Pearson Vanguard (32) vs Sabre 28 MkII

nuffoftexas · #1 10-07-2009

Cheasapeake-bound. Gunkholing is the life. Planning some ICW too.

Been focusing on Sabres for a while... for all the right reasons. However, being a big sucker for classic lines, the Pearson Vanguard has been getting some of my attention lately. Keen on Rhodes designs. Love the O'Day Outlaw too, but few ever available. All things considered, the two can be had with comparable equipment for roughly the same cost. (10K-15K) I am curious what those in the know might have to say about a 40+ yr old Vanguard vs a 30+ yr old Sabre MkII.

My last "ship" was a 60's Egg Harbor Sedan. That one had others in the anchorages jumping out of their cabins to watch us drop the hook. Nothing like dinghying/taxiing up to an old classic either. I'm now thinking maybe of starting with the Vanguard and saving my $$$ for that Sabre 36 a few years down the road. Any input GREATLY appreciated.

nomchang · #2 10-07-2009

We looked at a number of Sabre 28s during our search this spring. Many of them seem to have had a lot of use...though that is a probably good sign. Watch out in particular for the support block beneath the compression post in the bilge. It was not glassed over during construction and they are prone to rot. Lift up the floor board just aft of the door to the head and feel around. If the wood is soft it probably needs to be repaired. Also check the headliner above the compression post. Often it will crack do to a soft block.

We ended up with a Cape Dory 27 are very happy with it. Not as spacious as the Sabre but a solid and simple boat, plus it has some pretty classic lines.

nuffoftexas · #3 10-07-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomchang

We looked at a number of Sabre 28s during our search this spring. Many of them seem to have had a lot of use...

We ended up with a Cape Dory 27 are very happy with it. Not as spacious as the Sabre but a solid and simple boat, plus it has some pretty classic lines.

Thanks. I believe I have the Sabre issues down. I think I was hoping to find more info regarding the Vanguard here. Probably wrong question in the wrong forum.