GULFSTAR 44
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 44.67 ft |
| LWL | 35.5 ft |
| Beam | 13.16 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 26,000 lb |
| Ballast | 8,499.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 45.13 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.21 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 37.33 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 19 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 27.58 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 9 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.2 ft |
| Mainsail | 725.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 342.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 582.7 sq ft |
About the GULFSTAR 44
Holding tank: 30 gals. Rig measurements reported above are for the tall rig. Sloop rig measurements: I: 45.13 ft J: 15.21 ft P: 37.33 ft E: 19 ft MK2 Sloop measurements: I: 45.13 J: 16.16 P: 37.33 E: 19
Designed by Richard C. Lazzara and built by Gulfstar Yachts (USA) from 1978–1984, the Gulfstar 44 is a substantial cruising sloop with 105 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 26000.0 lb and high comfort ratio of 33.95 reflect a design prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for serious coastal and offshore cruisers who value a quiet, stable ride and ample interior volume, particularly those willing to manage the maintenance demands of a heavy, full-keel or fin-keel vessel from this era.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 26000.0 lb, a low capsize ratio of 1.78, and a fin keel, the Gulfstar 44 is well-regarded for bluewater cruising due to its inherent stability and robust construction, provided critical structural components are sound.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hallberg-Rassy 43 and the Tartan 42, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and cruising-oriented layouts, though the Gulfstar distinguishes itself with its specific interior volume and American build quality.
Direct variant of the GULFSTAR 44
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1973–1981 · median $51,000
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 44.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
21 reported issues across 9 systems for the GULFSTAR 44, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GULFSTAR 44? 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 21 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 44?
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Used sails that fit the GULFSTAR 44
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