Design and Construction
Hewson's hull philosophy for the 38 placed the sloop mast a bit farther forward than other boats of the era, a concept that put the boat ahead of its time and shaped its sail-plan balance. The Mk II carried a standard deep-draft fin keel or an optional keel-centerboard arrangement, with a semi-balanced rudder set well aft for excellent steering control. Construction evolved across the series: some early 38 hulls were solid fiberglass while most later models, especially the Mk IIs, had balsa-cored hulls, though both versions used decks of end-grain balsa sandwich with solid or plywood reinforcement at load points. The hull and deck are joined on a flange and both through-bolted and chemically bonded, with a teak caprail covering the joint. Bulkheads and facings are securely tapped to the hull, revealing the superb internal fiberglass work, and the external lead ballast is attached with stainless steel keel bolts supported by a reinforced glass fillet.
Rig and Handling
The forward-mast sloop rig fostered a modern balance, and the mainsheet traveler sits forward of the companionway—freeing the cockpit but loading the boom through end-boom sheeting. Headsail tracks are well inboard, permitting tight sheeting angles that help the boat point. Sabre claims the 38 was designed to carry a full main and genoa up to 14 knots, beyond which she sails best with less sail area. A substantial bridgedeck and cabintop reaching just aft of the companionway make the entry protected, and an external chain locker with a single anchor roller sits forward.
Accommodations
The Mk II's principal interior advance was the private cabin aft of the galley, containing a double berth and small hanging locker. The galley to port is spacious on both models, with double forward-facing sinks, a full-sized cooker, and a decent fridge/ice box. The Mk II layout moves the nav station to starboard facing aft—a drawback the reviewer noted—while placing a large head aft to starboard with a wet locker. Forward, a dressing seat to port with vanity and sink complements a hanging locker opposite. Some Mk IIs substitute a C-shaped settee and quarter cabin aft for the Mk I's open quarterberth and bulkhead table, but the aft private cabin remains the defining improvement.
Equipment and Systems
Both models shipped with a three-cylinder, 33-horsepower Westerbeke diesel turning a single aluminum 45-gallon tank for roughly 200 miles of range. On the Mk II, a large locker to starboard and a propane locker under the helm seat add cockpit-side storage. The substantial bridgedeck structure and protected companionway reflect a considered approach to keeping water out of the cabin.
The Verdict
The Sabre 38 Mk II refines Hewson's forward-mast sloop into a well-built, sheltered cruiser with a genuinely private aft cabin and a robust flange-bonded hull-deck structure. The balsa-cored later hulls and decks demand inspection for water intrusion, but the internal glasswork and keel-bolt detail show a serious builder's hand.
Pros
- Forward mast placement and inboard headsail tracks aid balance and pointing
- Private aft cabin with double berth unique to Mk II
- Flange-joined, bolted and bonded hull-deck with teak caprail
- Semi-balanced rudder well aft for steering authority
Cons
- Aft-facing starboard nav station limits usability
- Most Mk II hulls balsa-cored—core rot risk if seals fail
- End-boom sheeting loads the boom heavily
