- Find or Create a Group
Keyboard Shortcuts
- SabreSailboat
- #13-horsepowerVolvo
- #13-horsepowerWesterbeke
- #18-horsepowerWesterbekes
- #27-horsepowerWesterbekes
- #alternator
- #Centerboard
- #chat-notice
- #file-notice
- #GarboardDrain
- #InteriorFinish
- #maststeprot
- #photo-notice
- #poll-notice
- #Sabre28 - Models 1, 2, 3 of the Sabre 28’
- #Sabre30 - Sabre 30
- #Sabre32 - Related to Sabre 32 model
- #Sabre34MarkI
- #sabre34MkII - 1986 to 1993 Sabre 34 Mark II
- #WINCHINSTALL - SABRE MKII WINCH INSTALL NO MOD TO DECK
- Past 24 Hours
- Custom range...
Custom Range
- previous page
| 8 Started by Ed Bailey @ · Most recent @ |
| 3 Started by shollis @ · Most recent @ |
| 25 Started by Joel Greenfield @ · Most recent @ |
| 47 Started by David Garcia @ · Most recent @ |
| 4 Started by Dan Grossman @ · Most recent @ |
| 11 Started by Rsross @ · Most recent @ |
| 13 Started by michael fair @ · Most recent @ |
| 32 Started by Robert Hubbard @ · Most recent @ |
| 21 Started by PIOTR SERWIK @ · Most recent @ |
| 4 Started by LRG @ · Most recent @ |
| 22 Started by Rob Craig @ · Most recent @ |
| 15 Started by @CLevel @ · Most recent @ |
| 7 Started by Scott Laskey @ · Most recent @ |
| 6 Started by Gary Weiser @ · Most recent @ |
| 8 Started by Alan @ · Most recent @ |
| 13 Started by Bill Akins @ · Most recent @ |
| Started by Tim Rivard @ |
| 2 Started by Michael Barr @ · Most recent @ |
| 4 Started by Daniel Young @ · Most recent @ |
| Started by Tim Dokken @ |
Verify Merge
Verify delete.
- Forum Listing
- Marketplace
- Advanced Search
- About The Boat
- Boat Builders Row
- SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!
Any Sabre 386 or 402 owners?
- Add to quote
Good evening all, I’m ditching my power boat life as I NEED to get back to sailing. I’ve been away from it for five years and that’s too long. Looking for pros/cons on the Sabre 386 or 402. I think I’ve narrowed it down, but would love to hear from current or past owners of these proud Maine built boats. Owner sites have turned up as dead roads for me for some reason. Can’t access any of them or they are dead links. Thanks in advance, Christian Newburyport, MA
I've sailed a fair amount on the 386 with a good friend! It sails quite nicely! and is no slug. Easy enough to single hand if you had to. Pretty typical layout below. He's added a windlass, solar, and a davits since purchasing. They all make life a lot easier. I can't think of anything critical to say about it. Other than I can't afford one. The aft berth is roomy enough. I don't think you could go wrong there. Having said that, I might check the capacities of the water and fuel tanks. ( I don't know what they are) but They might be a limiting factor for any long range cruising. As in you might have to carry more. It's a sweet boat.
Thanks for the reply Tempest. That’s good to hear. Their reputation seems to be really strong both related to build quality and in sailing characteristics. The tankage really should be ample for what I would be doing. Mainly coastal cruising throughout New England. I agree about the price. Ouch! They are not giving them away, but I also feel like I might be settling if I start looking at Bene’s, Catalina’s and Hunters. Maybe that’s silly? Cheers!
chinny said: Thanks for the reply Tempest. That's good to hear. Their reputation seems to be really strong both related to build quality and in sailing characteristics. The tankage really should be ample for what I would be doing. Mainly coastal cruising throughout New England. I agree about the price. Ouch! They are not giving them away, but I also feel like I might be settling if I start looking at Bene's, Catalina's and Hunters. Maybe that's silly? Cheers! Click to expand...
