Doug Dukeson, editor of PowerBoat Magazine recently received an email from a subscriber looking for information on their family boat. He was able to put him in touch with the right people/connections (Ian Coutts of Boat City, Paraparaumu) which he was most appreciative of. If anyone has any further information or something they might like to add, please feel free to drop us an email.
From: Alister Buchanan <alisterbuchanan59@gmail.com>
Date: Monday, 5 January 2026 at 6:50 PM
To: doug@boatmags.com <doug@boatmags.com>
Subject: Gulfstream 20 foot GRP built in 70’s
Hi Doug,
Happy New Year!
I am on the hunt for information on a boat we have had in our family for 40 years and keen to find other owners of the same brand. It is a Gulfstream made in Paraparaumu in the 70’s. As I understand the story, only 12 were made before Plylite Marine bought the mold and let it rot out the back as the design was a threat to Plylite.
They were popular with fisherman as they are very sea worthy. I have attached a photo of our one called Capricorn, which has gone through a few repowers, including having a 13b Rotary fitted before a pond being built to house a DT225 Suzuki. The boat is now being handed onto the third generation and still going strong!
If you have any information or can point me in the right direction, it would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
From: Ian <ian@boatcity.co.nz>
Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 8:50 AM
To: Alister Buchanan <alisterbuchanan59@gmail.com>, Doug Dukeson <doug@boatmags.com>
Cc: phil@boatcity.co.nz <phil@boatcity.co.nz>
Subject: Re: Gulfstream 20 foot GRP built in 70’s
Morning Alister
From what I know, the Gulfstream was built by Allan Schlegel who owned a company in Otaki, (North of Paraparaumu) called Orca Fibreglass.
Allan used to work with Plylite Marine, years ago and apparently got a Marlborough hull flipped it over, added more straights to the hull, changed the deck, Transom and called it a Gulfstream. Not many were built but they did have a good following.
Plylite was never involved in the brand.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Ian
