Gulfstar Hirsch 45

45’ Gulfstar Hirsch Center Cockpit – Extensively Refit Bluewater Cruiser

Turnkey | Major Mechanical & Electrical Upgrades | Recent Survey

This USA flagged Hirsch designed Gulfstar 45 Center Cockpit is a proven offshore cruising yacht that has benefited from significant refit and modernization, making her exceptionally well-equipped for extended cruising, liveaboard life, or passagemaking. Known for her solid fiberglass construction, generous tankage, and comfortable center-cockpit layout, the Hirsch 45 remains one of Gulfstar’s most respected designs.

A recent 2024 survey confirms her strong condition, while major systems—including propulsion, electrical, rigging, and navigation—have been thoughtfully upgraded over the past several years.

Design & Builder History

Gulfstar Yachts, founded in the early 1970s by renowned boatbuilder Vince Lazzara, built a reputation for producing strong, offshore-capable cruising yachts designed for serious sailors. Gulfstar vessels are known for their solid fiberglass construction, generous tankage, and comfortable layouts, making them particularly well suited for long-distance cruising and liveaboard use. Many Gulfstars from this era remain actively cruising today, underscoring the durability and integrity of their designs.

The Gulfstar 45 Hirsch Center Cockpit, designed by respected naval architect Dick Hirsch, is widely regarded as one of the finest and most desirable models Gulfstar ever produced. Built in limited numbers in the mid-1980s, the Hirsch 45 is prized for its balanced sailing performance, excellent offshore motion, secure deck layout, and true two-cabin privacy. Its center-cockpit configuration with a spacious aft owner’s stateroom remains a benchmark layout for bluewater cruising yachts in this size range.

Among Gulfstar models, the Hirsch 45 is considered one of the most sought-after examples, valued for its ideal balance of size, strength, comfort, and manageability. It represents a rare combination of classic offshore pedigree and practical modern cruising capability.

Tempered Souls stands out as one of the nicest examples afloat today. Thoughtfully upgraded, extensively equipped, and supported by a recent survey, she is fully prepared for immediate cruising. Rather than a project or refit candidate, Tempered Souls is a true ready-to-sail Hirsch 45, offering the next owner the opportunity to step aboard and go cruising with confidence.

Highlights

• Beta Marine 50 HP diesel (2018) with low hours

• All standing rigging replaced (2018)

• Lithium battery bank + Victron inverter/charger (2023–2025)

• 900W solar array (2024)

• Full Raymarine electronics suite including radar & autopilot

• Webasto Marine A/C

• Watermaker, Starlink, generator, and extensive cruising gear

• Recent bottom paint (2025)

Vessel Overview

• Designer: Dick Hirsch

• Builder: Gulfstar Yachts (USA)

• Model: Gulfstar 45 Hirsch Center Cockpit

• Construction: Solid fiberglass hull

• Rig: Masthead sloop

• Steering: Wheel

• Keel: Fin keel with spade rudder

• Layout: Two private cabins, two heads

Accommodations & Interior

The classic Hirsch center-cockpit layout provides excellent separation and privacy:

• Spacious aft owner’s cabin with new mattress (2025)

• Forward V-berth with custom mattress and bedding (2025)

• Teak interior cabinetry throughout

• Comfortable salon with convertible seating and dining table

• Navigation station

• Multiple opening ports and hatches for ventilation

• (4) 12V cabin fans

• Flat-screen TV (2024)

• Sony stereo with interior and cockpit speakers

Galley

Well-appointed for long-term cruising:

• U-shaped galley

• Force-10 gimbaled stove and oven

• Technautics marine refrigeration system

• Single stainless steel sink

• Ample storage

• Catalina II propane grill

• (2) Viking 17 lb fiberglass propane tanks

Heads & Plumbing

• Aft head: MasterFlush 7260 (2019)

• Forward head: Jabsco (2019)

• Hot & cold pressurized water

• Whale water heater

• (2) 35-gallon freshwater tanks (2025)

• Pentair Shurflo Aqua King II freshwater pump (2025)

• Aqua Pure 200 drinking water filtration

• Rain Man portable watermaker (2023)

• Aquajet deck wash

• (2) Bilge pumps

Engine, Mechanical & Power

• Beta Marine 50 HP diesel (2018)

• TMC60 transmission (2025)

• Kiwi Feather folding propeller (2020)

• 60-gallon fuel tank (2018)

• Honda EU2200 portable generator (2021)

• (4) Portable diesel jugs + (2) gasoline jugs

Electrical & Energy

• 12V DC / 110V AC systems

• Victron inverter/charger (2025)

• Victron smart controller (2025)

• (4) Lithium batteries (2023)

• (2) Renogy 450W solar panels (2024)

• Shore power

• Starlink Mini satellite internet (2024)

Navigation & Electronics

• Raymarine EV400 autopilot

• Raymarine Axiom 9 chartplotter with Lighthouse charts

• Raymarine Quantum 2 radar

• AIS Vesper 6000

• Raymarine ST60+ depth/wind/speed

• Secondary Garmin 7405 chartplotter (below)

• Handheld Garmin GPSMap 78

• Standard Horizon GX2410 VHF with RAM4X remote mic

• Standard Horizon HX210 handheld VHF

• Spotlight (2025)

Rigging, Deck & Hardware

• Aluminum mast and boom

• All standing rigging replaced (2018)

• Profurl headsail furling

• Self-tailing cockpit winches: (2) Lewmar 52, (1) Lewmar 30

• Lowfrans Project 1000 windlass

• Mantas anchor with 300’ of 5/16” chain

• Mantas anchor bridle

• New lifelines (2025)

• Bimini and dodger with Stratta glass (2018)

• Sunbrella sunshades (2025)

• Folding teak cockpit table (2023)

• Cockpit cushions (2023)

• Aluminum swim platform and ladder

• Aluminum dinghy davits

• Lewmar Ocean hatches (2024–2025)

• Bottom paint (2025)

Tender & Extras

• Highfield 10’2” inflatable dinghy

• Mercury 15 HP outboard

• Dinghy navigation lights

• West Marine folding chairs

• Safety gear: life jackets, life sling, flares (2025), fire extinguishers

• Propane fume detector & CO alarm

Summary

This Gulfstar 45 Hirsch represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-proven offshore design that has already undergone the expensive upgrades today’s cruisers demand—modern diesel, lithium power, solar, electronics, rigging, and comfort systems.

Ready to cruise immediately. Ideal for bluewater sailing, extended coastal cruising, or full-time liveaboard use.