Gib'sea 364 Information, Review, Specs

The Gib'Sea 364 began production in 1995, emerging at a pivotal time for its builder, Gibert Marine. Founded in 1972 by Olivier Gibert, the company had established itself in Marans, France, gaining recognition for its comfortable, practical, and well-constructed fiberglass sailing yachts, often popular in charter fleets throughout the 1980s. The designer duo Joubert/Nivelt, frequent collaborators with Gib'Sea, were responsible for the 364's lines, imbuing it with a design philosophy that sought a harmonious balance between performance and liveability.

While Gibert Marine was acquired by Dufour Yachts in 1996, the Gib'Sea brand, including the 364, continued production for several years under the new ownership, with models seen as late as 1998. This period saw the Gib'Sea 364 effectively bridge the gap between the independent legacy of Gibert Marine and its integration into the Dufour portfolio, embodying the established Gib'Sea ethos of sturdy construction and user-friendly characteristics. The model was offered in "Standard," "Charter," and "Owners" versions, suggesting some flexibility in internal layout to cater to different user needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'Sea 364, with its fin keel and spade rudder, is designed for a responsive and engaging sailing experience. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.6 suggests a boat with respectable performance in a variety of wind conditions, capable of moving well in light breezes while not being overly sensitive in stronger winds. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio, at an impressive 48%, indicates a very stiff and stable vessel, meaning it will stand up well to its canvas and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio is a hallmark of a yacht designed for offshore stability and confidence.

Further enhancing its sailing profile, the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 183 places the Gib'Sea 364 firmly in the category of a moderately light to performance-oriented cruiser. This combination of a relatively light displacement for its length, coupled with a generous ballast ratio and effective keel and rudder configuration, suggests a yacht that is both nimble and powerful. Owners can expect a boat that tracks well, is well-balanced on the helm, and offers satisfying performance without compromising on the comfort expected of a cruising vessel. The theoretical hull speed for a boat of this length is approximately 7.5 knots, which the 364 is well-equipped to achieve and maintain efficiently.

Accommodations and Layout

The Gib'Sea 364 is notable for its spacious and comfortable accommodations, a characteristic that aligned with Gib'Sea's general reputation for prioritizing liveability in their cruising designs. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the overall design was geared towards maximizing interior volume, making it an appealing choice for extended cruising or charter use.

Typically, the interior arrangement features a well-appointed forward double cabin, offering ample storage space, a common and appreciated feature by owners. The main salon would traditionally include comfortable seating, often convertible to additional berths, alongside a functional galley and a dedicated navigation station. Most configurations for the Gib'Sea 364 feature three cabins and a single head, providing versatile sleeping arrangements for families or multiple guests. The general finish quality, characteristic of French builders of the era, typically involved a blend of fiberglass liners with warm wood trim, creating a durable yet inviting atmosphere. Thoughtful consideration would have been given to ventilation and natural light, essential for comfort during extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gib'Sea 364 frequently praise its robust construction and solid feel, a testament to Gibert Marine's enduring commitment to building reliable yachts. The spacious and practical interior layouts are consistently highlighted as a major strength, providing comfort and ample storage that makes the boat suitable for longer voyages or as a comfortable liveaboard. Many owners appreciate the boat's stable motion in a seaway, a direct benefit of its high ballast-to-displacement ratio, which instills confidence when conditions become challenging.

Common feedback often points to the Gib'Sea 364 being a capable cruiser that handles well under sail, echoing the design intentions of Joubert/Nivelt. While specific recurring maintenance issues are not widely documented across general reviews, the general robustness of the Gib'Sea brand suggests that with standard upkeep, these vessels offer a good long-term value. The continued presence of well-maintained Gib'Sea 364s on the used boat market, often noted as being "in good condition and ready to sail," further underscores their enduring appeal and solid construction.