Design and Construction
Hewson gave the Sabre 38 a fine entry and bow overhang, trading some flat-water speed and below-deck volume for aesthetics and seakeeping. The original reviewers considered that a worthwhile trade. A low cabintrunk sweeps gently aft, recalling other Maine-built boats such as Hinckley and Morris, while teak handrails run along the cabintop.
Some early hulls were solid fiberglass. Most later boats, especially the MK IIs, used end-grain balsa coring. The hand-laid hull combined polyester resin with woven roving, unidirectional cloth, and mat around the balsa. The decks were also balsa-cored, with composite or plywood inserts beneath hardware loads.
The hull-deck flange was both through-bolted and chemically bonded, then covered by a teak caprail. Bulkheads were tabbed to the hull in stick-built fashion. Stout floors carried the external lead ballast, secured by stainless keel bolts over a reinforced glass fillet.
Rig and Sailing Performance
The sloop rig places the mast farther forward than was typical for the period. This ahead-of-its-time arrangement supports a tall, high-aspect-ratio sail plan. Double spreaders, double shrouds, and inner lowers are all mounted inboard for tight sheeting. A 135 percent genoa on a roller furler works with a hydraulic backstay.
The mainsheet traveler sits forward of the companionway, leaving the bridgedeck clear. The semi-balanced rudder is positioned well aft for steering control. The builder claimed the hull was designed to carry a full main and genoa in up to 14 knots.
Sailing to windward in 12 to 15 knots apparent, test sailors found the Sabre 38 tracked very well and came about quickly. It could point to 35 degrees apparent, and most boats rate 132 seconds per mile under PHRF.
Cockpit and Accommodations
Both generations have teak-finished saloons with opposing settees and a drop-down table over a wine or food rack. Each also has a good-sized forward cabin.
The MK I has a bulkhead table and a large, open quarterberth. Its nav station is to port, with a double quarterberth aft. Also to port, the galley includes double forward-facing sinks, a full cooker, and a decent icebox.
The MK II is just over 1,000 pounds heavier. It added a private cabin aft of the galley, fitted with a double berth and hanging locker. The nav station moved to starboard and faces aft, while a large head with a wet locker occupies the starboard side.
A substantial bridgedeck, wide side decks, and a T-shaped cockpit complete the practical layout.
Known Issue
Owners advise prospective buyers to inspect the sole near the mast step for rot. Rainwater can track down the mast slot, reach the bottom, and saturate the timber. This is the one documented weak point in an otherwise robust structure.
Verdict
The Sabre 38 is a thoughtfully engineered cruiser-racer. Its forward mast position and balanced rudder provide lively, controllable performance without requiring oversized canvas. The stick-built interior and flanged hull-deck joint reflect a serious approach to construction.
The MK II’s private aft cabin makes it the more versatile cruiser, although both generations share the same well-finished saloon and seakindly hull form.
Pros
- Genuine dual-purpose design, with quick windward tacking and good pointing ability
- Stick-built bulkheads tabbed to the hull
- Through-bolted and bonded hull-deck joint
- MK II adds a private aft cabin and enlarged head without losing the saloon’s character
Cons
- Rainwater can reach the mast-step area and cause sole rot, requiring vigilant inspection
- Bow overhang trades interior volume and flat-water speed for appearance
