1980 Peterson 34 vs 1990 Sabre 36 — Comparison

1980 Peterson 34
VS
1990 Sabre 361990 Sabre 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1980 Peterson 341990 Sabre 36
General
ManufacturerPetersonSabre
Year1980–19861990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerDoug PetersonRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area51.1 m² (550 ft²)52.5 m² (565 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1980 Peterson 34
17.26
1990 Sabre 36
16.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1980 Peterson 34
43.48
1990 Sabre 36
41.53
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1980 Peterson 34
0.76
1990 Sabre 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1980 Peterson 34
19.98
1990 Sabre 36
19.29

Detailed Comparison

The 1980 Peterson 34 and 1990 Sabre 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Peterson 34 is a 1980s design by Peterson from USA, while the 1990 Sabre 36 is a 1990s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1980 Peterson 34 was penned by Doug Peterson. The 1990 Sabre 36 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the 1980 Peterson 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1990 Sabre 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1990 Sabre 36 is 0.61m longer than the 1980 Peterson 34. The 1990 Sabre 36 displaces approximately 13% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1980 Peterson 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 51.1 m² of sail area. The 1990 Sabre 36, with an SA/D of 16.34 and 52.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1980 Peterson 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1980 Peterson 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1990 Sabre 36 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1980 Peterson 34 and 41.5% for the 1990 Sabre 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1980 Peterson 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1990 Sabre 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1980 Peterson 34 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 1980 Peterson 34 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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