Gulfstar Hirsh 45

Description

The Hirsh 45 (also known as the Hirsch 45 or Gulfstar Hirsch 45) is a fiberglass center-cockpit cruising sailboat, essentially a variant or charter-oriented version of the Gulfstar 44, designed by V.S. Lazzara (or Gulfstar's in-house team) and built specifically for the Florida-based bareboat charter company Hirsh Yacht Charters in the mid-1980s. Production was limited, with estimates around 30 hulls built (primarily 1985–1987), making it a relatively rare model in the Gulfstar lineage before the company shifted focus. Features include a masthead sloop rig for balanced performance, fin keel with skeg-mounted rudder for good tracking and protection, robust solid fiberglass construction (sturdy rigging, full hull spider reinforcement noted by owners for offshore durability), wide beam for excellent stability and spacious interior volume, center cockpit for enhanced protection and comfort in rough conditions, and a practical layout ideal for extended cruising or liveaboard (typically 2 cabins/2 heads, large salon, galley, good tankage/storage, and suitability for bluewater passages like Bahamas/Caribbean runs—often described as "built like a tank" with seaworthy handling in heavy weather).