[DosEquis]

I've just found out that a Saber 34 is available in my area for under 10K. I'll be getting more info tomorrow and possibly looking at it this weekend. If so, is there anything other than the mast step and the head/shower bulkhead that I'll need to pay extra attention to?

Please keep in mind that I've never owned a sailboat so this will be a completely new experience for me. In short, use small words, talk/type slow, pictures help... =)

I'm excited that I may join the sailboat club much sooner than I expected but don't want to miss the obvious problems because I'm a novice.

After I look at it, probably with a friend who has some experience and has owned several boats, I will get the survey if it looks like a good deal. As I understand it, the boat has been out every season, fresh water in the Great Lakes and is on the market because they are getting too old for it. Apparently, it's hard for them to even go below on it anymore.

I have no idea what sails, equipment, extras the boat will come with at this time. I'll post more once I've had a look.

Thank you for all input.

Dos

 

[miatapaul]

Any Saber 34 for under 10K will require a lot of work to bring it back to snuff. That said they are beautiful boats, well made and you seem to know the big issue, the bulkhead/mast step. Decks are also an issue if any soft spots. From my experience boats owned by people too old to boat anymore often have a lot of deferred maintenance. Much due to a lack of being able to do what they used to, and some to the fact that they may not be able to see it.

I looked at one boat I liked a lot, but it was pretty rough. the owner was remembering things as he bought the boat 20+ years ago, like the sails that were brand new before he bought it. Well yes they were new then, but not anymore and no those green stains are not going to just wash out and leave a new like sail! But on the plus side he was very pleasant to talk to and if I had made an offer it would have likely included sailing time for him. He really seemed to not want to let it go.

 

[Faster]

Certainly worth a look.. the reason for the low ask may simply be aging owners unaware of the value, or, more likely, it's rooted in good reason - but the only way to know is to check it out.

Best of luck, keep us posted

 

[CalebD]

What year make of Sabre 34' is it?
Is the engine still in good shape? (A new engine will cost more than $10K most likely)
Are the sails old & baggy? (New sails for a 34' boat can run $5K)
Chainplates & rigging in good condition? (New standing rigging can run $2K+)
Old electronics are old electronics that likely don't work. You can add new stuff on at your leisure but still not cheap.
Is the head & holding tank in good order? does it smell bad?
Condition of bottom? decks (not spongy)?

Owning a boat is like having a girlfriend or two with endless "honey-do" lists.
That said, Sabre is a well respected brand and < $10k for a 34' boat is a bargain if there are no big "gotchas".

 

[TomMaine]

Don't get your hopes up too high. A Sabre 34 is a great boat and that is an unusually low price for one, even if it's a project. These days, the well maintained higher priced examples of a design are the greatest values for your dollar.

On the other hand, don't wait too long to go see it, just in case. Great deals do come along but they will not sit long.

 

[DosEquis]

Hopefully, I'll get to look at it this weekend. I don't know the year or anything else about it right now. I'll update as I find more info.

 

[eherlihy]

Six years ago I looked at an '84 Sabre 34 with an asking price ~$30K. The decks were soft, the interior had been flooded, the sails were mildew plantations, and the engine was a collection of parts in a box. The mast step looked OK though...

It has been said elsewhere in SailNet that the difference in price between a well maintained boat, and one requiring some work, is usually (I would say always) not worth the difference. Also, the purchase of a sailboat is not a (sound) financial decision.

That said, let us know what you find!

 

[DosEquis]

I"m sorry to say that the boat was unavailable. I don't know if it was sold or sunk, just that it wont be mine...

 

[hellosailor]

Too late, Dos. A Sabre34 for 10k? I just bought it.

Kidding. Only because I don't know where it is and can't move fast enough!

One thing to beware of on Sabre's in general, assuming this was the old Sabre company, is that they built "furniture class" interiors. If you need to get behind any of the cabinetry, you may have to literally climb inside and start a complicated disassembly project. And you way want to buy a fire ax for damage control access, in case you need access "now".

But they tend to be very well made, very nicely handling, and at that price GO LOOK before I find out where it is.(G)

As with any old cheap boat, deck, rigging, bulkheads, chainplates, engine, keel or centerboard...there can be many reasons for "cheap", caveat emptor and good hunting.

 

[k7el]

If the engine runs, and it is floating, a Sabre 34 is probably worth quite a bit more than $10,000.