Gib'Sea 37 an easy-to-sail coastal cruiser
Miami Herald - January 2003
BY MARSHALL BRODIE, Special to The Herald
Lots of amenities, competitive price
Dufour Yachts, the second largest sailboat builder in Europe, has revamped its boats with an eye toward the U.S. market. It may soon be making its name better known.
One of Dufour's most popular lines of sailboats is the Gib'Seas, in sizes ranging up to 51 feet. Designed for comfortable coastal cruising, they offer generous accommodations and amenities at a competitive price.
I tested the Gib'Sea 37, which was released in mid-2002 and is available in a two- or three-cabin version. Built to compete with boats from Hunter, Catalina, Beneteau and Jeanneau, the Gib'Sea 37 is an affordable, easy-to-sail package.
The Gib'Sea 37 presents with an attractive profile. The carefully sculpted deck conceals the nearly 6 foot, four inches headroom in the main cabin without making the boat look too tall for its length. The wide beam is carried aft, producing more interior room.
The bow is reinforced to resist impact. The hull is solid fiberglass and the deck is cored with balsa.
My host on the Gib'Sea 37 was John Kotze, base manager of Fun-in-the-Sun Yacht Charters in Marathon. Unfortunately, the winds were a gentle 8-12 mph that then dropped to about 5 mph. However, the Gib'Sea 37 performed well in light air even with a modest sail plan of 700 square feet.
Halyards and sheets are led to the cockpit for solo or double-handed sailing. An optional cruising package includes lazy jacks for easy handling of the mainsail. This package also includes a host of other options such as an electric windlass and anchor.
Though I did not get a chance to see how the Gib'Sea 37 fares in stronger winds and waves, it should be a fairly stiff boat due to the low ballast of the deep-bulb keel and the stability provided by the relatively flat bottom.
With this model's draft of 5 feet, 6 inches, though, a skipper needs to pay close attention to water depth, especially in the Keys and Bahamas.
The Gib'Sea 37 tracked very well, needing minimal corrections to the large steering wheel to maintain a steady course. The Gib'Sea is also very responsive to the helm. The short mainsheet traveler is placed out of the way in front of the companionway hatch. The optional rigid vang will help control the mainsail.
The view from the helm is good in all directions, even when you are seated. Dufour fabricated a unique helm seat that when flipped down, becomes the steps that lead to the transom swim platform.
The deck-stepped mast features twin backstays that provide the benefit of unobstructed access to the swim platform. The cockpit can seat six, though four would be more comfortable.
A fold-out table forward of the steering pedestal makes for convenient casual dining and includes drink holders. Considering that there are two aft staterooms under the cockpit, there is a surprising amount of storage under the cockpit seats -- enough for extra sails, fenders and other gear. The spray dodger and bimini top are sturdy but do hinder the helmsman's view aloft; a clear panel in the top would help out.
Down below in the cabin, the galley is immediately to port of the companionway. The galley is compact, with the gimbaled propane-fueled stainless steel stove and oven in easy reach as well as the double sink and refrigerator. Rails or fiddles keep things from rolling off the laminate countertop. The counter abuts the aft-facing navigation station and electrical center. The joinery is generally good, though I found a few unfinished edges.
ELBOW ROOM
The spacious head and shower compartment opposite the galley has plenty of elbow room. A manual marine toilet and pressurized sink and shower are standard. Also standard is a water heater. The cabin is open and bright with six opening port lights and two fixed ports on the hull sides.
The U-shaped dining settee will allow at least six people to eat. In keeping with the French tradition for fine wines, a built-in bar is included in the table. Under the seats there is storage for extra equipment.
Dufour consolidated the water pump, bilge pump and shower sump pumps into a central location easily accessed next to the settee. All wiring is neat and secure and hoses are appropriately double clamped.
The forward cabin features a double berth, hanging lockers and a shelf along the hull sides along with a cabin light and two reading lights. The mattress is 76 inches long but only 22 inches wide at the fore peak, which is a bit narrow unless you like to play footsies with your bedmate. A cabin door provides privacy from the rest of the cabin.
The aft cabins are compact but functional -- with double berths, storage shelves and hanging lockers. In the two-cabin version, the port aft cabin is replaced with extra storage.
EASY ACCESS
The 30-horsepower diesel is centrally located between the two aft cabins. Removable access panels provide ease of service for the engine.
The Gib'Sea 37 is a responsive and easy-to-sail coastal cruiser. Expect to see more Dufours on the water.
For more information call Fun-in-the-Sun Yacht Charters at 954-463-7911 or visit the Dufour website at www.dufouryachts.com.
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This article was written by Marshall Brodie - Special to the Herald - and published in the January 23rd issue of the Miami Herald.
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