Built between 1971 and 1976, this compact cruiser represents Sabre Yachts' early entry into the performance-oriented sailboat market. Designed by Roger Hewson in collaboration with Sabre, the 28-1 established many characteristics that would become hallmarks of the Maine builder's reputation for quality construction and thoughtful design. With its fin keel and rudder-on-skeg configuration, this 28-footer offers a good balance between performance and stability. The moderate displacement of 6,900 pounds, combined with 2,900 pounds of ballast, provides reassuring stability while maintaining reasonable sailing performance. The masthead sloop rig carries 391 square feet of sail area, delivering respectable performance in light to moderate conditions. The boat's comfort ratio of 23.43 and capsize screening value of 1.89 indicate it's well-suited for coastal cruising and protected waters, though experienced sailors have successfully taken these boats on longer passages. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, with many of the 199 hulls produced still actively sailing today. Notable for its practical layout and seaworthy characteristics, the 28-1 appeals to sailors seeking a manageable boat that doesn't sacrifice sailing ability for comfort. Its hull speed of 6.4 knots makes it competitive with similar-sized cruisers from the era.
- Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
- Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
- Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
- Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
No known issues documented for this model yet.
Own or have surveyed a Sabre 28 1? Submit a known issue
vs. Cal 2 29, Chergui, Gulf 29, Halman Horizon, Yamaha 30 2