1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 vs 1985 Sabre 32 — Comparison

1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
VS
1985 Sabre 321985 Sabre 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 Hallberg-Rassy 361985 Sabre 32
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassySabre
Year1989–20001985–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerGerman FrersRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA10.85 m (35.6 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)8.08 m (26.5 ft)
Beam3.47 m (11.4 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.45 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)1,633 kg (3,600 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.5 m² (651 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
16.40
1985 Sabre 32
16.71
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
40.62
1985 Sabre 32
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
0.72
1985 Sabre 32
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
22.82
1985 Sabre 32
18.88

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 and 1985 Sabre 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 was penned by German Frers. The 1985 Sabre 32 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 measures 10.85m (35.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the 1985 Sabre 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 is 1.10m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 displaces approximately 78% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.40 and 60.5 m² of sail area. The 1985 Sabre 32, with an SA/D of 16.71 and 42.0 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 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1985 Sabre 32 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.6% for the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 and 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 1985 Sabre 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 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 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 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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