GIB'SEA 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.89 ft |
| LWL | 23.62 ft |
| Beam | 9.84 ft |
| Draft | 6.23 ft/ 2.79 ft min |
| Displacement | 6,174 lb |
| Ballast | 2,425.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
About the GIB'SEA 28
Designed by M. Joubert and built by Gilbert Marine (FRA) between 1978–1984, the Gib'Sea 28 is a compact, heavy-displacement cruiser with 387 hulls produced. Its robust construction and full keel design prioritize stability and safety over raw speed, making it a durable choice for long-term ownership.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who value a stable, dry ride and low maintenance over high performance. It is particularly well-regarded by owners seeking a reliable, no-nonsense vessel for extended passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 6174.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 2.15, and a full/long keel, the Gib'Sea 28 is highly capable offshore, offering exceptional stability and self-righting characteristics for serious bluewater passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hallberg-Rassy 28 and the O'Day 28, as they share similar displacement, full-keel stability, and a focus on safe, comfortable cruising. These models appeal to the same demographic of owners prioritizing seaworthiness and interior volume in the 28-foot class.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.8 | 4.6 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.1 |
| 60° | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 |
| 75° | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 7.0 |
| 110° | 4.0 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| 120° | 3.8 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.9 |
| 135° | 3.4 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.7 |
| 150° | 2.9 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.5 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 2.9 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| Run VMG | 2.6 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.4 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.89ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
9 reported issues across 5 systems for the GIB'SEA 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GIB'SEA 28? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 9 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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