2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large vs 1985 Sabre 32 — Comparison
1985 Sabre 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large | 1985 Sabre 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Sabre |
| Year | 2018–2022 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Roger Hewson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.55 m (31.3 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,900 kg (13,007 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 1,633 kg (3,600 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 1985 Sabre 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s offering from Sabre from USA. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1985 Sabre 32 was designed by Roger Hewson.
In terms of size, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1985 Sabre 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is 0.55m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.58 and 56.5 m² of sail area. The 1985 Sabre 32, with an SA/D of 16.71 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1985 Sabre 32 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 28.8% for the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1985 Sabre 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Sabre 32 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 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large 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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Or view individual specs: 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large · 1985 Sabre 32