Gib'sea 35-1 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gib'sea 35-1 began its production run in 1977, emerging from the Gibert Marine shipyard in Marans, France. Founded by Olivier Gibert in 1972 in partnership with Henri Jeanneau's daughter, Gibert Marine often shared design philosophies and practical collaborations with Jeanneau, a prominent French boatbuilder. The design of the Gib'sea 35-1 is attributed to Philippe Harlé. While specific details about Harlé's precise design philosophy for the 35-1 are not extensively documented, his work for Gib'sea generally contributed to the brand's identity of producing comfortable and practical cruising yachts.

The 35-1 was built with a fiberglass solid hull and deck, ensuring durability. A notable variation mentioned is a shoal draft version, offering a shallower draft of 5.08 feet (1.55m) compared to the standard 5.9 feet (1.8m). Gib'sea's early focus, despite some suggestions of long-distance racing, quickly shifted to cruising, which is evident in the characteristics of the 35-1. The company consistently aimed for comfort and practicality in its designs, a trait that the 35-1 exemplifies from its inception.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'sea 35-1 is rigged as a ketch, a common choice for cruising vessels of its era, offering flexibility in sail plan management. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.9, the 35-1 falls into the category of a moderate-to-heavy cruiser, suggesting it is not optimized for extreme light-air performance. Instead, this ratio indicates a boat that will likely perform steadily in moderate to strong breezes rather than excelling in very light conditions.

Its ballast to displacement ratio of about 35.8% suggests moderate stiffness and stability, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This indicates that the boat is designed to handle various sea states with a degree of comfort, although it may have a lower righting capability if capsized compared to boats with higher ballast ratios. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 288.5 further classifies the Gib'sea 35-1 as a heavy displacement vessel. This characteristic is often associated with full-bodied hulls that offer a comfortable ride and good load-carrying capacity, ideal for extended cruising. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Gib'sea yachts, including the 35-1, appeal to "true cruising sailors who accept compromises in terms of trim and sailing performance for problem-free, comfort-oriented sailing". The hull features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration known for providing a good balance of maneuverability and directional stability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the maximum headroom for the Gib'sea 35-1 are not available in the provided data, Gib'sea yachts are generally known for their voluminous hulls and successful layouts, emphasizing interior space and comfort. Grounded search indicates that Gib'sea models, including those around the 35-foot mark, typically feature classic teak interiors. Owners' versions of similar Gib'sea models, such as the Gib'sea Master 35, often offered enhanced interior finishes and layouts, sometimes with a larger stern cabin.

Standard layouts would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a head compartment. Given the builder's focus on practicality and charter appeal, the interior would have been designed for efficient use of space, good storage, and adequate ventilation. The general finish quality of Gib'sea yachts from this era is typically robust, with a focus on durability for cruising and charter use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Gib'sea yachts frequently praise their solid construction and comfortable cruising characteristics. The 35-1 is regarded as a moderate-weight sailboat that is stable and stiff, offering a problem-free sailing experience oriented towards comfort. Like many older fiberglass boats, common maintenance issues could include the need to re-bed original deck fittings to prevent leaks, though this is a general observation for vessels of this age rather than a specific known fault of the 35-1 itself. The enduring presence of Gib'sea models in the second-hand market and among enthusiast networks speaks to their robust construction and lasting appeal for sailors seeking reliable and comfortable cruising platforms at an accessible price point.