Tired of leaning over for days on his 70' keelboat, rolling for weeks at anchor, and with no visibility or real comfort, Gunboat founder Peter Johnstone knew a better cruising solution could be found.

"I wanted to sail level without putting everything away everytime we went sailing. I wanted large enough spaces for true privacy and relaxation. I wanted to be able to walk around without bumping into everyone and everything. Offshore, I wanted the ultimate safety, and to reliably achieve 300+ mile days. Most of all, I wanted those around me to enjoy the sailing."

A catamaran was the logical direction, yet nothing on the market satisfied Peter's vision. He'd been in a similar situation twice before. Both times required a paradigm shifting innovation. (Read about the Retractable Bow Sprit and the 49er).

Recognizing the need for yet another paradigm shift, Peter set out to develop his own 62' catamaran. Simply put, the 62' would apply proven durable race boat technology towards the ultimate cruising boat. TRIBE launched in 2001. She exceeded performance expectations, handled like a sportscar, sailed upwind at 15 knots, and downwind above 30. In cruising mode, she achieved nearly 400 miles on a good day, and reliably 300 miles. With a year and half spent aboard cruising with his children, Peter returned home with refinements for further Gunboats.

Shortly after the build of Tribe, word spread and customers sought out Peter to produce more Gunboats. A personal vision became a thriving business. Now, Gunboat manufactures very refined series at 55, 60 and 78.