Dufour 382 Grand Large vs 1985 Sabre 32 — Comparison

Dufour 382 Grand Large
VS
1985 Sabre 321985 Sabre 32

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 382 Grand Large1985 Sabre 32
General
ManufacturerDufourSabre
Year2014–20181985–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerFelci Yacht DesignRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA11.55 m (37.9 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL10.25 m (33.6 ft)8.08 m (26.5 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.45 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,200 kg (15,873 lbs)4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)
Ballast2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)1,633 kg (3,600 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.0 m² (678 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity260 L (68.7 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 382 Grand Large
17.17
1985 Sabre 32
16.71
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 382 Grand Large
30.56
1985 Sabre 32
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 382 Grand Large
0.77
1985 Sabre 32
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 382 Grand Large
16.98
1985 Sabre 32
18.88

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 382 Grand Large and 1985 Sabre 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 382 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s offering from Sabre from USA. The Dufour 382 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 1985 Sabre 32 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the Dufour 382 Grand Large measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1985 Sabre 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The Dufour 382 Grand Large is 1.80m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The Dufour 382 Grand Large displaces approximately 76% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 382 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 63.0 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 Dufour 382 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 382 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1985 Sabre 32 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the Dufour 382 Grand Large and 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 382 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L of water capacity and 140L 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 Dufour 382 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 382 Grand Large offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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