Back to Search
Sabre 38
Designer: Sabre Design Team  ·  Builder: Sabre Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1981
+ Add to Compare
Videos
About the Sabre 38

Built during Sabre's golden era of performance cruising design, this 38-footer represents the Maine builder's commitment to creating boats that excel both at the dock and under sail. Sabre developed a strong reputation for producing well-balanced sailboats that appealed to discerning sailors seeking quality construction and thoughtful design details. The Sabre 38 embodies the yard's philosophy of blending cruising comfort with sailing performance. Her moderate proportions and carefully engineered hull shape make her well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend sailing, while still possessing the capability for longer passages when properly equipped. The boat's design reflects Sabre's understanding of what recreational sailors actually need—enough performance to be engaging under sail, but with the stability and interior volume to serve as a comfortable cruising platform. Like other Sabre models from this period, the 38 likely features the builder's attention to joinery details and finish quality that made the brand respected among serious sailors. Her size places her in the sweet spot for couples or small families looking for a boat capable of extended cruising without requiring a large crew to handle effectively.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$35,000 – $125,000
typical asking price
Median $49,450  ·  6 listings used
All listings
$35,000 – $125,000 6
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • 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.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.83 ft / 11.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.17 ft / 9.50 m
Beam 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 15,200.00 lb / 6,895 kg
Ballast 6,400.00 lb / 2,903 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sabre Design Team
Builder Sabre Yachts (USA)
First Built 1981
Last Built 1987
Number Built 100
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
114
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
42.11
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
224.07
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 7.68 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.08
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.80 ft / 4.82 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 691.00 ft² / 64.20 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Westerbeke
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 33
Fuel Capacity 45 gals / 170 L
Find a Sabre 38 For Sale