2005 Sabre 426 vs Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 — Comparison

2005 Sabre 4262005 Sabre 426
VS
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1Beneteau Oceanis 38.1

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2005 Sabre 426Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
General
ManufacturerSabreBeneteau
Year2005–20122017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerJim TaylorMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA12.95 m (42.5 ft)11.50 m (37.7 ft)
LWL10.67 m (35.0 ft)10.47 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.72 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.08 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,979 kg (22,000 lbs)7,150 kg (15,763 lbs)
Ballast3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area77.5 m² (834 ft²)62.5 m² (673 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2005 Sabre 426
16.99
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
17.11
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2005 Sabre 426
38.64
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
30.77
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2005 Sabre 426
0.74
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2005 Sabre 426
19.02
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
16.43

Detailed Comparison

The 2005 Sabre 426 and Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Sabre 426 is a 2000s design by Sabre from USA, while the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 2005 Sabre 426 was penned by Jim Taylor. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 2005 Sabre 426 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 at 11.50m (37.7ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2005 Sabre 426 is 1.45m longer than the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1. The 2005 Sabre 426 displaces approximately 40% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2005 Sabre 426 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.99 and 77.5 m² of sail area. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, with an SA/D of 17.11 and 62.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2005 Sabre 426 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.6% for the 2005 Sabre 426 and 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2005 Sabre 426 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 140L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Sabre 426 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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2005 Sabre 426 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: 2005 Sabre 426 · Beneteau Oceanis 38.1