Sabre 27 (Hill) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sabre 27's genesis lies in the innovative spirit of Marine Construction Ltd., founded by Eric White in 1964. The prototype of the Sabre 27 was built in 1969, with production continuing until 1979. During this decade-long run, approximately 400 hulls were produced. Alan F. Hill, the designer, was a key collaborator with Marcon, also responsible for their successful Trident 24. Marcon, under Eric White's initial leadership, was known for pioneering fiberglass boat production in the UK and for offering boats in various completion stages, including kits, to make yacht ownership more accessible. This ethos of solid construction and practicality was evident in the Sabre 27.

A notable variation in the Sabre 27's production run was the availability of a twin keel (also known as bilge keel) version, alongside the standard fin keel. This option significantly increased its versatility, particularly for owners in tidal areas who valued the ability to dry out on mud berths.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sabre 27, with its design by Alan F. Hill, was intended to be a capable and forgiving cruiser. Its calculated sailing ratios provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 14.18, the Sabre 27 leans towards the heavier displacement end of the spectrum. This suggests she is a powerful boat that will likely perform well in heavier airs but might be less spritely in light wind conditions.

The Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) is a healthy 45.5%, indicating good initial stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a breeze effectively. The Displacement to Length Ratio (DLR) of around 278.7 places it firmly in the moderate cruiser category, suggesting a balanced approach between speed and comfort.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often describes the Sabre 27 as a "real safe sea boat". While not designed as a close-winded racer, owners report she can maintain respectable boatspeed on passage. The Sabre 27 is generally praised for handling well, even if her performance under sail was sometimes described as "disappointing" in terms of raw speed. Under power, she was considered faster than average for her class, though potentially noisy. Her solid construction contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her a trustworthy vessel for cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The Sabre 27 was lauded for offering ample living space for its size. The interior layout typically featured a galley positioned along the port side of the saloon, accompanied by two quarter berths. While specific maximum headroom is not consistently available, the design aimed to provide comfortable accommodations for a cruising boat. The general finish quality, characteristic of Marcon boats, emphasized robust and practical materials suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Marcon Sabre 27 for its solid construction and seaworthiness, often referring to it as being "built like the proverbial brick outhouse". Many consider it a "good honest cruising boat" that instills confidence, even in challenging conditions. The availability of a twin keel version is particularly valued by those who need to manage tidal moorings or wish to explore shallow waters. The Sabre 27 Owners Association offers a community for sharing information and addressing common issues.

While generally well-regarded, some owners note that her sailing performance, particularly in light airs or when trying to point high, might not match that of more performance-oriented designs. However, this is often seen as a trade-off for her robust build and comfortable cruising capabilities.