1983 Sabre 28 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
1983 Sabre 28
Dufour 32 Classic
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1983 Sabre 28 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Dufour |
| Year | 1983–1990 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Roger Hewson | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 35.3 m² (380 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1983 Sabre 28 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Sabre 28 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1983 Sabre 28 was penned by Roger Hewson. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1983 Sabre 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 1.17m longer than the 1983 Sabre 28. The Dufour 32 Classic displaces approximately 32% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1983 Sabre 28 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.86 and 35.3 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1983 Sabre 28 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1983 Sabre 28 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1983 Sabre 28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Sabre 28 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 Dufour 32 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 32 Classic offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.