1983 Sabre 28 vs 2010 Elan 340 — Comparison

1983 Sabre 281983 Sabre 28
VS
2010 Elan 3402010 Elan 340

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1983 Sabre 282010 Elan 340
General
ManufacturerSabreElan
Year1983–19902010–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerRoger HewsonRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA8.53 m (28.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL7.01 m (23.0 ft)9.00 m (29.5 ft)
Beam2.90 m (9.5 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Ballast1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)1,750 kg (3,858 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area35.3 m² (380 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1983 Sabre 28
15.86
2010 Elan 340
17.31
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1983 Sabre 28
40.01
2010 Elan 340
30.17
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1983 Sabre 28
0.77
2010 Elan 340
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1983 Sabre 28
22.71
2010 Elan 340
19.73

Detailed Comparison

The 1983 Sabre 28 and 2010 Elan 340 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Sabre 28 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the 2010 Elan 340 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1983 Sabre 28 was penned by Roger Hewson. The 2010 Elan 340 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 1983 Sabre 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 2010 Elan 340 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2010 Elan 340 is 1.83m longer than the 1983 Sabre 28. The 2010 Elan 340 displaces approximately 70% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1983 Sabre 28 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.86 and 35.3 m² of sail area. The 2010 Elan 340, with an SA/D of 17.31 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2010 Elan 340 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1983 Sabre 28 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2010 Elan 340 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1983 Sabre 28 and 30.2% for the 2010 Elan 340, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1983 Sabre 28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 2010 Elan 340 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 160L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Sabre 28 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2010 Elan 340 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2010 Elan 340 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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