I've owned a 1984 Sabre 38 Mk1 since 2005. Before that, a Sabre 28. While not a 386, the 38 Mk1 is similar in build quality and in other aspects. It's a great boat, as tough as you'd want. Properly equipped and sailed, it can still win its class. It is not a great accelerating boat by today's standards, but certainly not a slug. It can go offshore if properly equipped. If you like the styling, you should definitely consider it.
Attachments
- Victoria 2010 BIG.jpg 5.7 MB Views: 234
- ?
- 176.4K members
Top Contributors this Month
- New Sailboats
- Sailboats 21-30ft
- Sailboats 31-35ft
- Sailboats 36-40ft
- Sailboats Over 40ft
- Sailboats Under 21feet
- used_sailboats
- Apps and Computer Programs
- Communications
- Fishfinders
- Handheld Electronics
- Plotters MFDS Rradar
- Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
- Anchoring Mooring
- Running Rigging
- Sails Canvas
- Standing Rigging
- Diesel Engines
- Off Grid Energy
- Cleaning Waxing
- DIY Projects
- Repair, Tools & Materials
- Spare Parts
- Tools & Gadgets
- Cabin Comfort
- Ventilation
- Footwear Apparel
- Foul Weather Gear
- Mailport & PS Advisor
- Inside Practical Sailor Blog
- Activate My Web Access
- Reset Password
- Customer Service
- Free Newsletter
Dufour 44 Used Boat Review
Blue Jacket 40 Used Boat Review
Catalina 270 vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up
Ericson 41 Used Boat Review
How to Create a Bullet-Proof VHF/SSB Backup
Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW
Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions
Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors
Solving the Dodger Dilemma
Polyester vs. Nylon Rode
Getting the Most Out of Older Sails
How (Not) to Tie Your Boat to a Dock
Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair
Ensuring Safe Shorepower
Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box
Why Choose the Wharram Design?
Winterizing: Make It Easy With Checklists
Boat Improvements for the Technically Illiterate
What Do You Do With Old Fiberglass Boats?
Stopping Holding-tank Odors
Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye
Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor
The Rain Catcher’s Guide
Sailing Gear for Kids
What’s the Best Sunscreen?
UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?
Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing
R. Tucker Thompson Tall Ship Youth Voyage
On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…
On Watch: America’s Cup
On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing
Dear Readers
- Sailboat Reviews
Boat Test: The Last Sabre 34 Mark II
Roger hewsons racer-cruiser gets high marks for performance..
In 1985, after nearly a decade of building its popular Sabre 34, Sabre Yachts significantly revamped the design. The resulting boat-beamier, roomier, faster, and more powerful than the original-is usually referred to as the Sabre 34 Mark II. Despite distinct differences between the two boats, the family resemblance is still obvious. The Mark II, like its predecessor, still hews the performance-cruising line that the South Casco, Maine builder established with the introduction of its very first boat, the Sabre 28, in 1971.
As with all the Sabre models launched before the company ran into financial trouble in the early 1990s, the Mark II was designed by company founder Roger Hewson, a transplanted Canadian engineer who raced International 14s and has been described as a born tinkerer.
Hewsons penchant for lively boats, combined with the detail-oriented Maine craftsmanship, is a chief reason why used Sabres remain so popular among split-personality sailors who enjoy PHRF racing as much as a leisurely summer cruise-something that can’t be said of many boats of the same vintage. Another element that has led to the lasting value of the boat is the strong manufacturer support it enjoyed during its production run. In nearly all of our surveys taken during the mid-1980s through the late 1990s, owners reported exceptional customer service from Sabre dealers and the manufacturer. Even today, the owner of a 25-year-old Sabre will find an active number of owners associations-mostly East Coast-to turn to.
Faced with significant debt problems in 1992, Sabre underwent a major reorganization, and by 1994, the company was revitalized under new ownership. The powerboat business that Hewson started saw a major expansion, and Sabre hired a new house designer, Jim Taylor, who brought in a new generation of sailors to sample his vision of a performance cruiser.
