31 Gulfstream

When the Silverton 31 Gulfstream was introduced in 1979 she represented a dramatic break from Silverton’s past market reliance on flybridge convertibles and family cruisers. Built on a solid fiberglass hull with a relatively wide beam, the 31 Gulfstream was designed to appeal to entry-level buyers seeking an inexpensive dayboat with plenty of cockpit space and basic cabin accommodations. Indeed, she’s a conservative design when measured against today’s Euro-style sportboats and her styling reflects her late-1970s roots. Below decks, there are berths for four adults along with a standup head, a U-shaped dinette, and a compact galley. The Gulfstream was never offered with a radar arch or a curved windshield, but she does have a surprisingly large cockpit capable of accommodating a number of guests without being crowded. Twin 270hp Crusaders were standard (18–19 knots cruise/28 knots top) with big-block 350hp gas engines (around 24 knots cruise/32–33 knots top) offered as an option. Interestingly, V-drives were used through the 1982 model year, and in 1983 she was redesigned with straight inboards.