Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.4 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 22.8′, the Sabre 28 2 tops out around 6.4 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √22.8′ LWL = 6.4 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
36.7%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
296
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.4kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
4lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Sabre 28 2 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Ericson 28
Pearson 28 2
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Sabre 28 2.
| Sabre 28 2 | Ericson 28 | Hunter 285 | Irwin 28 Mk Iv | Pearson 28 2 | Sabre 28 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 28.4 | 28.5 | 28.4 | 28.4 | 28.5 | 28.4 |
| LWL | 22.8 | 24.2 | 23.8 | 23.0 | 24.4 | 22.8 |
| Beam | 9.2 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 9.0 | 9.8 | 9.2 |
| Displacement | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Ballast | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Sail Area | — | 422 | 398 | 377 | 384 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 180 | — | — | 192 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.7 | 17.5 | 15.4 | 16.8 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 36.7 | 40.0 | 42.9 | 41.0 | 36.4 | 39.7 |
| Comfort | — | 19.9 | 18.8 | 26.2 | 20.1 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.15 | 2.20 | 1.82 | 2.06 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.6 | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.6 | — |