Gib'sea 282 Information, Review, Specs

The Gib'Sea 282 was introduced in 1988, emerging from the Gibert Marine shipyard in Marans, France. During this era, Gibert Marine, closely linked to the Jeanneau family, had firmly established its reputation for crafting comfortable, spacious, and practical cruising yachts that were particularly popular in the charter trade. The design philosophy behind the 282, spearheaded by Joubert-Nivelt, focused on creating a versatile cabin cruiser. A notable design feature of the Gib'Sea 282 is its availability in multiple keel configurations, specifically a centerboard (or lifting keel) version and a fixed fin keel option. The centerboard keel significantly reduces the draft from 5.33 feet to just 2.0 feet, allowing the boat to access shallow marinas and explore coastal and inland waters with greater ease.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'Sea 282 is characterized as a moderate displacement vessel, with a displacement of 6,325 lbs and a ballast of 2,100 lbs. This gives it a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.33, suggesting reasonable stability suitable for a cruising boat. Its displacement-to-length ratio, around 224, further categorizes it as a moderately heavy cruiser rather than a light, high-performance racer. With a total sail area of approximately 318 square feet, the sail area-to-displacement ratio is about 14.88, indicating that while she is not an exceptionally powerful light-air performer, she should offer steady and manageable sailing in typical cruising conditions.

Owners and reviewers often describe the Gib'Sea 282 as a very seaworthy boat, well-suited for coastal sailing and capable of handling a mixture of conditions. While it is generally not intended for offshore passages, its design prioritizes stability and ease of handling. Some anecdotal reports suggest it is a stable boat that "likes to sail flat", though another perspective notes it is a "moderate weight sailboat which is slightly under powered" but "stable / stiff". The lifting keel version, in particular, has been noted for having more sail area than the average boat of its size, contributing to its sailing performance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Gib'Sea 282 is designed for comfortable cruising, typically featuring two cabins and providing berths for 4 to 6 people. The layout often includes an open-plan saloon, a separate aft cabin, and a galley. A sugar scoop transom adds to the usability and enhances boarding access. The interior is generally considered attractive and well-finished, although some owners have commented that it can feel a bit cramped. The boat is equipped with a water capacity of approximately 75 liters (19 US gallons).

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Gib'Sea 282s frequently praise the boat for its robust construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and practical design, characteristics common to many Gib'Sea models, 6]. It continues to appeal to sailors seeking a reliable, comfortable, and practical cruising yacht, often available at an accessible price point in the used boat market.

Common points of discussion among owners include the performance of the lifting keel mechanism, with some inquiries about potential issues or maintenance needs related to the drop keel. While not specific to the 282, general Gib'Sea owner feedback sometimes highlights the original deck fittings as a potential area for developing leaks over time, necessitating re-bedding. Despite these considerations, the Gib'Sea 282 maintains a loyal following, appreciated for its seaworthiness and suitability as a coastal cruiser.