Looking to buy a Sabre 34 or 36

[jcallis]

I am the current owner of a Sabre 28 MK II and love the boat, but need more room.
We have been shopping for a Sabre 34 MK II or a 36 MK I with a centerboard. At this time I think I have found a 34 MK II that I am thinking of bidding on. My concern is that in the near future I will regret that we did not go for the 36.
I'm wondering if anyone can point out major differences between the two boats, and significant reasons that we should consider one over the other. From what I can see as far as specs, it seems like the 34 MK II may be a bit more tender, and not as comfortable.

What will I regret in the 34?

John

[mgmhead]

John,
Sabre 34 (MkI) and my friend has a Sabre 36. Both sail great and I wouldn't think of either as 'tender'. The 36 has more space (obvious) and a centerboard so less draft than my 5'6".

Go for a quaility boat, well maintained and upgraded by PO. There are features of both boats that I value, some that he has I don't and some I have that his boat lacks. However, both sail great.

Good luck in your search and when you find the 'right' boat, she should speak to you. You'll know her when you find her.

All that said, two extra feet is important if you're sailing with family.

[Tempest]

As far as I know, the layout is the same, just a little more room.

The only thing a 36 would do for me would add annual expense.

If I were to move to a 36 from my 34, I think it would be to the 362. I like the full shower aft, and the single deck penetration for the chainplates, among other things.

Like S/V Rhythm says I wouldn't consider the 34 tender. I do tend to take a reef sooner than some, but she's a stable fine sailing vessel.

In your case, I would find the vessel that has been maintained the best. ( 34 or 36) You would not be unhappy with either model.

[sailor50]

If this isn't too commercial ...

Call Brad 941-957-8627, he is a Sabre dealer/broker, OTY (Old Time Yachts)

I have no affiliation with this company or him.

[josrulz]

Originally Posted by jcallis

I am the current owner of a Sabre 28 MK II and love the boat, but need more room.
We have been shopping for a Sabre 34 MK II or a 36 MK I with a centerboard. At this time I think I have found a 34 MK II that I am thinking of bidding on. My concern is that in the near future I will regret that we did not go for the 36.
I'm wondering if anyone can point out major differences between the two boats, and significant reasons that we should consider one over the other. From what I can see as far as specs, it seems like the 34 MK II may be a bit more tender, and not as comfortable.

What will I regret in the 34?

John

I realize this thread was a couple weeks ago, but I'll chime in anyway. As others may have said, the condition of the boat is far more important than those 2 feet. When we were searching, we would have bought anything from a Sabre 30 Mk III, to Sabre 32, to 34 Mk I (all in our price range). We ended up with the 34 because we found one in great condition. That said, every time you go up a couple feet, everything gets more expensive--sails, slips, bottom paint, hardware, anchors, etc. It adds up quickly.

As for being tender, our 34-I is more tender initially than similar sized beamy flat-bottomed boats I've sailed (Beneteau, Catalina, etc.). However, once it heals initially, it locks in quite nicely, and overall it sails much better. I can't provide a comparison for you though of the S34-II vs. S36-I.

I'm not saying you shouldn't go for a 36, just that condition should be the primary consideration.

Good luck with the search!
-J

[altomar5]

If I can suggest Yahoo Group Sabresailboat for reviews and discussions from members of this group concerning Sabre 34 and 36.

Mike
1986 S-34 Mk II