2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II vs 2003 Sabre 402 — Comparison

2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
VS
2003 Sabre 402

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II2003 Sabre 402
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassySabre
Year20172003–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerGerman FrersJim Taylor
Dimensions
LOA14.99 m (49.2 ft)12.19 m (40.0 ft)
LWL13.00 m (42.7 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam4.40 m (14.4 ft)3.72 m (12.2 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement15,000 kg (33,069 lbs)8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)
Ballast5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)3,266 kg (7,200 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area103.0 m² (1,109 ft²)66.0 m² (710 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine110 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Water Capacity700 L (184.9 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.20
2003 Sabre 402
16.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
36.67
2003 Sabre 402
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
0.71
2003 Sabre 402
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.32
2003 Sabre 402
18.32

Detailed Comparison

The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 2003 Sabre 402 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II is a modern design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 2003 Sabre 402 is a 2000s offering from Sabre from USA. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II was penned by German Frers. The 2003 Sabre 402 was designed by Jim Taylor.

In terms of size, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II measures 14.99m (49.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.40m, compared to the 2003 Sabre 402 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II is 2.80m longer than the 2003 Sabre 402. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II displaces approximately 84% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.20 and 103.0 m² of sail area. The 2003 Sabre 402, with an SA/D of 16.54 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 2003 Sabre 402 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 40.0% for the 2003 Sabre 402, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 700L of water capacity and 400L of fuel. The 2003 Sabre 402 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 151L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2003 Sabre 402 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 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II 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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