Sabre vs Pearson

[Toothless]

We are looking at a number of boats in the 28-32' range. Two recent additions to the list are a Pearson 28 and Sabre28. The lay-out is generally the same, except the engines:

Sabre: Original Volvo
Pearson: Yanmar 12HP (One cylinder)

Sabre has had stays updated in custom job.

Any comments

[Vasco]

In general Sabres were better built than Pearsons. As with all used boats, condition is usually the determining factor. That and price.

[Stu Jackson]

Suggest you do a search on Volvo here on this forum. There was a discussion about them yesterday.

Both are nice boats. My impression has been that a 28 foot boat is more of a compromise than most, trying to put big boat systems into a smaller hull. Sometimes it works. In one vendor's case (not your choices) it resulted in the most overpriced model they ever made. And many skippers I know who bought them ended up getting bigger boats soon thereafter. Just my experience.

Good luck.

[satdiver]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Suggest you do a search on Volvo here on this forum. There was a discussion about them yesterday.

Both are nice boats. My impression has been that a 28 foot boat is more of a compromise than most, trying to put big boat systems into a smaller hull. Sometimes it works. In one vendor's case (not your choices) it resulted in the most overpriced model they ever made. And many skippers I know who bought them ended up getting bigger boats soon thereafter. Just my experience.

Good luck.

I agree with Stu. I'd at least look between 30 - 34. I used to have a little Saber 30 I picked up on very short money. She was a decent size for weekend cruising for two. One thing to check on with the Saber espesially the older ones is dampness around the chainplates and cockpit sole.

If I were in your market I'd go for the Saber 34. It would be easier to resell than a 28 or 30. Never look at listing prices for these boats. You can typically get really good deals on them because they all have something going on with them.

[Stu Jackson]

Here's that discussion about Volvo engines: Would you ever consider buying a boat with a Volvo Penta 2003 or 2003T engine? - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

[jangann]

We owned a Pearson 28-1 and that boat was awesome. She carried us through crap plenty of times, won club races regularly (no thanks to us), and turned heads at the dock (she was a looker). Previous owner took her to the Bahamas twice and replaced the starboard settee with cabinetry and a better galley. She felt like a bigger boat. Lots to be said for a small cruiser.

The Sabre is awesome too, but I have to speak up for the good old Pearson. She was my favorite ever and we wept they day we sold her.