43' Sabre MY info needed

[Bill Root]

I'm looking for info on the Sabre motor yachts. I have friends who are interested in a 1999 43 footer in Maine listed with Curtis Stokes. They are an older couple with limited large boat handling experience who would be using the boat to cruise back and forth between Florida and Upstate New York. This boat seems to fit their needs quite well, but I know nothing about the Sabre line, so would appreciate feedback from anyone who has knowledge of the Sabre line built in the late 90's, particularly:

[*]construction quality
[*]fit and finish
[*]potential problem areas, ie leaking windows, etc
[*]handling

Thanks very much.

 

[jim rosenthal]

They are supposed to be very well made. Have you looked on Pascoe's site or Ed McKnew's? I don't know any Sabre owners, but there might be a forum for them. EVerything I've ever heard about their boats was favorable.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

New owners should expect to get yelled at lots, they throw one heck of a wake even when going slow...

 

[carolinacoast]

I owned a 1987 Sabre 34 sailboat, and was amazed at the factory support. My windows needed replacing in 2009, and I was ready to grab my ankles, since they were custom. The factory had the template, cut the new lexan windows, sent a kit with detailed instructions, and the yard I had helping me said it was the easiest and least expensive solution they had ever seen. I paid around $230 for 4 windows with their special gaskets and frame holders. There were no leaks and sold the boat last year. The factory supports all of the boats they ever made. I asked their tech why. He said the sales department figured out that you have a better chance to sell someone their last boat, if you helped them with one of their 5 previous boats. He said the average buyer of a new sabre power or sail, has typically owned 5 boats previously. Interesting. I would buy another Sabre.

My dock neighbor in Savannah had a 38 sabreliner express. Knowledgeable owner and had no complaints about the boat. That couple would cruise to Key West every 2 years for a month and back. He kept it pretty bristol, except I never liked the cetol on the varnish. It is a lot lighter than an East Bay, and maybe more like a True North.

 

[saltshaker]

I'd own a Sabre in a heart beat. I've known two owners and have a friend who worked on one for a while (before some idiot burned it to the water line). They are great boats. Very nice looking inside and out. Well built and quality systems on board. I've never been for a ride on one but those who have them speak very well of the ride and handling characteristics.

 

[Bill Root]

Thanks to Jack, Mal and everyone who responded. Checking Pascoe's site is a good idea. Sounds like my friends may have found just the right boat for them even if it isn't a Hatteras.

BTW, sorry for the delay acknowledging your responses. I've been dealing with a very frustrating battery situation with Rolls. More on that to come.