Sailing Performance & Handling
The Pico-Plus is defined by its light displacement and relatively high sail-area-to-displacement ratio, which grants it agility in light to moderate conditions. With a total weight of approximately 650kg and a sail plan nearing 18 square meters, the boat accelerates quickly and mimics the responsiveness of a large dinghy. Unlike the heavier pocket cruisers of the same era, the Pico-Plus utilizes a fractional rig that allows for precise mainsail trimming, a feature often noted in period reviews by French nautical publications like Voiles et Voiliers as being particularly rewarding for experienced sailors.
Under sail, the boat’s behavior is heavily influenced by its swing-keel design. With the keel fully deployed, the Pico-Plus tracks well for its size, though its shallow 1.10-meter maximum draft means it lacks the "stiffness" of a fixed-keel yacht. It is a tender vessel that requires active weight management; in gusts exceeding 15 knots, early reefing is essential to maintain control and prevent excessive heeling. The rudder is semi-balanced and sensitive, providing excellent feedback to the helm, which makes it an ideal platform for teaching the nuances of sail trim. Conversely, the boat can feel skittish in a following sea due to its flat aft sections and light weight, requiring a concentrated hand on the tiller to prevent rhythmic rolling.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a vessel measuring just under 6 meters, the Pico-Plus offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it adheres strictly to the "nautical camping" philosophy. The cabin features a classic V-berth in the bow and two short longitudinal settees that can serve as berths for children or storage areas. Headroom is extremely limited, typical for a micro-cruiser of this vintage, meaning most tasks are performed while sitting or kneeling.
The "Plus" version’s defining characteristic over the standard Pico is the refined deck mold, which includes an integrated sugar-scoop stern. This modification not only provides a cleaner aesthetic but also moves the rudder hardware and increases the usable cockpit space slightly. Interior variations were minimal throughout its production run, though some units featured a small, slide-out galley drawer for a single-burner stove and a portable chemical toilet tucked under the forward berth. The use of molded fiberglass liners (contremoulage) provides a clean look and adds structural rigidity, though it limits access to the hull for certain repairs.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Pico-Plus should focus their inspection on the mechanical and structural integrity of the lifting keel system. As a 40-year-old design, the following areas frequently require attention:
- Keel Pivot and Trunk: The pivot pin for the swing keel is a known wear point. If the pin or the surrounding fiberglass in the trunk has ovalized, the keel may "clunk" while at anchor or under sail. Furthermore, the internal centerboard trunk is susceptible to osmotic blistering if water sits stagnant within the housing.
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats from the early 1980s, the Pico-Plus uses a balsa-cored deck. Soft spots around the chainplates, mast step, and pulpit feet are common and indicate water ingress and core rot.
- Mast Step Compression: The load from the fractional rig can sometimes cause the deck to sag slightly at the mast step if the internal support post has shifted or the core beneath the step has compressed over time.
- Transom Integrity: On the Pico-Plus model specifically, the integrated swim platform and rudder mounting points should be inspected for stress cracks, as these areas handle significant leverage from the transom-hung rudder.
Community & Resources
While there is no longer a dedicated factory-backed association, owners of the Pico-Plus often congregate within the broader Association des Propriétaires de Gib'Sea (APPGibSea). This group provides a repository of technical knowledge for legacy Gibert Marine models. Because the boat was widely distributed in France, much of the technical literature and refurbishment logs are found within French-speaking maritime communities, where the Pico-Plus remains a popular choice for "Micro Class" racing and coastal trekking.
The Verdict
The Gib’Sea Pico-Plus is an excellent entry-point for sailors seeking a versatile, trailerable cruiser that prioritizes sailing sensation over luxury. Its ability to navigate thin water and be stored in a driveway makes it a cost-effective alternative to larger yachts, provided the owner is comfortable with the spatial constraints of a 19-foot cabin.
Pros:
- Easy Trailering: Light enough for towing with a standard vehicle and simple to launch.
- Shallow Draft: The swing keel enables beaching and access to shallow anchorages.
- Lively Performance: Rewarding to sail in light winds compared to heavier cruisers.
Cons:
- Limited Headroom: Interior is confined to "sitting room" only.
- Tender Motion: Can feel unstable in heavy weather or under-ballasted if not managed carefully.
- Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for keel mechanism wear and deck core issues typical of the era.
