Gib'sea 352 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gib'Sea 352 emerged from Gibert Marine, a company founded by Olivier Gibert, who had a significant background as the former Operations Director for Jeanneau. The builder, established in Marans, France, quickly gained a reputation for producing fiberglass sailing yachts that prioritized comfort and practicality, often sharing design philosophies with Jeanneau due to familial connections. The 352 model succeeded the popular Gib'Sea 105/106 series, carrying on the brand's tradition of creating robust and user-friendly cruisers. The design by Joubert-Nivelt aimed to deliver a modern family cruiser that combined good sailing performance with comfortable living spaces, aligning perfectly with Gibert Marine's ethos during this era, which frequently saw their models adopted by charter companies.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'Sea 352 is characterized by a moderate displacement hull, reflecting its design as a comfortable cruiser rather than an outright racer. With a displacement of 9,700 lbs and a waterline length of 27.83 feet, its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 180.5 places it in the lighter end of the medium-displacement cruiser category. This suggests a boat capable of reasonable speed without being overly burdened. The sail area to displacement ratio of about 17.25 indicates a decent ability to perform in lighter winds, ensuring it can keep moving when the breeze is gentle, while still being manageable as the wind builds.

Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.257, utilizing a 2,500 lb iron fin keel, suggests a design focused on a comfortable motion rather than extreme stiffness. While some owners describe its sailing characteristics as competent, particularly highlighting its ability to handle strong conditions, others note it as a comfortable vessel under power that is generally agreeable under sail without being exceptionally spirited. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration, along with a beam of 11.33 feet, contribute to a stable and predictable handling experience, making it a suitable choice for family cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The Gib'Sea 352 is renowned for its remarkably spacious interior, a key selling point, especially for the charter market it was largely designed for. The layout typically features 6 berths distributed across three cabins—a V-berth in the forepeak and two aft cabins—along with two additional berths in the saloon. Owners could also choose between a single large aft cabin or two smaller ones, offering flexibility for different crew configurations. The interior is designed to maximize living space, providing ample room for guests or family.

The saloon serves as the central living area, likely featuring a dinette and settee, contributing to the overall sense of volume below deck. A single head with an integrated shower is typically found onboard, providing essential facilities. Storage is generally good, supporting its role as a cruising boat, and fresh water capacity is substantial at approximately 320 liters (84.5 gallons), ideal for extended trips. While specific details on the finish quality and materials require closer inspection of individual boats, the Gib'Sea brand generally prioritized practical and durable finishes suitable for their target market.