1985 Sabre 38 vs 2008 X-Yachts X-46 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Sabre 38 | 2008 X-Yachts X-46 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1985–1992 | 2008–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Denmark |
| Designer | Roger Hewson | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 13.95 m (45.8 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 12.00 m (39.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) | 4.10 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 2.35 m (7.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) | 11,000 kg (24,251 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.2 m² (659 ft²) | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Sabre 38 and 2008 X-Yachts X-46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Sabre 38 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the 2008 X-Yachts X-46 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1985 Sabre 38 was penned by Roger Hewson. The 2008 X-Yachts X-46 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the 1985 Sabre 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 2008 X-Yachts X-46 at 13.95m (45.8ft) with a 4.10m beam. The 2008 X-Yachts X-46 is 2.37m longer than the 1985 Sabre 38. The 2008 X-Yachts X-46 displaces approximately 52% 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 2008 X-Yachts X-46, with an SA/D of 19.10 and 93.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2008 X-Yachts X-46 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 2008 X-Yachts X-46 has a comfort ratio of 16.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.8% for the 1985 Sabre 38 and 38.2% for the 2008 X-Yachts X-46, 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 2008 X-Yachts X-46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 160L 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 2008 X-Yachts X-46 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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Or view individual specs: 1985 Sabre 38 · 2008 X-Yachts X-46