1989 Sabre 34 MK II Boat in Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 US

Design

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 11,500-pound displacement boat came in three models: 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.

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.