prioritize livability during extended passages. Like other Gulfstar vessels of this era, the 52 Ms likely features practical deck layouts and sturdy construction methods that earned the builder respect among serious cruising sailors. While detailed specifications remain limited, the size and motorsailer configuration suggest this vessel would suit sailors planning extensive coastal exploration or offshore passages where the combination of sail efficiency and motor reliability proves invaluable. The Gulfstar name carries weight among used boat buyers seeking proven cruising platforms.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 51.67 ft / 15.75 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 45.25 ft / 13.79 m
Beam 13.92 ft / 4.24 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 38,000.00 lb / 17,237 kg
Ballast 8,000.00 lb / 3,629 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,174.00 ft² / 109.07 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Lazarra
Builder Gulfstar Yachts
First Built 1980
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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
16.69
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
37.33
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
1.66
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. 9.01
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
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