1994 J/105 vs 1990 Sabre 36 — Comparison

1994 J/105
VS
1990 Sabre 361990 Sabre 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 J/1051990 Sabre 36
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsSabre
Year1994–20081990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerRod JohnstoneRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA10.52 m (34.5 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL8.97 m (29.4 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 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
Engine15 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 J/105
23.80
1990 Sabre 36
16.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 J/105
43.52
1990 Sabre 36
41.53
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 J/105
0.84
1990 Sabre 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 J/105
13.68
1990 Sabre 36
19.29

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 J/105 and 1990 Sabre 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1990 Sabre 36 is a 1990s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1990 Sabre 36 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1990 Sabre 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1990 Sabre 36 is 0.45m longer than the 1994 J/105. The 1990 Sabre 36 displaces approximately 53% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1994 J/105 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.80 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 1994 J/105 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1994 J/105 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). 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 1994 J/105 and 41.5% for the 1990 Sabre 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1994 J/105 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 57L of water capacity and 38L 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 1994 J/105 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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