Hewson clearly listened to Sabre 34 (Mark I) owners when he went about designing the Mark II. While much of the attention went into improving creature comforts and creating more space below, and the hull and deck got much needed attention.
In plan view, there is little hint of the International Offshore Rule (IOR) tendencies toward disproportion that were evident in the Mark I. A more U-shaped, broader, flatter stern replaced the originals V-shaped, IOR-hallmark stern.
The fine bow entry is reminiscent of some Sparkman & Stephens designs from this period, as is the long bow overhang that helps keep anchors from clanging against the hull. Like Charlie Morgan, Hewson preferred a stern that followed the angle of the backstay, an eye-pleasing touch that is most apparent on paper.
The sheerline is flat and contemporary, with a low, well-proportioned cabin-top. While many Sabres sport a fashionable blue Awlgrip hull that brings out the teak toerail, a white gelcoat model will offer fewer maintenance hassles over the long run.
Underwater, the boat has a fine entry, with a U-shaped hull that resists pounding better than some faster, flatter-entry boats we see today. The aft sections are also rounder and fuller than many contemporary cruisers, but theres more than enough flat surface area for the boat to achieve double-digit surfing speeds and still be in control.
One of the universal praises for the boat is how well it handles in a breeze-even at the top end of its design limits. The bolt-on, lead-ballast fin keel has an efficient NACA profile, as does the balanced rudder.
Our test boat was a 1992 Sabre 34 Mark II. Hull number 430, the wing-keel boat was the last hull built. It is owned by Alan Pressman, a Sarasota, Fla.-based regional dealer for Sabre. In 12 to 15 knots of wind, the boat required minimal effort to steer-and sailed herself for much of the time.
The keel-stepped mast is a tall, double-spreader, masthead rig (the Mark I had only single spreaders), with a high-aspect mainsail and overlapping jib. The standard jib is a 305-square-foot genoa, which can test the standard 42C primary winches. Although you can’t expect a Sabre to eclipse a comparable J/Boat in a light-air race around the cans (see Sabre 34 in Context), it enjoys a favorable rating in most Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) associations, and will leave many of its contemporaries astern.
The 11,500-pound displacement boat came in three models: the performance-oriented fixed-keel model, which draws 6 feet; the centerboard model, which draws 4 feet with the board up and 7 feet, 8 inches board down; and the wing-keel version, which draws 4 feet, 6 inches.
Interior and Systems
The Mark II featured two interiors, one is an aft-cabin model with a private double to port. Our test boat had the traditional layout: Moving aft from the V-berth, theres a head and shower to port and a hanging locker to starboard. In the main saloon, twin settees face a fold-up dining table. The U-shaped galley is aft to port, across from the navigation station and a double pilot berth.
The boat has a 6-foot, 3-inch headroom throughout most of the interior, and all berths are 6 feet, 4 inches long, even the settees, which will make good seaberths with the addition of lee cloths. Cabin ventilation is good with two hatches and four dorade vents-seagoing essentials that seem to have been forgotten in many contemporary designs.
Although the original brochure calls for two opening ports, the boat we tested had six. Seventy-six gallons of fresh water in two tanks and a 30-gallon holding tank offer adequate range for coastal cruising, but the water and diesel (20 gallons) will likely need to be supplemented for longer cruising. Storage is adequate, and engine access-partially blocked on the portside-is rated as fair to good by most owners we surveyed.
Theres a surfeit of teak trim throughout the boat, and being stick-built-in which the furniture components are built into the hull individually rather than dropped in as a large pre-molded form, as is the norm today-there is more room for owner customization.
The original stove was a two-burner Shipmate alcohol stove; a CNG stove was optional. Since CNG is difficult to source, particularly when sailing in the islands, many owners have made the relatively straightforward conversion to propane. (Sabre ended up replacing the balky Shipmates for many owners without complaint.) Sliding cupboards offer room for plates and canned goods. The icebox is well insulated, although its placement next to the engine room means it needs to work harder than most. A fold-up cutting board adds counter space. It is a tight, but functional galley for a boat of this size.
