55 Motor Yacht

The introduction of the Gulfstar 55 in 1987 marked the beginning of an entirely new direction in motor yacht design, not just for Gulfstar, but also for the entire U.S. motor yacht industry. The 55 was a dramatic application of new technology (computer-aided design, extensive balsa corning, etc.), and her spacious double-deck interior provided the accommodations of a much larger yacht. Indeed, the Gulfstar is a big 55-footer, the combined result of extending the house well forward on the deck and a wide 17-foot, 4-inch beam. The four-stateroom interior of the Gulfstar 55 includes three heads on the lower level and a formal dining area above, aft of the galley and separated from the salon by a glass partition. Stairwells in the salon lead down to the master stateroom as well as up to the flybridge, and a small aft deck at the stern is suitable for line handling. Visibility from the enclosed pilothouse is excellent. Additional features include handcrafted teak interior joinery, a roomy flybridge, full walkaround decks, and a laundry center. A good performer with 650hp GM 8V-92 diesels, she’ll cruise at 17–18 knots. Viking Yachts purchased Gulfstar in late 1987 and the 55 continued in production as the Viking 55.