1975 Columbia 34 Mk II vs 1985 Sabre 32 — Comparison
1985 Sabre 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II | 1985 Sabre 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Columbia | Sabre |
| Year | 1975–1980 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Crealock | Roger Hewson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 1,633 kg (3,600 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.5 m² (501 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 1985 Sabre 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The 1985 Sabre 32 was designed by Roger Hewson.
In terms of size, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1985 Sabre 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is 0.61m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II displaces approximately 28% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.71 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The 1985 Sabre 32, with an SA/D of 16.71 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Sabre 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1985 Sabre 32 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1985 Sabre 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1985 Sabre 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II · 1985 Sabre 32