Gib'sea 302 Information, Review, Specs

The Gib'Sea 302 was introduced in 1992 and remained in production until 1996, becoming a popular model in the early to mid-1990s. During this era, Dufour Yachts, the builder behind the Gib'Sea line, was well-established as a pioneer in fiberglass boat construction, a material they embraced early on for its efficiency and consistent quality. Their commitment to robust construction is evident in the Gib'Sea 302, with hulls typically built of solid fiberglass.

Designers Joubert/Nivelt notably chose a significantly more spacious hull design for the Gib'Sea 302, aiming to maximize interior volume. This design ethos resulted in a boat that is described as being more spacious than 88% of other designs in its class. The model was offered with various keel configurations, including a deep draft version, a medium draft option, and even a lifting keel for shallower waters, providing versatility to suit different sailing grounds. There were also mentions of a "Gib'Sea 302+" and "Gib'Sea 302 GTE," suggesting potential variations or upgraded models during its production run. The boat features a fin keel with a spade rudder, a common configuration for good maneuverability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact length overall of just under 30 feet, the Gib'Sea 302 is widely regarded as a good performer. Sailors frequently describe her as having lively sailing characteristics and being surprisingly quick for a cruising boat. Her design lends itself to good stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up well to the wind. Owners have noted her alert response to the helm and her ability to perform capably, even being able to compete well in a race setting. The deep draft version, in particular, is highlighted for its enhanced upwind performance. An owner's experience of comfortably delivering a Gib'Sea 302 across the Bay of Biscay in winter further attests to her seaworthiness and easy motion in rougher conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Gib'Sea 302 is a significant highlight, consistently praised for its remarkable spaciousness, especially given the boat's overall length. The designer's intent to create a highly voluminous hull paid off, resulting in a cabin that feels considerably larger than expected for a vessel of this size. The layout is described as clever, contributing to the overall sense of openness. While specific detailed diagrams are not widely available in general reviews, owner comments indicate a spacious cockpit and a comfortable aft cabin, which is a desirable feature on a boat of this length. The general finish quality typically found on Dufour-built boats emphasizes robust fiberglass construction.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gib'Sea 302 consistently praise the model as a capable, comfortable, and well-built family yacht. Many appreciate its quick sailing characteristics combined with its surprising interior volume. The boat is often noted for its solid construction and comfortable motion at sea, even in challenging conditions, as evidenced by experiences such as a winter crossing of the Bay of Biscay. While common maintenance involves routine fiberglass care like bottom cleaning, specific widespread weaknesses or recurring problems are not prominently reported by owners in available reviews, suggesting a generally reliable and low-maintenance vessel.