Island Time

Downeast Island Time

A few of her notable amenities include:

• Cummins Straight Drive Twin Engine Power
• 4-Zone air conditioning and heat
• AC / Heat at Helm Deck
• Side Power bow thruster
• Raymarine electronics package
• Onan generator
• New house batteries
• Teak helm decks
• Light grey painted hull
• Fresh bottom paint added

Yachting Magazine wrote, “For ’over’ a decade Sabre Yachts has incorporated the phrase “Crafted in the Maine Tradition” into their marketing efforts. Sabre appears to have nailed a winning formula by combining refined tradition with the comforts and equipment found on untraditional models. A feat by the Sabre design team was their success at creating a hardtop express that didn’t resemble a squashed birthday cake. Making a hardtop look good on any traditionally inspired express cruiser less than 45 feet is not an easy task.

On the 38, Sabre has kept the profile unobtrusive, relying on fabric and isinglass to enclose the after seating area. A substantial overhang should keep rain out during an average downpour. Under way I found the 38 Express to be a solid performer. The twin diesels pushed us to a top speed of 32.3 knots in calm seas. But more impressive was the easy cruising speed of around 25 knots at 2700 rpm.

This appeared to be a sweet spot for the 38, as she traveled in perfect trim with no tabs applied, and we recorded sound levels at a reasonable 83 decibels. The transom has a 16-degree deadrise, producing sufficient lift to pop the 38 right out of the water when applying the throttles. Steering throughout the speed curve is very responsive. Considering the ‘wonderful, elegant’ fit and finish, the long standard equipment list, the performance and above all the timeless downeast styling of the 38, she looks like a ’very smart and desirable’ value on the market.