2000 Sabre 386 vs 1984 Ericson 38 — Comparison

2000 Sabre 386
VS
1984 Ericson 381984 Ericson 38

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2000 Sabre 3861984 Ericson 38
General
ManufacturerSabreEricson
Year2000–20071984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerJim TaylorBruce King / Ron Holland
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.5 m² (651 ft²)60.0 m² (646 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2000 Sabre 386
16.40
1984 Ericson 38
15.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2000 Sabre 386
40.62
1984 Ericson 38
42.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2000 Sabre 386
0.74
1984 Ericson 38
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2000 Sabre 386
19.37
1984 Ericson 38
20.06

Detailed Comparison

The 2000 Sabre 386 and 1984 Ericson 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2000 Sabre 386 is a 2000s design by Sabre from USA, while the 1984 Ericson 38 is a 1980s offering from Ericson from USA. The 2000 Sabre 386 was penned by Jim Taylor. The 1984 Ericson 38 was designed by Bruce King / Ron Holland.

In terms of size, the 2000 Sabre 386 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1984 Ericson 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1984 Ericson 38 displaces approximately 3% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2000 Sabre 386 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.40 and 60.5 m² of sail area. The 1984 Ericson 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2000 Sabre 386 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2000 Sabre 386 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1984 Ericson 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.6% for the 2000 Sabre 386 and 42.4% for the 1984 Ericson 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2000 Sabre 386 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1984 Ericson 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Ericson 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 2000 Sabre 386 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: 2000 Sabre 386 · 1984 Ericson 38