1997 Moody 38 vs 2003 Sabre 402 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Moody 38 | 2003 Sabre 402 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Moody | Sabre |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | UK | USA |
| Designer | Bill Dixon | Jim Taylor |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 59.8 m² (644 ft²) | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Bilge | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Moody 38 and 2003 Sabre 402 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Moody 38 is a 1990s design by Moody from UK, while the 2003 Sabre 402 is a 2000s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1997 Moody 38 was penned by Bill Dixon. The 2003 Sabre 402 was designed by Jim Taylor.
In terms of size, the 1997 Moody 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2003 Sabre 402 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2003 Sabre 402 is 0.61m longer than the 1997 Moody 38.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Moody 38 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.98 and 59.8 m² of sail area. The 2003 Sabre 402, with an SA/D of 16.54 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2003 Sabre 402 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Moody 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 2003 Sabre 402 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the 1997 Moody 38 and 40.0% for the 2003 Sabre 402, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Moody 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 2003 Sabre 402 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Moody 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 2003 Sabre 402 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1997 Moody 38 · 2003 Sabre 402