1985 Sabre 32 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
1985 Sabre 32
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Sabre 32 | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Cal |
| Year | 1985–1991 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Roger Hewson | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,633 kg (3,600 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Sabre 32 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 1985 Sabre 32 was penned by Roger Hewson. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 1985 Sabre 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1979 Cal 39 is 2.14m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The 1979 Cal 39 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Sabre 32 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.71 and 42.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Sabre 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Sabre 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Sabre 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 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 1985 Sabre 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1979 Cal 39 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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Or view individual specs: 1985 Sabre 32 · 1979 Cal 39