2012 Sabre 48 vs 1986 Westerly Oceanlord — Comparison

2012 Sabre 482012 Sabre 48
VS
1986 Westerly Oceanlord

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 Sabre 481986 Westerly Oceanlord
General
ManufacturerSabreWesterly
Year20121986–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerJim TaylorEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA14.63 m (48.0 ft)12.04 m (39.5 ft)
LWL12.50 m (41.0 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam4.30 m (14.1 ft)3.81 m (12.5 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,608 kg (30,000 lbs)9,980 kg (22,002 lbs)
Ballast5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine100 HP50 HP
Fuel Capacity284 L (75.0 gal)182 L (48.1 gal)
Water Capacity454 L (119.9 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 Sabre 48
17.11
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
14.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 Sabre 48
38.33
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
36.36
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 Sabre 48
0.72
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 Sabre 48
17.35
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
23.70

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 Sabre 48 and 1986 Westerly Oceanlord represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Sabre 48 is a modern design by Sabre from USA, while the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2012 Sabre 48 was penned by Jim Taylor. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 2012 Sabre 48 measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord at 12.04m (39.5ft) with a 3.81m beam. The 2012 Sabre 48 is 2.59m longer than the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord. The 2012 Sabre 48 displaces approximately 36% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2012 Sabre 48 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.11 and 96.0 m² of sail area. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2012 Sabre 48 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2012 Sabre 48 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 38.3% for the 2012 Sabre 48 and 36.4% for the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2012 Sabre 48 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 284L of fuel. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 182L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord 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 2012 Sabre 48 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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