38 Motor Cruiser

The 38 Motor Cruiser was one of Gulfstar’s early applications of cored hull construction in a powerboat—high-tech engineering back in 1980 and an indication of the manufacturing expertise then associated with the Gulfstar name. A handsome yacht with still-modern lines, the 38 Motor Cruiser weighed in at just 18,000 pounds, which is light compared to other yachts in this size range. With her relatively narrow 12-foot, 5-inch beam and high freeboard, the 38 can be a tender boat in spite of her long keel and hard aft chines. Below, the galley-down layout features a double berth in both staterooms, tub/shower in the aft head, full dinette, and standard lower helm. Although the salon dimensions are a little compact, the accommodations are still impressive for a 38-foot boat, and there’s no shortage of storage space. Additional features include handcrafted teak interior joinery, a tub/shower in the aft head, wide side decks, and a roomy aft deck. With twin 4-cylinder 115hp Perkins diesels, the Gulfstar 38 Motor Cruiser will operate efficiently at 8.5 knots with a top speed of about 10 knots. Perkins 200hp engines were optional and deliver a cruising speed around 14 knots (16–17 knots top).