GULFSTAR 40 (HOOD)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40.17 ft |
| LWL | 32.33 ft |
| Beam | 11.33 ft |
| Draft | 11.33 ft/ 3.92 ft min |
| Displacement | 24,000 lb |
| Ballast | 12,499.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 790.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 445.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 756.8 sq ft |
About the GULFSTAR 40 (HOOD)
Not the same as the later GULFSTAR 39/40 designed by Lazarra.
Designed by Ted Hood and built by Gulfstar (USA) between 1976 and 1978, the Gulfstar 40 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop with only 19 hulls produced. Its substantial build quality and classic design make it a distinctive vessel, though its limited production run means parts and specific knowledge are scarce.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over speed, and who are prepared to manage the maintenance demands of a vintage, heavy-displacement vessel.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 24000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.57, the Gulfstar 40 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, provided critical structural components like the keel and deck are sound.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement, full-keel designs from the mid-1970s such as the Tartan 40 or O'Day 40, these boats share similar comfort ratios and offshore-oriented hull forms, though the Gulfstar's low build count makes it significantly rarer.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the GULFSTAR 40 (HOOD) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Asking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1977–1983 · median $59,900
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 40.17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
22 reported issues across 9 systems for the GULFSTAR 40 (HOOD), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GULFSTAR 40 (HOOD)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 22 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your GULFSTAR 40 (HOOD)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Westerbeke, Yanmar, Universal, Bukh — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the GULFSTAR 40 (HOOD)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…