Standard propulsion is a 27-horsepower Westerbeke (marinized Mitsubishi) with a two-blade propeller. The unprotected offset prop, which exits to port of the rudder at an angle, was cited by a few owners as a concern in areas with lots of lobster traps. Some owners mentioned that they missed the advantage of being able to use prop-wash to maneuver at low speeds.
All through-hulls are bronze and grounded to the keel. The standard electrical system included two 100-amp hour batteries, enough for modest cruising demands. Access to the engine was the number one complaint, particularly the stuffing box, which can only be reached through a cockpit locker. In general, long-time owners rated the overall ease of maintenance on the systems as fair to good.
The Sabre 34s T-shaped cockpit is better suited for daysailing than long-term cruising. There is no place to nap. Crew have enough room to recline against the cabintop, and the helmsmen has a clear view to steer from out of the fray-a positive that comes to light in PHRF racing.
Some single-handers complained that neither the jib sheet nor the mainsail is easily accessible from the helm, but added that an autopilot solved that issue.
The coamings are fairly low, good for leaving and entering the cockpit, and broad enough to sit on in the forward sections. Two catch-all bins, a tray locker (starboard), and a deep seat locker (port), as well as a deep storage area aft, offer adequate space for storing lines and fenders. A high bridgedeck and solid teak hatchboards keep the cockpit dry. There is no molded coaming for a dodger or sprayhood, but many owners have been able to add functional dodgers without too much trouble.
Winch placement is fairly conventional for its day, with halyard winches on the mast. There are two coaming-mounted primaries (Lewmar 42C) for the genoa, a secondary to starboard of the companionway (Lewmar 30C) for the outhaul, and the mainsheet winch to port of the companionway (Lewmar 16C). The jib, mainsheet, and spinnaker halyards on the mast (all Lewmar 16Cs) are served by rope clutches. The 6:1 mainsheet leads to a mid-boom traveller, in front of the cockpit, where it wont interfere with a big bimini top. Most boats have the optional self-tailing primaries; some owners have upgraded to larger primaries-not a bad idea.
Two genoa tracks-one on the rail, one inboard, recessed on the deck-allow for optimal trim on and off the wind. Chainplates are well inboard, allowing tight sheeting angles, even when the sheet is led outside the shrouds. Passage fore and aft is good with teak handholds extending just forward of the mast.
Formidable 10-inch stainless cleats handle dock lines fore and aft, although there are no dedicated mid-ship cleats for spring lines. The anchor locker offers plenty of room for extended cruising. Although our test boat came with a cast fitting to serve two anchors, this is not standard in some early models.
Most boats came equipped with Profurl furling gear, a serviceable product that is now eclipsed by much more reliable equipment. A Profurl boom-furling arrangement was also an option, but this is not something we would recommend.
Performance
At the end of the day, the reason to look at the Sabre 34 is two-fold: quality of construction and performance. We sailed a shoal-draft 34 in 12 to 15 knots true wind on Sarasota Bay, Fla. Most of the windward work was carried out under a partially furled jib (about 100 percent), which kept the boat moving at about 6.3 knots, when hard on the wind. The inefficient sail shape impacted tacking angles, which hovered around 53 degrees, once leeway figured into the equation.
On a beam reach, the boat trotted along at 7 knots with fingertip control, but off the wind (120 to 145 degrees), speed dropped to 5.7 knots-something an asymmetrical spinnaker would fix.
Helm response and balance was superb throughout the sail-even when we deliberately tried to impart some lee helm-and the boats high-aspect rig quickly translated heeling forces into forward acceleration. Every owner in our survey gave the boat high marks for performance.
Under power at just over 2,000 rpm, the boat cruised at 5.6 knots. Engine noise was above average. Vibration was minimal. At higher, less-fuel efficient speeds, the boat cruised at 6 knots, indicating enough reserve power to buck most tidal currents. Handling under power, as mentioned, is average, better than a full-keel boat, but less than a fin-keel boat with the prop center in front of the rudder.
