Wibo 990 Information, Review, Specs

The Wibo 990's lineage traces back to the long shipbuilding history of the G. van Wijk Shipyard in the Netherlands, which began steel construction in 1902 and yacht building in the 1930s. The shipyard, through its Wibo Yachts brand, became known for its multi-chine steel sailing yachts, often catering to the home completion market, allowing owners a hands-on approach to outfitting their vessels. Production of the Wibo 990 commenced in 1984, leveraging this established expertise in durable metal construction.

The design by E. G. Van de Stadt, a pivotal collaborator for Wibo, brought a blend of practicality and performance to the 990. The boat features a hard chine, steel hull, characteristic of Wibo's construction methods, and a fin keel with a spade rudder. While specific variations like MkI/MkII are not commonly noted, the Wibo 990 was offered with different draft options, including a shoal draft of 4.25 feet in addition to its standard 5.25 feet max draft, providing flexibility for diverse cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wibo 990, with a length overall of 32.5 feet and a waterline length of 26.5 feet, presents a balanced profile for a cruising yacht. Its displacement to length ratio of approximately 280 categorizes it as a medium-heavy cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a light, agile performance boat. This inherent stability makes it well-suited for extended passages where comfort is paramount.

The sail area to displacement ratio of about 17.8 indicates that the Wibo 990 possesses a respectable sail plan capable of providing decent performance across a range of wind conditions, including lighter airs, without being overly powerful or demanding to handle. Furthermore, a ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 0.37 contributes significantly to its stability, allowing the vessel to stand up to a good breeze and maintain an even keel. Owners and brokers often describe the Wibo 990 as an "extremely stable and well-sailing Dutch steel boat," highlighting its suitability for long-distance sailing. Its fractional sloop rig and spade rudder further contribute to its maneuverability and responsiveness under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Wibo 990 is designed to maximize space and comfort for extended cruising, offering generous living areas within its 11-foot beam. The layout typically features a forward cabin with two berths, providing a private sleeping area. The saloon commonly includes two longitudinal benches, which can often serve as additional sleeping berths, creating a spacious and versatile social hub. Aft, there is generally another cabin with two sleeping places, ensuring ample accommodation for a crew of up to six people.

The interior arrangement also incorporates essential amenities, with a head (toilet) and a navigation table typically situated to starboard. A functional galley is usually found, providing facilities for meal preparation. While detailed specifications on headroom are not consistently available, the design aims for a comfortable living environment. The use of steel for the hull and often for the deck (with materials like Treadmaster for grip) suggests a focus on durability and ease of maintenance, reflecting the builder's ethos of producing yachts suitable for owner completion and customization.