Gib'Sea Flush Poker 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Flush Poker 27 is fundamentally a child of the Quarter Tonner era, meaning its hull form is optimized for versatility across various wind angles. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side of cruiser-racers from the 1980s, the boat is known for its responsiveness in light air. The hull features a relatively deep fin keel and a transom-hung or semi-skeg-protected rudder (depending on the specific production year), which provides significant "feel" through the tiller.

Under sail, the boat tracks well but requires active trimming to stay on its lines when the breeze freshens. According to historical technical assessments from French maritime archives, the Flush Poker typically carries a generous sail plan for its size, which allows it to punch through chop more effectively than its contemporary "pure" cruising rivals. Because the deck is flush, the mast is often stepped further aft than on traditional 27-footers of the era, allowing for larger, more powerful headsails. Sailors should expect a boat that is "tender" initially—heeling quickly to a certain point—before finding its secondary stability and locking in for a fast upwind beat.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the "Flush" name implies a low-profile exterior, the design actually results in a voluminous and open-feeling cabin because the overhead is a single, continuous sweep rather than a broken coachroof. The interior typically features a classic 1970s layout: a V-berth forward, a central salon with twin settees that double as sea berths, and a compact galley and navigation station flanking the companionway.

The most significant sibling to this model is the original Gib'Sea Poker, which utilizes the same hull but features a traditional raised trunk cabin. While the standard Poker offers slightly better-defined "standing" areas near the galley, the Flush Poker feels wider and more contemporary inside. Some later iterations of the 27-foot hull were marketed under the "Gib'Sea 80" or "80 Plus" designations, which featured updated interior finishes and rigging configurations, though the Flush Poker remains the most sought-after by enthusiasts for its aggressive, clean lines. Materials inside are typical of Gibert Marine’s output from the Marans yard: functional molded GRP liners paired with teak or mahogany veneers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Flush Poker 27 should prioritize a few specific technical areas that are common to French production boats of this vintage.

1. Deck Core Integrity: Because the Flush Poker features a large, flat deck surface, any hardware that was improperly re-bedded (cleats, winches, or pulpit bases) can lead to water ingress. Buyers should check for soft spots or delamination, particularly around the mast step.
2. Rudder Play: The bush and bearing system on the Poker series is known to wear over decades of use. Excessive "clunking" or vibration in the tiller often indicates the need for new bushings or a rebuild of the internal rudder structure.
3. Osmosis: Like many GRP boats built in the late 70s and early 80s, Gib'Sea models are prone to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural, a haul-out inspection is mandatory to see if the hull has been treated or requires a peel and epoxy coating.
4. Chainplate Anchorage: Given its racing heritage, the Flush Poker’s rigging is often pushed hard. The points where the shrouds meet the hull/bulkheads should be inspected for stress fractures or signs of movement.

Community & Resources

Owners of this model often find technical support through the broader Gib'Sea and Dufour owner networks. While there is no longer a dedicated factory portal for the Poker series, the Association des Propriétaires de Gib'Sea in France remains the most authoritative repository for original blueprints and tuning guides for the Joubert-Nivelt designs.

The Verdict

The Gib’Sea Flush Poker 27 is an ideal entry-level cruiser-racer for those who value aesthetics and sailing "snap" over the cavernous (but often sluggish) interiors of modern wide-beam cruisers.

Pros:

• Sleek, timeless "flush deck" aesthetic that still looks modern today.
• Excellent light-air performance and responsiveness.
• Simple, robust systems that are easy for a DIY owner to maintain.

Cons:

• Can be "wet" on deck in heavy weather due to the lack of a protective coachroof.
• Interior headroom may be restrictive for sailors over six feet tall.
• Older models may require significant rigging and electronics updates.