Boat U.S. - March 2008 - (Page 38)

timearound Sabreline 34 www.sabreyachts.com and partial plywood bulkheads and fiberglass composite longitudinal and transverse members securely attached with fiberglass and resin. Factory-installed systems are always compliant with American Boat and Yacht Council standards although some, such as factory-installed air conditioning, are very difficult to access for service. dinette and provides good storage and counter space. Depending on the original owner’s preference, galleys were either all electric with a two-burner counter top stove and built-in microwave oven or LPG gas with a combination stove and oven. A fully instrumented lower helm is opposite the galley and allows for “all weather” comfortable cruising. Forward and down three steps, the head and shower are to port and there is a large hanging locker opposite. The one and only stateroom is further forward and features a center island berth with drawers beneath and a hanging locker to starboard. The standard power package included twin 220-hp Cummins diesel engines which enable the Sabreline 34 to attain a comfortable cruising speed of 16 to 18 knots and a top speed of 20 knots. Fuel capacity is 250 gallons, which allows a cruising range of approximately 230 nautical miles with a 10% fuel reserve. Optional 300-hp Yanmar engines were available, which increase cruising speeds to around 20 knots and maximum speed to 25 knots. Inboard access to machinery is good although the dinette and settee must be nearly completely removed in order for even an average-size adult to reach the area of the engine compartment outboard of the engines. This is a chore that can add several man-hours to the expense of service and routine maintenance. And, the more difficult it is to reach something for service, the more likely it is to be overlooked. In early January 2008, nine Sabreline 34s were offered for sale in the U.S., at the YachtWorld.com web site. Asking prices ranged from $135,000 for a 1993 model in Maine to $239,000 for one in Maryland. Reported sales, between June and December of 2007, ranged from $136,000 for a 1992 boat in Texas to $202,000 for a 2001 model in Maryland. Couples looking to enjoy weekends on the water in style, to entertain a few friends on a day trip or enjoy drinks and a quiet dinner for four before you send your guests home for the evening will find the Sabreline 34 nearly perfectly suited to the task. Sometimes labeled by the oxymoronic term “fast trawler,” this traditionally styled sedan cruiser from Sabre Yachts offers moderate speed, good economy, excellent construction quality and beautiful interior joiner work, but her limited accommodations are best suited for a couple or small family. Highly regarded as a quality sailboat manufacturer since 1970, Sabre began building their Sabreline range of motor cruisers in 1989 in an effort to retain past customers making the transition from sail to power. It wasn’t long before their reputation grew among powerboat enthusiasts. The company now builds more powerboat models than sailboat models. The second powerboat model built by Sabre, the Sabreline 34, was designed by the company’s in-house staff and introduced in 1990. The design features a conservative modified V-hull form with an integral keel and is intended to be comfortable over a broad range of operating speeds. The on-deck length, as might be expected, is 34 feet although the overall length is closer to 38 feet when the standard bow pulpit and swim platform are considered. The beam is a modest 12’6”, draft is 3’ 3” and displacement is 17,800 lbs. The Sabreline 34 remained in production until 2002. In 2006, a new Saber 34 HT express was introduced, although it is not comparable to this earlier model. The construction quality of the Sabreline 34 is at the upper end of the scale of production boatbuilders. The hulls are hand-laid fiberglass and resin as are the decks and superstructure. Core materials are used in order to stiffen and strengthen the structure. Generally Sabre takes considerable care to prevent water from entering the core of composites. In my experience, structural deterioration of fiberglass composites and attachments are very rare. However, I have found the fiberglass composite swim platforms used on the newer models typically show some evidence of elevated moisture. Sabre makes very limited use of fiberglass modules and structural liners in construction. Instead, strength is provided by full 38 BoatU.S. Magazine March 2008 The hulls of most Sabreline 34s are finished with dark (green or blue) gelcoat which looks great when new but fades rapidly even with diligent compounding and waxing. After five to seven years, most will need refinishing, a job likely to cost $7,000 to $10,000. The six-foot-deep by 10-foot-wide cockpit seems, at first glance, to be quite small for a 34-foot cruiser, but it accommodates two deck chairs and a small table with ease. Additional fair weather entertainment space is provided on the large flybridge which can accommodate four to five adults with ease. A starboard transom door provides easy access to the swim platform, which is teak on older models and fiberglass composite on newer. Wide side decks with a bulwark, good handholds and sturdy stainless-steel rails allow for safe passage forward. The foredeck is small but there is a short bow pulpit with center slot, which allows for storage and ease of handling of ground tackle. There are storage lockers to each side of the anchor windlass. Access to the cabin is through a sliding, patio-type door at the aft end of the main saloon and some of the newer models have a second starboard entrance adjacent to the lower helm. The main saloon features a drop-leaf table port dinette and starboard settee. The engine compartment is below with a centerline access hatch. The galley is located forward of the http://www.sabreyachts.com http://YachtWorld.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Boat U.S. - March 2008

Boat U.S. - March 2008 Contents Behind the Buoy BoatU.S. Reports Member Forum Cap'n Drew Sailing the Sidewalk Aviators Ahoy Docking and Duffing Waterfront Living: Charleston Waterfront Marketplace Grady Right 2nd Time Around DIY: Keeping the Water Out Hot Tips Boat Smart Ask Chuck Foundation Findings Tangled Line At Your Service Good Foundations BoatU.S. Exchange Behind the Boat Where Our Flags Fly

Boat U.S. - March 2008

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