1989 J/35 vs 1990 Sabre 36 — Comparison

1989 J/35
VS
1990 Sabre 361990 Sabre 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 J/351990 Sabre 36
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsSabre
Year1989–19931990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerRod JohnstoneRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.43 m (11.3 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)52.5 m² (565 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 J/35
19.46
1990 Sabre 36
16.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 J/35
43.48
1990 Sabre 36
41.53
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 J/35
0.79
1990 Sabre 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 J/35
16.84
1990 Sabre 36
19.29

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 J/35 and 1990 Sabre 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1990 Sabre 36 is a 1990s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1990 Sabre 36 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the 1990 Sabre 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1990 Sabre 36 is 0.30m longer than the 1989 J/35. The 1990 Sabre 36 displaces approximately 13% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The 1990 Sabre 36, with an SA/D of 16.34 and 52.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1989 J/35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1990 Sabre 36 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 41.5% for the 1990 Sabre 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1990 Sabre 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Sabre 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 1989 J/35 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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