Sailing Quality
In winds up to 15 knots
all three boats sail fast and are well balanced. The stiffness
is in line with what one can expect from such a boat size.
In winds over 15 knots the Tonic needs to be reefed and
fly the smallest jib, whereas the First can still be sailed
with a full main and a slightly reduced jib. The Gib’Sea
can hold on to its full sails longest. In high winds the
Tonic has the lowest stiffness of the three boats. The Tonic
and First have nicely balanced rudders, whereas the Gib’Sea
is heavier to steer.
First: good; Gib’Sea: good; Tonic: acceptable.
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Hull
and Deck Design
All three boats are built around a compromise: a higher
standing room in the cabin requires high freeboards and
high coach roofs. The First and Tonic have a well balanced
design, whereas the Gib’Sea does not look as elegant.
The underwater hull is flat on all three boats and offers
good form stability. Despite a very wide stern, all three
boats flow well through the water. The plumb bow of the
First is unusual but gives the boat a very long waterline.
First: good; Gib’Sea: acceptable; Tonic: good.
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Cockpit
and Storage
The high freeboard not only increases the size of the main
cabin – it also allows for space under the cockpit.
All three boats have an aft cabin under the cockpit but also
found enough space for a large storage locker and for a liferaft,
which is remarkable. All three cockpits are ergonomically
well designed and the sidedecks of the Tonic are best for
trimming the boat. The Gib’Sea and Tonic have a well
for the outboard engine, whereas the smaller First has a mount
on the transom, allowing easy access to the engine.
First: good; Gib’Sea: good; Tonic: good. |
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Main
Cabin and Berths
The Tonic has the highest cabin at 1.67 meter, whereas the
Gib’Sea and First offer 1.64 m and 1.63 m respectively.
Under the companionway hatch the Gib’Sea offers 1.78
meter. The main cabin berths can be widened to a comfortable
90 cm each on the First by lowering the table, whereas the
table is fixed on the Tonic and Gib’Sea, which therefore
only offer 68cm and 63 cm wide berths. The length of the berths
is over 2 meter on all boats. The Gib’Sea and Tonic
have upholstered back cushions, improving the comfort when
seated around the table. All three cabins are clear and well
lit.
First: good; Gib’Sea: good; Tonic:
good. |
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Navigation
A separate navigation table could only be added to the smaller
First in the head compartment. But the unique compromise of
having the head compartment double as nav station works well.
All three nav stations allow you to work efficiently on charts,
come with some storage for the usual instruments and allow
you to sit while working. On the Tonic and First you sit backwards,
which needs some adjustment. None of the boats have closing
cabinets for books, and the First has no proper storage for
charts. The navigation table on the Tonic is a bit too high.
First: good; Gib’Sea: good; Tonic: good. |
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Galley
All three galleys are L-shaped and offer more working
and storage space than on previous boats of similar length.
Had the galleys offered better storage for dishes and glassware
they would have been truly practical. None of the boats offer
a silverware tray. Only the First has an icebox. The water
supply is also unsatisfactory: only 20 liters (4.5 gallons)
on the Tonic and Gib’Sea. The First does a better job
with 50 liters (11 gallons). Larger tanks should be added
on board.
First:Not ok; Gib’Sea:not ok; Tonic:Not OK. |
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Aft
Cabin
Due to its shorter overall length the First also has the smallest
aft cabin, with the lowest clearance to the cockpit floor
and with the narrowest entrance. This being said, the aft
cabins on all three boats are surprisingly large and two children
(or two adults in a pinch) can sleep here in comfort. All
three boats lack an opening portlight to supply some fresh
air to the aft cabin. The First and Tonic have a fixed portlight
on the stern, whereas the aft cabin on the Gib’Sea is
quite dark. None of the cabins are separated from the main
cabin, and a curtain might be a good addition. All three have
some storage in the cabin.
First: ok; Gib’Sea: good; Tonic: good |
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three boats |
Head
Compartment
These compartments literally had to be squeezed into these
small boats, making them comfortable only for smaller persons.
Yet all three heads are acceptable compromises – even
the double-function compartment on the First. Many boats of
this size only offer a portable head under a main cabin berth,
so the double-function head on the First is not that shocking.
The largest head is on the Tonic, which also has a hand wash
basin and a cloth hanging bar. The Gib’Sea has a hand
wash basin whereas the First does not. None of the boats have
opening portlights for ventilation in the head compartment.
First: acceptable; Gib’Sea: acceptable;
Tonic: good |
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click above to view all
three boats |
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