and was involved in consulting for Vince on some of the other designs Vince was working on. Even though the AS50 is usually accredited to Vince I was told it was really designed by Hood along with the AS48 and had input on other Gulfstar designs (but no association with his name). It would make sense as Vince as a money man not a designer. He seems like the kind of guy that would want his name on something but would hire someone more knowledgeable (silently) to help him.

I met a guy with a 50 at anchor somewhere south and he was discussing the relationship between the two. He owned an AS50 he purchased new back in the late 70's. I guess that after a few drinks, talking to someone who owns one and 8 years of remembering back you don't question it.

It's always interesting learning about a company's history. You think you know something after some research and then you find you don't.

Take a look at the ports and general lines on the Gulfstar AS50 and a Bristol 45.5. You'd have to agree that there are some uncanny similarities.

Gulfstar AS50(nl)