The Gulfstar 39 was built during Gulfstar’s golden era and has top quality construction. Many times clients unduly worry about Gulfstar because of the inexpensive yachts they mass produced during the early 1970’s and their charter boats of the late 1980’s. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, their yachts rivalled the finest in the world. For example they patented a special process to camber corners on interior woodwork. They switched from Formica to teak interiors, iron to lead ballast. Above and below, the 39 has flawless glasswork, gorgeous teak appointments, and high quality hardware. The hull has balsa cored topsides and deck, encapsulated lead ballast of 8,200 pounds, and a 53′ tall keel stepped mast. On paper, her ballast to displacement ratio is an impressive 43%. The biggest and most common owner complaint is of leaks around the doghouse windows and portholes.
The bow has good space where you could stow your dinghy. Then the cabin trunk rises with a centerline hatch and two stainless dorades. Teak handrails with give you security when in your safety harness and going forward in a blow. Teak eyebrows decorate her trunk lines. Two more hatches populate the coach roof where the mid-boom sheeting traveler sits. Here tall stanchions keep you on deck. In the aft cockpit, she has wide teak combings, a centerline pedestal, and cockpit table. The benches are long enough to lay down along while the helm is fully aft.
Down below bathed in dark teak is a light and airy interior. Both the single stateroom and quarter berth layouts have an aft facing navigation station starboard side, an L-shaped dinette, and a straight settee before the sole steps down. There is a unique pantry underneath the step down which hydraulic raises for dry good storage. The settees pull out to make double berths for people who like each other. Forward is the galley along the portside, the starboard master head, and finally V-berth forward. The forward galley is an unusual feature and opens up the salon. Chain locker access is available through the forepeak. The single head has a separate stall shower, one of those sometimes overlooked features that is important for cruising comfort. The interior does seem to be that of a larger yacht. Storage is everywhere. The single stateroom version has a handy office area portside while Mark II versions have the previously mentioned quarter berth arrangement. You will be amazed how handholds are where ever you need them.
The original engine on these yachts was the ubiquitous 50HP Perkins 4-108. There is room for a generator as well under the cockpit. Engine access is through the cockpit sole and behind the companionway with easy access to filters. Under sail, 39’s are known to have cruised the Caribbean extensively and no doubt beyond. I have not had the pleasure of delivering one, but by her looks I would not hesitate to hop aboard a 39 Sailmaster in good condition and go anywhere. Sailing her would be easy with visibility from inside sitting on the companionway steps and steering via autopilot controls at the nav station.
The Gulfstar 39 is from the golden era of Gulfstar with her solid layup, beautiful teak craftsmanship, and solid performance. They made quite a few during the two years of construction, so there is usually one of two available on the brokerage market. Previous sales show valuations maxing out at $100,000. The 39 is a sweet boat and would be an excellent choice for a cruising couple.
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