The admiral and I own and actively
cruise on a
Sabre 34. As we near
retirement, with ambitions of
extended cruising, we are looking for our next
boat, and can't seem to zero in on a target. We understand that every
boat is a compromise, and we don't expect to find the performance of a
Volvo 60 with the comfort and capability of a Halberg Rassey at the
price of a 1970's homebuilt ferro-cement boat. But we do have some firm-ish parameters. Does anyone have suggestions on a design that meets or comes close to this list? I'm sure many folks have different priorities, but this is our set of priorities.
* 40-45 feet. Roughly. We don't think boats under 40 will meet our target comfort level, and boats over 45 won't meet our
purchase budget,
maintenance budget, or physical abilities.
* Newer than 1990. Older boats are often gems, but generally they are rather worn out. Our
Sabre is 1979, and as wonderful as she is, she's old.
* $100-$200K. At the low end, I realize a lot of
work will be needed. However, I often see boats at the high end needing just as much! (5 year old or 15 year old instruments all need upgrading, minor
gelcoat "dock rash" or major, both need a
paint job).
* Performance at least equal to a Sabre 42. For those who
race, I'd like a PHRF below say 100. I'm not going to
race -- but I like a boat that
sails well.
*
Draft below 6'. I don't mind a
centerboard -- I love mine. I'd take a
centerboard over a wing, but I'd take either. My home waters are the Chesapeake, and the
water is thin here.
*
Storage. This is a major issue. Most modern boats sacrifice
storage for that "spacious feeling." That means space under the floorboards, space
outboard of bunks, a large "anchor locker," a lazarette,
tanks under the floor to free up bunk space, only one
head, only one "cabin"), etc. My Sabre 34 has trouble storing enough for a weekend, let alone a week -- or more!
* Designed for
offshore work. I do NOT feel that it has to be a long
keel heavy
displacement double ender with
keel hung
rudder -- but at the same time, storage behind
cushions held in place with VELCRO doesn't cut it. Same with limited hand rails "hidden from view"
*
Classic lines. This rules out, for us, most
center cockpit designs. Center cockpits also
trade aft-cabin privacy (which a couple doesn't need) for living space.
* Factory original with a Solent or inside stay, or an easy retrofit. I'm tired of finding my rolled up
jib is terrible in 30 knots to
weather, and want an easier solution. Factory original speaks favorably to the design intent.
* Reverse transom or transom steps. I am NOT going to load groceries on a side-mount ladder, have to fit a ladder ever time I want to go swimming (or recover a man-overboard), or try and climb a side-mount ladder in full
SCUBA gear. I am open to options to this, but don't know of any.
* Capable of accommodating a stern arch for
davits and
solar. Yes, there are other solutions, but I'd rather not go there.
Other considerations:
* Significant fridge and
freezer space (have you seen the Passports?)
* Accessible bunk in master stateroom
Classic forepeak is awful (we live with it now). Pullman is pretty cool. Aft
cabin seems it would be hot.
* Durable
hull. Either
sold glass below the
water line, or
aluminum. Possibly
steel
*
Interior visibility to the outside. Most modern boats have nearly useless
ports. I can see far more out of my '79 34' boat than almost any boat at the shows. To make matters worse, I'm only 5'8.
We've looked at many boats, new and old. Some come close. I believe I'm not searching for the impossible. Some that come close:
* Sabre 42 or 425. This is a lovely boat. It's only drawback is the storage. We looked at it and thought, where do we put a load of spare
engine parts, summer clothes,
food,
generator,
SCUBA compressor, 4 SCUBA
tanks, a reacher, an asym, etc, etc.
* Passport 42-ish. A lovely boat, with a LOT of pluses. Very top of our
price range, but real killer was the lack a transom entry solution. Also, can't support an arch (very narrow transom)
* Outbound. SCORE. Except for that price issue.
* Lots of William Garden design ketches. I grew up on one, and she'd be lovely. Except she's slow off the
wind and a pig upwind.
* Saga 43. There is one 2 boats down from mine (not
for sale, but I can lust). Prices are near the upper limit, but probably OK. Haven't crawled all over her, but I suspect storage is lacking.
So reading my list, does any design jump out? I'm all ears!
Harry
Rantum Scoot
'79 Sabre 34
Mill Creek, Annapolis
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