Gib'sea 522 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gib'sea 522 emerged from Gibert Marine's Marans shipyard in 1986, a period when the company, founded by Olivier Gibert in partnership with Henri Jeanneau's daughter, had firmly established its focus on cruising yachts. The builder's ethos, even with an initial lean towards long-distance racing, quickly shifted to prioritizing comfort and practicality in its designs, a philosophy clearly reflected in the 522. Designed by the prolific Joubert-Nivelt team, known for their work on various French cruising yachts, the 522 was intended to offer a voluminous hull, generous interior space, and a well-thought-out layout.

The vessel was offered with a fin keel and spade rudder, featuring a maximum draft of 8.53 feet, though a shoal draft version was also available, drawing 6.58 feet, catering to different cruising grounds and preferences. This adaptability, coupled with its robust fiberglass solid hull and deck construction, underscored Gibert Marine's commitment to creating durable and user-friendly yachts that appealed to a broad range of sailors, including those in the active charter trade. A "MASTER" version of the 522 was also available, suggesting potential variations in layout or specification.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'sea 522 is configured as a cutter rig, a setup often favored for offshore sailing as it breaks the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails. With a total calculated sail area of approximately 1215 square feet and a displacement of 33,000 pounds, the Gib'sea 522 boasts a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of around 18.88. This figure suggests a respectable performance in lighter air conditions, enabling the large cruiser to move efficiently even when winds are moderate.

Its Ballast to Displacement ratio, at approximately 0.33, indicates a solid, yet not exceptionally stiff, platform. While she will stand up to a good breeze, her stability profile is geared towards comfortable cruising rather than aggressive racing. Complementing this, the Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 194.35 places the Gib'sea 522 firmly in the lighter-to-moderate displacement category for a yacht of its size. This suggests a boat that is relatively easily driven and capable of making good progress, balancing load-carrying capacity with an emphasis on enjoyable passage-making. The spade rudder provides good maneuverability, while the fin keel offers efficient upwind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

The Gib'sea 522 is notable for its generous interior volume, designed to provide exceptional comfort and liveability for a vessel of its size, aligning with the Gib'sea brand's reputation for spacious cruising yachts. While specific maximum headroom is not provided, the overall design suggests ample standing room throughout. The typical interior arrangement often features multiple double cabins, usually four, each with its own en-suite head, making the 522 particularly well-suited for extended family cruises or charter operations.

The layout generally includes a substantial main salon, a well-equipped galley, and dedicated navigation station, all designed to maximize comfort and functionality during long passages. Owners and reviews often highlight the practical use of space, robust joinery, and good ventilation, common characteristics of French cruising yachts from this era. The emphasis on practical layouts and robust finishes ensures that the interior remains comfortable and serviceable even after years of use in various conditions.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gib'sea 522 frequently commend its robust construction and spaciousness, which are consistent themes across the Gib'sea range. The full standing headroom and well-appointed cabins are often highlighted as significant advantages for extended cruising or for accommodating multiple guests. The cutter rig configuration is appreciated for its versatility and ease of handling in varying wind conditions, contributing to the boat's reputation as a capable offshore cruiser.

Common feedback often points to the Gib'sea 522's comfortable motion in a seaway and its general suitability for blue water sailing. While specific common problems for the 522 are not widely detailed, like many boats of its vintage, routine maintenance and potential upgrades to systems and deck hardware are typically expected. The enduring presence of Gib'sea models in the second-hand market and in various charter fleets underscores their robust build and lasting appeal for sailors seeking reliable and comfortable cruising platforms.