1980 Gulfstar 44 Center Cockpit

The 1980 Gulfstar 44 Center Cockpit is a purpose-built offshore cruiser from the builder's most acclaimed era. Her substantial fiberglass hull, beamy 13-foot beam, and center cockpit configuration deliver a stable, dry platform suited to extended blue-water passages and Great Lakes cruising alike. The design prioritizes short-handed sailing and interior volume, offering the living space typically found in much larger vessels while remaining manageable for a cruising couple.

The boat has undergone significant structural enhancements that set her apart. In 2002, Bristol Marine added 1,500 pounds of encapsulated ballast to the keel, deepening it to 6 feet and substantially improving stiffness and righting moment. The hull below the waterline was professionally peeled and regassed with Vinylester resin, then soda-blasted, epoxy-coated, and painted with Awlgrip. The waterline was raised by 3 inches to accommodate extended cruising gear. The 75-horsepower Yanmar 4JH2H-HTE turbo diesel with Borg Warner transmission drives a 22-inch MaxProp feathering propeller, with approximately 1,940 hours on the engine.

Below decks, the walk-through layout connects a bright main salon to a redesigned aft cabin featuring a queen berth, two private heads, and a secure galley positioned for cooking while underway. A rare walk-in, sound-insulated engine room houses all systems including a remote oil-change setup. The boat carries 100 gallons of fresh water in an integral tank, solar charging through a Victron controller, and a 420-ampere-hour house battery bank. Hood Stowaway in-mast furling with electric drive and Furlex headsail furling simplify sail handling, while new canvas and bimini by Island Canvas were added in 2024.

Modern electronics include a Raymarine E80 10-inch chartplotter, radar, ST7000 autopilot with hydraulic drive, and ICOM VHF radio. The boat comes with a winter storage cradle, jack stands, and cover. All through-hull fittings were replaced in the 1990s with bronze gate valves, and the teak interior remains intact throughout.