Gib'sea 92 Information, Review, Specs

The Gib'Sea 92 entered production in 1985, continuing until 1988, reflecting the design philosophy of Gibert Marine during that era. Founded by Olivier Gibert, the company, later known as Gib'Sea, established a reputation for producing comfortable, spacious, and practical fiberglass sailing yachts, often favored in the charter trade throughout the 1980s. The Gib'Sea 92, designed by Jacques Fauroux (also referred to as Groupe Fauroux), embodied this ethos, specifically aiming to be a cruiser-racer, or more accurately, a performance cruiser that prioritized interior volume and value for money. It was noted for featuring a significantly more spacious hull compared to many contemporary designs. The boat was offered with at least two keel options: a standard fin keel with a maximum draft of 4.58 feet, and a deeper "Grand tirant d'eau (GTE)" version drawing 5.92 feet (1.80m), designed for enhanced upwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'Sea 92, with its masthead sloop rig, combines decent performance with ease of handling. The design features a displacement of 7,495 lbs and a total calculated sail area of 397.54 sq ft. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.48 indicates a moderate performance cruiser, suggesting it will offer reasonable speed in a variety of conditions without being overly sensitive to light air or overpowered in heavy winds.

The ballast to displacement ratio stands at about 33.8%. While not exceptionally high, this provides a respectable level of stiffness and stability for a cruising yacht of its size, allowing it to stand up to a good breeze. Its Displacement to Length ratio of around 208 places it firmly in the medium-displacement category, indicating a boat that offers a comfortable motion in a seaway without being sluggish. The fin keel design contributes to splendid maneuverability, though this typically comes with slightly less directional stability compared to a full or long keel. Owners generally describe the Gib'Sea 92 as an easily handled and fast sailing yacht, capable of reaching a hull speed of 6.73 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance-oriented design, the Gib'Sea 92 excels in providing spacious and practical accommodations below deck. Its hull design is notably more voluminous than many comparable sailboats, contributing to a roomy, open-plan interior layout. The typical arrangement includes two double cabins, a cozy salon, and a functional galley. One common configuration features an aft cabin, further enhancing its suitability for cruising families or couples. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the emphasis on interior space suggests comfortable living quarters. The general finish and use of materials are in line with Gibert Marine's reputation for practical cruisers, though, like many boats of its vintage, some may require updating after several decades of use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gib'Sea 92 frequently praise it as offering significant value for money in the used boat market. Many describe it as a well-cared-for vessel, highlighting its excellent living space and reputation as an easily handled, fast sailing yacht. While comprehensive owner associations or forums specifically for the Gib'Sea 92 might not be extensive, the collective sentiment points to a robustly built and enjoyable boat. A recurring maintenance observation noted by some owners, particularly those with fin keel versions, pertains to rust stains emanating from keel bolts, a common issue that often requires attention on boats of this age. Despite this, the enduring presence of the Gib'Sea 92 on the water speaks to its overall solid construction and appeal to sailors seeking a comfortable and capable performance cruiser.