Gib'sea 262 Information, Review, Specs

The Gib'sea 262's production run, spanning from 1990 to 1994, places it firmly within Gibert Marine's most active period before its acquisition by Dufour Yachts. During this era, Gibert Marine, founded by Olivier Gibert, established a strong reputation for crafting fiberglass sailing yachts that prioritized comfort, spaciousness, and practicality. The company's ethos, as evident in models like the 262, centered on creating robust and user-friendly vessels, which made them popular for both private ownership and the demanding charter trade of the 1980s and early 1990s. The Gib'sea 262, designed by Groupe Graal, reflects this philosophy with its moderate displacement and practical layout.

While primarily known for its fin keel configuration, offering enhanced maneuverability, the Gib'sea 262 was also available in a keel-centerboard (lifting keel) version, providing shallow-water access and increased versatility for exploring varied cruising grounds. This design choice underscored Gibert Marine's commitment to accommodating a broad spectrum of sailing needs, from open water cruising to navigating shallower coastal areas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'sea 262 is characterized as a moderate weight sailboat that delivers reasonably good performance for its size. Equipped with a fractional rig, which typically features smaller headsails, the boat is designed for ease of handling. Owners and reviewers generally describe the Gib'sea 262 as stable and stiff, offering a reassuring motion on the water. Its fin keel variant contributes to its maneuverability, making it responsive at the helm, a desirable trait for both seasoned sailors and those building their skills.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of just over 25 feet, the Gib'sea 262 is noted for its surprisingly roomy interior, a hallmark of Gibert Marine's design philosophy emphasizing liveability. The boat features a full keel hull design complemented by a high freeboard and large portholes, which work together to create an interior bathed in natural light. The typical layout includes a double berth located forward, opening into a spacious and comfortable saloon area. While specific details on the galley and head are often dependent on individual vessel configurations and updates, the design aims to maximize usable space, providing essential amenities for comfortable cruising. Storage solutions are integrated throughout, catering to the needs of a weekend cruiser or a couple on an extended trip.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gib'sea 262 frequently praise its solid construction and general reliability, which aligns with Gibert Marine's reputation for building robust vessels. Discussions in online forums suggest a loyal owner base, with topics ranging from swing keel maintenance to general performance comparisons with other boats in its class. The boat is often highlighted for its low maintenance requirements, with some owners noting that routine tasks like bottom cleaning and anti-fouling are straightforward and manageable. These collective viewpoints affirm the Gib'sea 262's standing as a practical and dependable small cruising yacht, appealing to those seeking an accessible entry into sailboat ownership without sacrificing comfort or seaworthiness.