The boat we sailed was an exceptional example of the Sabre 34 Mark II, and few boats will be as clean or have as many of the upgrades that wed recommend for a cruising model-propane stove, twin bow rollers, and upgraded primary winches and traveller. Nevertheless, even a stock Sabre 34 Mark II will be a cut above boats in the same category.
The downside of having a boat that boasts Maine craftsmanship is that it comes with a corresponding price tag. However, the Sabre doesn’t carry the same cache as a Morris or Hinckley, especially once you stray outside the New England and Chesapeake regions. The Sabre market outside of these regions doesn’t seem to agree with owners optimistic pricing.
We would give a well-surveyed Sabre 34 a very good to excellent rating for a couple or a small family looking for a boat that will serve them well in local club races, yet still offer the chance for summer escapes to the islands or further afield, with the proper investment in equipment. It is not without quirks, but the Sabre 34 Mk IIs many positives far outweigh its downsides.
- Sabre Yachts
- Owners Associations
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
Leave a reply cancel reply.
Log in to leave a comment
Latest Videos
The Performance Sailboat from Island Packet: Blue Jacket 40 Boat Review
Top 3 Winter Boat HACKS!
Cabo Rico 34 Boat Review
Super Shallow Draft Sailboat: The Leeboard Sharpie
Latest sailboat review.
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell My Personal Information
- Online Account Activation
- Privacy Manager
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
COMMENTS
An online group for all Sabre and Back Cove motoryacht owners. Sabre Sailboats Group (Facebook) An online group for all Sabre sailboat owners. Stay up-to-date with the latest from Sabre Yachts. Twitter Facebook Linkedin Youtube Instagram. ©2024 Sabre Corporation Hawthorne Road, Box 134 South Casco, ME - 04077 +1-207-655-3831.
CAPTCHA. Stay up-to-date with the latest from Sabre Yachts. Twitter Facebook Linkedin Youtube Instagram. ©2024 Sabre Corporation Hawthorne Road, Box 134 South Casco, ME - 04077 +1-207-655-3831. Contact Newsletter Press Careers.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
A group of owners of Sabre sailboats. This group comprise of former members of the Yahoo Group-SabreSailboat and new members of Groups.io-SabreSailboat. This forum is for discussions of ownership, maintenance and improvements of Sabre sailboats. This discussion will also include the operation, the performance and the upkeep of Sabre Sailboats. Also please consider joining the FACEBOOK Group ...
This group is for the purpose of the discussion of Sabre Sailboats. This discussion will also include the operation, the performance and the upkeep of Sabre Sailboats. Also please consider joining...
From the sailboat data site. "As of 2012, Sabre ended production of sailing yachts though they have said it could be restored should the market improve". A 7 year old boat could be immaculate or was scrapped in last years hurricane and it is on the market for "very good price". SO it is less the boat and more the skipper.
By Jerry Brecher · 10/13/23. Sabre Rendezvous at the US Sailboat Show - THIS EVENING. Hi All, The first day at the Annapolis Boat Show was beautiful. Just a reminder, we are gathering this evening at O'Brien's Oyster House and Pub. 113 Main Street, Annapolis Come join us anytime from 5.
Sabre Yachts Owners Associations LISSA - Long Island Sabre Association Sail and Power boat owners from Long Island Sound http://www.lissa-sabre.org /
Online discussion for Sabre sailboat owners. Related Sailboats: Sort by: 4 Sailboats / Per Page: 25 / Page: 1. 0 CLICK to COMPARE . MODEL LOA FIRST BUILT FAVORITE COMPARE; SABRE 28-1: 28.00 ft / 8.53 m: 1971: SABRE 34: 34.18 ft / 10.42 m: 1976: SABRE 34-2: 34.17 ft / 10.42 m ...
William. Nov 21, 2004. #3. Outstanding boat. Sabre yachts are built in Maine, and built well. I like the teak toe rail and grab rails on the deck and the lines are those of a first class boat. These boats were featured in the book "worlds greatest sailboats II" The performance ratios of the sabre 34 are similar to my boat the cal 33.
