Buying a Sabre 28 - questions

[genki]

Hi, we have been looking for a Sabre 28. Found an '84 model that looks to be in good condition. The chainplates have had attention and leaks fixed. One thing that caught my attention is that the door under the mask step is ill fitting and will not close. The top of the door is out of alignment, it's higher than the roof area that it's supposed to snug closed into.

The mast step at the bottom is dry and the bilge area looks good, all areas dry. The tabbing all looked good too.

We were told that the door may have been rehung due to the hinges becoming threaded and that we could take it off and plane the top down to get it to close.

If we do put in an offer we would have it surveyed of course but I wanted to get opinions here, what are the thoughts?

Thanks

[kd3pc]

not sure about the forepeak door...but the Sabre 28 is one of the best boats, IMHO, ever built. It has it's quirks, curved floors, small storage. But it is well built and sails even better.

Usually if the mast step has been repaired you will see a slight difference in the sole. Mine had been repaired, but they redid the whole sole with similar material that Sabre did originally. Mid atlantic repairs usually use a thinner veneer product.

I would look closely at the door it should "hang" symmetrically and may just need an adjustment. Could be a land carpenter "fixed" it previously and may only need a boat carpenter to redo it.

Other than mast step and older electronics, you should be happy with the Sabre 28, especially an 80's model.

[hellosailor]

You might want a surveyor's opinion. If the door (presumably to the forward cabin?) isn't closing, it might have been rehung incorrectely, but why would it have been rehung at all?

It is also common for boats with problems to "warp" and then doors don't close. Could be the chainplates were part of the problem, shrouds too tight or loose, stays too tight, boat not on stands properly, mast step shifted or repaired...it is very possible that the door won't close properly because something has shifted. Whether that's important, or correctable, or a dealbreaker, is something you probably should get a professional opinion on.

Overall though, Sabre is a top line boat.