Gib'sea 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gib'Sea 20 was produced by Gibert Marine from 1975 to 1980, with approximately 260 units built during this period. The design for this particular model is credited to the well-known French naval architecture firm Joubert-Nivelt. Gibert Marine, established in 1972, quickly made a name for itself producing fiberglass sailing yachts that, despite an initial orientation towards long-distance racing, soon became renowned for their focus on cruising, comfort, and practicality. The company's origins, involving a partnership with Henri Jeanneau's daughter, often led to shared design philosophies with Jeanneau models. For the Gib'Sea 20, Joubert-Nivelt's design likely aimed for a boat that was easy to sail, stable, and offered a surprising amount of usable space for its size, aligning with Gibert Marine's ethos of creating user-friendly cruisers. There is no indication of significant variations or different marks of the Gib'Sea 20 during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Measuring just under 20 feet in length overall with a waterline length of 16.73 feet, the Gib'Sea 20 is designed for nimble performance. While its small size means that traditional performance ratios do not fully capture its characteristics, it is generally considered a moderate-weight sailboat that offers high performance for its class, along with good stability. Owners and reviewers often describe the Gib'Sea 20 as an easy boat to handle, responsive, and suitable for day sailing and coastal cruising. The boat's fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to its maneuverability and direct steering. Although a small boat, it is noted for being able to stand up to a reasonable breeze, though like many smaller boats, it may heel significantly in stronger winds.

Accommodations and Layout

For a sailboat under 20 feet, the Gib'Sea 20 offers a surprisingly functional interior layout, optimized for weekend trips and short coastal cruises. While specific headroom figures are not available, the design would typically feature a V-berth forward, providing sleeping accommodations for two. A simple main salon would likely include settee berths on either side, potentially converting into additional sleeping space. A basic galley area, often comprising a sink and perhaps a small stove, would be found, along with limited storage. The head, if present, would likely be a marine toilet located either in the forepeak or integrated into the main cabin, often without a separate compartment. Given Gibert Marine's reputation for practical cruising yachts, the interior would emphasize functionality and efficient use of space, typically featuring fiberglass moldings with some wood trim for a classic aesthetic. Ventilation would generally be provided by a forward hatch and possibly a few small portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Gib'Sea yachts, in general, often praise the brand for its solid construction, comfort, and practical layouts, making them popular in charter fleets and among cruising enthusiasts. For the Gib'Sea 20, specific owner feedback highlights its ease of maintenance and suitability for entry-level sailors. It is frequently described as a robust and reliable little boat, perfect for single-handed sailing or for a couple. Common appreciation points include its stable sailing characteristics and relatively high performance for its size. While detailed accounts of common problems for the Gib'Sea 20 are not extensively documented in broad forums, older boats of this era commonly face issues related to aging deck fittings, requiring re-bedding, and general wear and tear on original systems, which are typical maintenance items for any classic fiberglass boat. Owners value the Gib'Sea 20 for its accessible price point on the used market and its enduring appeal as a capable small cruiser.