1979 Gibson Standard

Step aboard and you’ll notice how this Gibson’s layout feels more like a floating cottage than a typical houseboat. Wide side decks, tall rails, and broad fore and aft platforms make line-handling, docking, and lounging straightforward, even for a small crew. The upper deck is a true second living space, with room for deck chairs, a grill, and sundown cocktails under the open sky. Inside, the expansive windows flood the interior with natural light, while the higher-than-average headroom keeps it comfortable for taller guests. Storage is surprisingly generous—under-berth compartments, built-ins, and tucked-away lockers let you keep seasonal gear and provisions aboard without cluttering your living space.

A Gibson Standard of this vintage shines in protected waterways, broad rivers, and interconnected lakes where comfort underway matters as much as comfort at the dock. The shallow draft and broad beam make slow cruising through marinas, channels, and coves relaxed and predictable, while still providing the stability you want when afternoon chop picks up. Long, straight shorelines and plentiful anchorages are perfectly matched to the roomy topside deck and bright interior, giving you multiple vantage points for sunsets, fishing, or people-watching. In regions with distinct seasons, the generous interior volume and home-style layout make shoulder-season weekends and extended liveaboard stays practical, not just possible.