53 Trawler

Largest of the Gulfstar trawlers, the 53 was built on the same ballasted, full-displacement hull used in the production of the Gulfstar 53 Motorsailer—a sailboat. Obviously dated by today's design standards, the 53 is known as a seakindly boat with an easy, comfortable motion in most conditions. Her deep bilges allow the fuel tanks to be set low in the hull, reducing the center of gravity and making for a more comfortable ride. Below decks, the three-stateroom layout of the Gulfstar 53 came with a choice of twin berths or a walkaround double in the aft cabin. The lower helm station is located on the centerline in the salon (very unusual) with deck doors port and starboard. Both heads have stall showers, and it’s worth noting that while the salon in the Gulfstar 53 Trawler is somewhat compact, the lower level galley/dinette area is very spacious. Additional features include a full teak interior, a standup engine room with good access to the motors, foredeck mast, broad side decks, adequate storage, and fully protected underwater running gear. Twin 160hp Perkins diesels cruise at 8–9 knots. Fewer than ten Gulfstar 53s were built.