Gib'sea 31 Information, Review, Specs

The Gib'sea 31 commenced production in 1979, marking its place in Gibert Marine's line-up of fiberglass sailing yachts typically ranging from 7 to 12 meters. While a definitive end year for the original Gib'sea 31 is not consistently cited, models were produced throughout the early to mid-1980s, with variations like the Gib'sea 312 appearing later in 1988, suggesting a successful production run.

The design, largely attributed to Jacques Fauroux, aimed to balance comfortable living spaces with competent sailing performance, aligning with Gibert Marine's focus on practical cruising. The builder, founded by Olivier Gibert, an alumnus of Jeanneau, was known for creating vessels that prioritized comfort and practicality. A notable design flexibility for the Gib'sea 31 was the availability of both fin keel ("quillard") and keel/centerboard ("DL" - dériveur lesté) versions, offering options for different sailing grounds and preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'sea 31 is characterized by a displacement of 8,800 pounds and a waterline length of 26.57 feet. With an estimated ballast of approximately 2,992 pounds, its ballast-to-displacement ratio is around 34%, contributing to a reasonably stable and stiff platform capable of standing up to a fair amount of wind. Its displacement-to-length ratio of 209.44 indicates a moderate weight for its size, placing it between lighter performance boats and heavier traditional cruisers.

While some assessments suggest the Gib'sea 31 might be considered "under powered" in very light air, it is generally regarded as a pleasant boat to steer, demonstrating good righting capability and delivering a fast cruising experience in a breeze. Its fractional sloop rig and skeg-hung rudder contribute to responsive handling, making it a manageable vessel for family cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just over 31 feet, the Gib'sea 31 offers a well-thought-out and comfortable interior, designed to maximize living space for cruising. It typically features two cabins and can accommodate 6 to 7 berths, often including a V-berth forward, a saloon with convertible berths, and one or two quarter berths aft.

The maximum headroom within the cabin is approximately 1.85 meters (about 6.07 feet), providing comfortable standing room for most sailors. While specific details on the finish quality vary by individual boat and owner care over the decades, Gibert Marine generally used fiberglass for the hull and deck construction, known for its robust qualities. The interior layouts were designed for practicality, often incorporating ample storage for extended cruising, and amenities such as an audio system and a fridge have been noted in some examples.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often praise the Gib'sea 31 for its solid construction and its suitability as a family-friendly cruiser. Many appreciate its ease of adaptation, finding it to be a good step up for those looking for a slightly larger vessel that is neither too big nor too small. The general consensus from owner forums highlights that Gib'sea yachts, including the 31, are "well built and sail well."

Common maintenance considerations for the Gib'sea 31, as with any older boat, revolve around the condition of the engine and standing rigging. Owners generally find that while the original company no longer produces new boats, spares for many components are readily available, often being standard parts shared across various French yachts of the era. The enduring presence of Gib'sea 31s on the used boat market and in charter fleets underscores their robust build and continued appeal to sailors seeking reliable and comfortable cruising vessels.