1984 Sabre 34 vs Hanse 388 — Comparison

1984 Sabre 34
VS
Hanse 388

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Sabre 34Hanse 388
General
ManufacturerSabreHanse
Year1984–19902017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerRoger Hewsonjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.40 m (37.4 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.73 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)7,200 kg (15,873 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)260 L (68.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Sabre 34
16.96
Hanse 388
17.17
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Sabre 34
41.74
Hanse 388
30.56
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Sabre 34
0.74
Hanse 388
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Sabre 34
21.14
Hanse 388
16.86

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Sabre 34 and Hanse 388 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Sabre 34 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the Hanse 388 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1984 Sabre 34 was penned by Roger Hewson. The Hanse 388 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1984 Sabre 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Hanse 388 at 11.40m (37.4ft) with a 3.73m beam. The Hanse 388 is 1.04m longer than the 1984 Sabre 34. The Hanse 388 displaces approximately 38% 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 Hanse 388, with an SA/D of 17.17 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 388 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 Hanse 388 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1984 Sabre 34 and 30.6% for the Hanse 388, 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 Hanse 388 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 140L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Sabre 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 Hanse 388 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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