1984 Sabre 34 vs 1991 Westerly Seahawk — Comparison

1984 Sabre 34
VS
1991 Westerly Seahawk1991 Westerly Seahawk

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Sabre 341991 Westerly Seahawk
General
ManufacturerSabreWesterly
Year1984–19901991–1997
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerRoger HewsonEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)6,123 kg (13,499 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)48.0 m² (517 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Sabre 34
16.96
1991 Westerly Seahawk
14.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Sabre 34
41.74
1991 Westerly Seahawk
40.75
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Sabre 34
0.74
1991 Westerly Seahawk
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Sabre 34
21.14
1991 Westerly Seahawk
22.81

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Sabre 34 and 1991 Westerly Seahawk represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Sabre 34 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the 1991 Westerly Seahawk is a 1990s offering from Westerly from UK. The 1984 Sabre 34 was penned by Roger Hewson. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 1984 Sabre 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1991 Westerly Seahawk at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1984 Sabre 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.96 and 50.2 m² of sail area. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk, with an SA/D of 14.57 and 48.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1984 Sabre 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1984 Sabre 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1991 Westerly Seahawk has a comfort ratio of 22.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1984 Sabre 34 and 40.8% for the 1991 Westerly Seahawk, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1984 Sabre 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 220L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1991 Westerly Seahawk 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 1984 Sabre 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1991 Westerly Seahawk 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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