The Gulf Star is a beautiful 50 foot sailboat made with luxury and comfort in mind. This particular boat was one of the last of the Gulf Star sailboat line and features many upgrades. The boat is available to rent at dock. Test out "boat life," relax to your favorite show (or book) in the comfortable saloon, have a sunset cocktail, fish off the end of the pier or enjoy many area activities including charters, parks, restaurants, NAS Blue Angels, and many more.
The space
The Gulf Star has a master bedroom with larger Queen bed in the stern, a Full size V-birth in the front (couples, a single adult or 2 kids) and a bunk room with a small twin. This boat would work for 1-2 couples or a small family.

Because the Gulf Star is a boat, there are a few quirks associated with most boats - spaces can be small, storage areas are unique, and there are stairs/ladders. We do not recommend the boat for people with mobility or balance problems. You must be comfortable with a little sway as well as being able to step on and off a moving boat. Occasionally the AC will sputter when a strainer gets full of seaweed. Breakers can trip. We've even had someone accidentally unplug the power from the pier.

The Gulf Star was one of the very last of this luxury brand sailboat made. There are several upgrades that are not in other models.

We can at times offer some water "toys" including kayaks & paddle boards (depending on if we have some that are in good shape). We generally have fishing poles and other similar items as well.

We do feel this is a family friendly boat, but we do not recommend young kids that are not use to being on the water. All kids must have adequate supervision.

The boat will be at dock but dose still move especially as the charter boats come and go or when the bay or marina is busy. If you are very prone to motion sickness this could be a problem but does generally improve once you get your "sea legs."

We have recently changed to gas stove to a convection oven/air fryer unit with induction stove top to help with safety in our small space. We have a grill available outside as well as blenders and coolers. We are trying to keep the kitchen stocked as much as possible for the compact space.

The Gulf Star has 2 baths (heads as we call them). Toilet paper in the heads (bathrooms) must go in a trash can and can not be flushed - this is just how boat bathrooms work. They are full bathrooms but they are typical boat bathrooms and on the tiny side.

The marina can be a very social area especially in the afternoons after the charter boats arrive. There is now a portable bar that is set up generally on weekends and some week days. There will likely be food trucks on the weekends. Often there is a fish fry or other group activity at the dock.
Guest access
The entire boat is yours at dock. Marina also has some common spaces.

Marina has a bathroom, pay washer and dryer(quarters) and a small store for ice, bait, drinks and snacks.

Parking can get a little crowded but we have not had a problem finding a spot even in the summer. Use a dock cart to bring your supplies on the boat.
Other things to note
Things to note:

- During heavy rains (it can rain a lot in Pensacola) we are always chasing leaks in the boats. If you happen to notice other leaks please let us know so we can fix them.

- Fixing things on a boat is a never ending process. We try really hard to keep the boats in good shape but things do break.

- There still is some other residual damage in the marina from Sally and the area that is rapidly being repaired

- NO SMOKING ON THE BOAT - additional cleaning fees will need to be collected for damages and odor from smoking.

- We send a instruction manual about a week prior to your visit, there is a copy on the boat and it should answer most other questions

- Being in Florida, you may encounter: storms, bugs, jellyfish, excessive heat, humidity, and other wild life. These are beyond our control. The manatee (rare but we have seen them), Fred the sea turtle (he's huge) and the dolphins are harmless - but please do not feed or mess with them.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Can we take the boat out ourselves - No, our insurance and our risk tolerance level don't allow it - Big Boat, Small Slip
2) Charter Questions: We're in progress of finding a captain. At this time we can not offer charter options but as soon as we find a captain that will fit our standards we will add this.
This is our ultimate goal and we are working toward that as fast as we can.
3) Bike Rentals: The closest I can find is Beach Bike Rentals in Orange Beach. We would like to eventually get bikes for the boat but we do not have them yet. The ones on the photo look cool but are not ours. You can bring bikes, 2 will fit on the back but then you have to climb to get to a different door.
4) Kayak/Canoe rentals: Big Lagoon Rentals, Beach Paddle Sports
5) Waverunner Rental: Big Lagoon Jet Ski Rentals
6) Blue Angels frequently fly overhead. The practice schedule is listed on the Navy site. They do seem to frequently fly outside of posted schedules but I can't tell you when. The last 2 times we stayed for a week on the boat it was every other day at 11. Some weeks they may not fly at all.
7) Charters: The marina has fishing, sailing and diving charters at the marina. We are working on a list. Basically you can wake up, go fishing or diving then walk down to the boat.

I think that's all - If you're looking for an unique experience on the water then the Gulf Star will make a great vacation. If you're looking for perfection than it may not be the best fit. We are really grateful to be able to offer our boats so other people can try out boat life. Enjoy!