Flush Poker 27 (Gib'sea) Information, Review, Specs

From its inception, the Flush Poker 27 cultivated a reputation as a high performer, offering a stable and stiff platform for its size. Its design ethos reflects the robust and practical approach that Gibert Marine would become known for, catering to sailors seeking a versatile vessel capable of both spirited sailing and coastal exploration.

History and Design

The Gib'sea Flush Poker 27 began production in 1970. While Gibert Marine, the builder behind the Gib'sea brand, was formally established in Marans, France, in 1972, the Flush Poker 27's earlier production start suggests it may have been among the foundational designs that led to the company's formal inception, possibly leveraging Olivier Gibert's prior experience as Operations Director for Jeanneau and his family ties to the Jeanneau shipyard. This connection explains the close resemblance to the Jeanneau Poker, which was also designed by Joubert-Nivelt and first built in 1972. The "Flush" designation in its name highlights a key design difference: a lower profile coach roof compared to its Jeanneau counterpart, intended to reduce windage and contribute to its performance-oriented aesthetics.

The design firm of Joubert-Nivelt is renowned for their contributions to French naval architecture, often creating boats that strike a balance between performance and practicality. For the Flush Poker 27, designer Michel Joubert aimed to deliver a moderate-weight sailboat that was both a strong performer and notably stable. Gibert Marine's broader ethos during this period, as described in the builder's history, centered on producing fiberglass sailing yachts known for comfortable and practical designs, with an emphasis on robust construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'sea Flush Poker 27's design characteristics translate into a lively and capable sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 22.18, the boat is well-powered, suggesting good performance in lighter air conditions, allowing it to move efficiently even when winds are modest. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 0.423 indicates a relatively high ballast percentage, contributing significantly to its stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up to a greater amount of wind without excessive heeling.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 250.5 places the Flush Poker 27 in the moderate displacement category. This suggests a design that balances performance with comfort, offering a good motion through the water without being overly heavy or excessively light. Described as a "very high performer" and "very stable / stiff" by some sources, the Flush Poker 27 is also considered a moderate-weight sailboat. Its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, typical of performance-oriented designs of its era, contribute to responsive handling and good directional stability. While capable, it's worth noting that the Gib'Sea 27 has a capsize screening value that would generally preclude it from ocean racing, indicating it's primarily designed for coastal and near-shore cruising or racing rather than extreme offshore conditions. Nonetheless, some owners have prepared these boats for extended voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its length overall of just over 27 feet and its "flush" deck design, which typically implies a lower coach roof for performance, the interior of the Gib'sea Flush Poker 27 is compact and functional. While specific detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented through readily available grounded search, the design would generally maximize usable space within its beam of 9.35 feet.

Typical for a sailboat of this size and vintage, the interior likely features a V-berth forward, a compact head compartment, a salon with opposing settees that may convert to berths, and a small galley area. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout the cabin, often beneath settees and in lockers. The finish quality would align with Gibert Marine's reputation for practical and robust construction, likely featuring fiberglass moldings combined with wood trim. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening ports. The lower coach roof, while enhancing exterior aesthetics and sailing performance, would naturally mean more constrained headroom compared to later cruising designs that prioritize interior volume.