1978 Sabre 30 vs 1990 Feeling 32 — Comparison
1978 Sabre 30
1990 Feeling 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Sabre 30 | 1990 Feeling 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Feeling |
| Year | 1978–1985 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Roger Hewson | Philippe Harlé |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 8.20 m (26.9 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.15 m (10.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.50 m (4.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,451 kg (3,199 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 37.0 m² (398 ft²) | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Sabre 30 and 1990 Feeling 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Sabre 30 is a 1970s design by Sabre from USA, while the 1990 Feeling 32 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 1978 Sabre 30 was penned by Roger Hewson. The 1990 Feeling 32 was designed by Philippe Harlé.
In terms of size, the 1978 Sabre 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 1990 Feeling 32 at 9.85m (32.3ft) with a 3.15m beam. The 1990 Feeling 32 is 0.71m longer than the 1978 Sabre 30. The 1990 Feeling 32 displaces approximately 30% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Sabre 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.92 and 37.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Feeling 32, with an SA/D of 14.49 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1978 Sabre 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Sabre 30 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1990 Feeling 32 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1978 Sabre 30 and 36.2% for the 1990 Feeling 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Sabre 30 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1990 Feeling 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Feeling 32 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 1978 Sabre 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1978 Sabre 30 · 1990 Feeling 32