Sabreman. 1746 posts · Joined 2006. #5 · Feb 2, 2020. I've owned a 1984 Sabre 38 Mk1 since 2005. Before that, a Sabre 28. While not a 386, the 38 Mk1 is similar in build quality and in other aspects. It's a great boat, as tough as you'd want. Properly equipped and sailed, it can still win its class.
Hewson clearly listened to Sabre 34 (Mark I) owners when he went about designing the Mark II. While much of the attention went into improving creature comforts and creating more space below, and the hull and deck got much needed attention. ... Our test boat was a 1992 Sabre 34 Mark II. Hull number 430, the wing-keel boat was the last hull built ...
For owners of ANY sailboat. 48.9K Threads 611.5K Messages. 48.9K Threads 611.5K Messages. A. Just Bought My First Boat - About to Give it to a Scrapyard. ... Sabre Sailboats New. 95 Threads 456 Messages. 95 Threads 456 Messages. Tides sail track. Sep 5, 2024; Tally Ho; San Juan Sailboats. 35 Threads 124 Messages. 35 Threads 124
30' catalina MKIII 1999 East Hampton, New YorkAsking $39,000. 30' J Boats Tillotson Pearson Kinsale, VirginiaAsking $6,500. 38' sabre 38 MKI Tarpon Springs, FloridaAsking $65,000. 39' Corbin Corbin 39 New Bern Bridgeton, North CarolinaAsking $93,700.
Sabre Sailing Yachts. Our three sailboat models are described in the following pages: the Sabre Spirit, the Sabre 426, and the Sabre 456. You will find detailed data as well as interior and exterior images; you can request additional information about any of these designs; or you will find contact information for the dealer nearest you. Sabre ...
Sabre Owners Association: Download Boat Record: Notes. Hull #1 - #255. SABRE 34-2 introduced in 1986. A keel/CB version was also available. ... Like the LWL, it will vary with the weights of fuel, water, stores and equipment. A boat's actual draft is usually somewhat more than the original designed or advertised draft. For boats with ...
Oct 10, 2006. #4. There is a difference. These are all outstanding boats. The Island Packet and the Caliber have higher D/SA ratios as they are designed primarily as more long range cruisers rather than coastal cruisers. The higher ratios make them more sea kind in heavy air and not great in light air.
Sabre boats for sale on Boat Trader are listed for a swath of prices, valued from $12,410 on the bargain side of the spectrum all the way up to $3,018,000 for the bigger-ticket boats. Higher performance models now listed have motors up to 1,754 horsepower, while the most modest more functional models may have as modest as 13 horsepower engines ...
Assistance for owners and yards looking for information on operation, maintenance and repair of Sabre sail and motor yachts 207.655.3831. MENU. ... Sabre Club Store. Technical Support. Contacts in Sabre's After Sales Service Department may be reached by calling 207-655-3831 or by filling in the contact form. The following resources contain do ...
2007 Sabre 426. $295,000. $2,241/mo*. Estimated monthly payment based on a 240-month loan at 6.74% APR. Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 | Private Seller.
Any known issues with Sabre 36s in general, the center board in particular, the earlier models, etc.? The boat seems to be in very good condition overall and well kept, but obviously the survey will hopefully reveal any issues. Any other general info, advice, or wisdom is also appreciated. I am going to join some of the other Sabre forums out ...
Despite a fairly high initial cost, the Sabre 28 has proved to be a good investment for her owners. One owner responding to The Practical Sailor's boatowners' survey reported that he paid $14,900 for his boat in 1973. That same boat in 1981 was worth about $24,000. A Sabre 28 purchased in 1976 cost $22,000, and was worth about $29,000 in 1981.
Sabre Yachts has been crafting luxury yachts since 1970 when the company's founder set out to build the finest possible 28-foot sailing yacht using production line methods and fiberglass technology. Over the next 40 years, sailboat models from 28 to 45 feet were introduced. In 1989 Sabre debuted the Sabreline 36 "Fast Trawler," a tri ...