1985 Sabre 38 vs Beneteau First 35 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Sabre 38 | Beneteau First 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Beneteau |
| Year | 1985–1992 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Roger Hewson | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.68 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.2 m² (659 ft²) | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 180 L (47.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Sabre 38 and Beneteau First 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Sabre 38 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1985 Sabre 38 was penned by Roger Hewson. The Beneteau First 35 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1985 Sabre 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the Beneteau First 35 at 10.68m (35.0ft) with a 3.45m beam. The 1985 Sabre 38 is 0.90m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 1985 Sabre 38 displaces approximately 32% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Sabre 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.59 and 61.2 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 35, with an SA/D of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Sabre 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Beneteau First 35 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 43.8% for the 1985 Sabre 38 and 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Sabre 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Beneteau First 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Sabre 38 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 Beneteau First 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Sabre 38 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 38 · Beneteau First 35