2013 Oyster 485 vs 2012 Sabre 48 — Comparison
2012 Sabre 48
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2013 Oyster 485 | 2012 Sabre 48 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Oyster | Sabre |
| Year | 2013–2020 | 2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | United Kingdom | USA |
| Designer | Rob Humphreys | Jim Taylor |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.85 m (48.7 ft) | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.70 m (41.7 ft) | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.38 m (14.4 ft) | 4.30 m (14.1 ft) |
| Draft | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,200 kg (31,306 lbs) | 13,608 kg (30,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,400 kg (11,905 lbs) | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 96.0 m² (1,033 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 110 HP | 100 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 550 L (145.3 gal) | 454 L (119.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2013 Oyster 485 and 2012 Sabre 48 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2013 Oyster 485 is a modern design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 2012 Sabre 48 is a modern offering from Sabre from USA. The 2013 Oyster 485 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 2012 Sabre 48 was designed by Jim Taylor.
In terms of size, the 2013 Oyster 485 measures 14.85m (48.7ft) overall with a beam of 4.38m, compared to the 2012 Sabre 48 at 14.63m (48.0ft) with a 4.30m beam. The 2013 Oyster 485 is 0.22m longer than the 2012 Sabre 48. The 2013 Oyster 485 displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2013 Oyster 485 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.98 and 98.0 m² of sail area. The 2012 Sabre 48, with an SA/D of 17.11 and 96.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 Sabre 48 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2013 Oyster 485 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 2012 Sabre 48 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 38.0% for the 2013 Oyster 485 and 38.3% for the 2012 Sabre 48, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2013 Oyster 485 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 2012 Sabre 48 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 454L water and 284L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2012 Sabre 48 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 2012 Sabre 48 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 2013 Oyster 485 · 2012 Sabre 48