Gib'sea 28 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gib'Sea 28's production run spanned from 1978 to 1984, during a period when Gibert Marine, founded by Olivier Gibert, was establishing itself as a significant player in the fiberglass sailing yacht market. Olivier Gibert, with his background as former Operations Director for Jeanneau and a partnership with Henri Jeanneau's daughter, brought a strong design and manufacturing ethos to his new venture. Gibert Marine quickly gained recognition for producing comfortable, spacious, and practical cruising yachts, a focus that is evident in the Gib'Sea 28. While some early visions for Gibert Marine included long-distance racing, the brand ultimately became synonymous with cruising, prioritizing comfort and ease of use, making their vessels popular in the charter trade throughout the 1980s. The Gib'Sea 28, like many of the yard's offerings, reflected this philosophy, aiming to provide a well-rounded boat for a broad range of sailors. The design was penned by Michel Joubert, a prominent French maritime architect, known for his contributions to various Gib'sea projects. The Gib'Sea 28 was primarily offered with a centerboard keel, allowing for versatility in accessing both coastal and inland waters, a practical feature for a cruising boat of its size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While compact, the Gib'Sea 28 is noted for its reasonably good sailing performance. With a reported sail area of 474 square feet and a displacement of 6,174 pounds, the boat is generally considered to be a moderate-weight vessel. Descriptions from owners suggest that it handles well, offering a good balance for its size. The masthead sloop rig provides simplicity and efficient sail area. Owners have noted that while it may not point extremely close to the wind, its performance off the wind is commendable. The centerboard keel, a distinguishing feature, contributes to its versatility, allowing for a minimum draft of 2.79 feet and a maximum draft of 6.23 feet. This enables it to explore shallower anchorages while still offering sufficient lateral resistance for sailing performance. Its hull speed is calculated at 6.51 knots, indicating a capable turn of speed for a cruiser of its length. Overall, the Gib'Sea 28 is seen as a stable and stiff boat, although with a low righting capability if capsized, a characteristic to be aware of.

Accommodations and Layout

The Gib'Sea 28 is surprisingly spacious for a boat of its size, often described as offering more interior volume than 73% of similar designs. The interior layout typically features two double berths, making it suitable for couples or small families for medium-range trips. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, owners frequently praise the "phenomenal" roominess for a 28-foot boat. The design prioritizes comfort, often incorporating amenities like hot water and heating, enhancing its liveability as a small cruising boat. Based on owner descriptions and reviews, the interior generally includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a separate head compartment. The emphasis for Gib'sea yachts during this era was on practical, comfortable cruising, suggesting a functional layout with adequate storage for provisions and personal gear, and often finished with a mix of fiberglass and wood trim for a classic marine aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gib'Sea 28 consistently praise its spaciousness, often highlighting it as a key advantage for a boat of its length. Many appreciate its suitability as a comfortable small cruising boat, capable of providing a pleasant experience for extended trips. The sailing performance is generally considered good, particularly off the wind, and its stability is often noted. The centerboard keel is a valued feature for its versatility in different cruising grounds.

However, some owners have noted that while generally well-built, some Gib'Sea models of this era could be "lightly built" in certain aspects. As with any older vessel, common maintenance issues can arise, and potential buyers should be mindful of the condition of the keel and deck fittings, as these have been mentioned in owner discussions. Despite these considerations, the enduring presence of Gib'Sea 28s on the used market and in active sailing speaks to their robust construction and timeless appeal, continuing to attract sailors looking for a reliable and practical cruiser at an accessible price point.