2011 J/111 vs 1985 Sabre 32 — Comparison
2011 J/111
1985 Sabre 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2011 J/111 | 1985 Sabre 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Sabre |
| Year | 2011 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Alan Johnstone | Roger Hewson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.13 m (36.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,633 kg (3,600 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 71.0 m² (764 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2011 J/111 and 1985 Sabre 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2011 J/111 is a modern design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s offering from Sabre from USA. The 2011 J/111 was penned by Alan Johnstone. The 1985 Sabre 32 was designed by Roger Hewson.
In terms of size, the 2011 J/111 measures 11.13m (36.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1985 Sabre 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 2011 J/111 is 1.38m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The 2011 J/111 displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2011 J/111 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 24.71 and 71.0 m² of sail area. The 1985 Sabre 32, with an SA/D of 16.71 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2011 J/111 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2011 J/111 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1985 Sabre 32 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 2011 J/111 and 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2011 J/111 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1985 Sabre 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Sabre 32 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 2011 J/111 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2011 J/111 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.