What is it?
 

Was returning from fishing and noticed this boat on a lift in need of some love. It had really interesting lines about 25-27 ft long. Looks like a barn find but what is it?

I don't have a clue but I want it!!!

I'll take a stab, Rampage?

How aout Blackfin Combi?

I was thinking Albermale but it looked pretty old. Not sure how long that company has been around

I was thinking that too but the lifting strakes are wrong - not a Blackfin, Topaz or Rampage either. I'm wondering if it is a customized Stapleton.

Problem is it seems to be owned by a very elderly couple. I go by it regularly but never see them out back. Its sitting next to an old trawler in even worse shape. I will try swing by the house one day. Twin screws ..... I gotta take a closer look!

Albemarle boats went in business in either 1974 or 1975, but that ain't no Albemarle. My uncle started the business. Been in and around many of them.

I picked up a Chris Craft that way...the guy just gave it to me...I cleaned it up, put it on ebay and made a few bucks.

When boating down the canal, just tie up to there dock and go knock.

Sincere flattery is always appreciated. Most boat owners I know delight in speaking about their craft. Take occasion to stop by, introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your visit including some flattering remarks about the boat and then shut up! I am pretty sure you will get more information than you could ever imagine. Good luck!

Let us know what you find out!

Well I figured it out. It is a Lazzara Starfish 27. The maker of the mega Yachts here in Tampa Bay, Lazzara Yachts in the 80s and 90s. They started out making these in the 70s. Only ten were made. Apparently quite the fishing machine but a very wet ride. Apparently it is quite the find but the owner thinks its worth a fortune and will not consider parting with it.

Lazzara is the outfit that made Gulfstar trawlers/sailboats/motor sailors. I've looked at their trawlers, and the first early 70's boats supposedly had some fg quality problems, but after they got up the initial "learning curve", they supposedly built very good boats.

Gulfstsr made a very interesting 50 +/- ft sailboat/yacht. There was one in Newburyport for sale cor a while. Looking into it I found a reputation that in terms of its sailing characteristics, it was a bit of a tub. I remember that one had twin engines on a sailboat. Pretty unusual to say the least.

The Gulfstars were motor sailers, sailing characteristics of a basketball, but wonderful liveaboard, shallow draft Bahamas boats. Very solid mostly, but some of the boats had bad blister problems. I looked at one very closely when we were going afloat full time, ended up buying a 40 ft Schucker, another basketball sailer.

I recall many years ago seeing a Gulfstar compete in the SORC. I think it was a 50 footer. Probably didn't fair well but I'm sure the crew enjoyed their accommodations

sailed the Abacos in a Soverel 48 built on PGA Blvd by Bill's Co. in North Palm Beach. Talk about shallow draft and giant living quarters!

Low and behold....

Found this 1984 27' Lazarra while surfing the net.:eek:


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