Gib'sea 24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gib'sea 24 emerged from the Gibert Marine shipyard, established in 1972 by Olivier Gibert, former Operations Director for Jeanneau. Production of the Gib'sea 24 commenced in 1978, continuing until 1981, with 241 units built. The company's manufacturing philosophy during this era prioritized comfort and practicality in its designs, moving beyond an initial orientation towards long-distance racing to focus on the broader cruising market. The Gib'sea 24, designed by J. Cl. Meyran, reflects this commitment, offering a balance of performance characteristics and usable interior volume. Notably, a keel-centerboard version of the Gib'sea 24 was also available, providing versatility for different sailing grounds and draft requirements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Gib'sea 24 is recognized as a very high performer, characterized as a light sailboat that exhibits strong sailing qualities. With a reported sail area of 308 square feet, she is well-powered for her displacement of 3,153 pounds. The boat is noted for being "very stable / stiff," indicating good resistance to heeling, a quality further supported by a ballast to displacement ratio considered higher than 58% of similar designs.

The Gib'sea 24 features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, a configuration that enhances maneuverability. This design choice provides agile handling, making the boat responsive to the helm, though it may offer slightly less directional stability compared to vessels with full keels. With a hull speed of 5.94 knots, the Gib'sea 24 is capable of respectable speeds for its size. Its fiberglass hull requires minimal maintenance, contributing to its practicality as a cruising vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed descriptions of the Gib'sea 24's interior are somewhat limited in available records, the Gibert Marine ethos consistently emphasized creating spacious and comfortable cruising yachts. The Gib'sea 24, for its 23.42-foot length, was designed with a more voluminous hull compared to many contemporaries, with one analysis noting it as "more spacy than 58% of all other designs."

The interior layout would typically feature an open-plan arrangement to maximize the feeling of space below deck, characteristic of similar Gib'sea models. Such a design would include a V-berth forward, a compact galley, and a saloon area that often converts into additional berths. The presence of a 14-gallon water capacity suggests adequate provisions for weekend trips or extended coastal cruising. Given Gibert Marine's reputation, the interior would likely feature practical, durable finishes, leaning towards functional comfort suitable for its cruising purpose.