Canadian Yachting - April 2011

Length Beam Displacement Fuel Capacity Water Capacity Waste Capacity Base Price Price as tested

40’ 10”/12.45 m
14’ 0”/4.27 m
26,000 lbs./11,800 kg
380 gal./1440 L
140 gal./530 L
60 gal./225 L
$619,000
$700,000 US
Test boat provided by and
price quoted by Sabre Yachts
www.sabreyachts.com

close to the water, or step onto the very wide side decks, grab the big stainless steel handholds then, step down into the cockpit on molded-in stairs. The flat side decks are impressively wide and going forward to set the anchor, or handle dock lines will be safe and easy in this boat.

Of course, there is an electric windlass for the ground tackle. Six big side cleats, chocks in the teak toe rails and cast steel hawse pipes with inboard-mounted cleats at the stern ensure there is a neat, seaman-like way to secure the boat.

There is a boarding ladder mounted under the swim platform that can be pulled out from the water in the event anyone falls in – a feature we really appreciate. The swim platform is finished with a no slip surface to prevent falls. A proper transom gate on massive stainless steel hinges gives access to the cockpit.

The cockpit has a full width aft bench seat and a beautiful, removable table. Aft facing seats against the bulkhead have storage underneath and all together, make a comfortable social area. Hatches in the sole give service access for the Zeus drives and there is a large lazarette locker.

Up a couple of steps and into the salon you are almost overwhelmed by warm, satin-finished woods: teak and holly sole, American Cherry cabinetry and trim. If you love wood, you are home!

To starboard is a tub chair, cabinets housing a bar and entertainment system

This shot of the galley shows the two Vitrifrigo drawer refrigerators and separate Isotherm pullout freezer drawer. Together you get as much practical refrigerator space as you're likely to have in most homes. The galley is what Sabre calls a mid-galley, meaning that it is neither on the main deck level nor on the lower deck but halfway between so the captain and chef can talk as they go.

with TV on a lift, DVD player and the impressive electrical panel. Opposite is an L-shaped settee with high/low table, storage under and a great tool drawer with fitted tools. Very thoughtful.

Next, going forward to port is the galley with service hatches in the teak and holly floor; the companionway stairs are done in American cherry with storage under the risers.

The galley is extremely well done with a large, single, stainless steel sink big enough to wash the largest pot you’re likely to have on board. The galley also features a built-in coffee maker, convection microwave, Princess Gourmet two-burner stove top and we loved the two Vitrifrigo refrigerator drawers that pull-out. Your “stuff’ will not all land on the floor after a hard run in rough water! Also, there is an Isotherm pullout freezer drawer. Together you get as much practical refrigerator space as you’re likely to have in most homes. The galley is what Sabre calls a mid-galley, meaning that it is neither on the main deck level nor on the lower deck but halfway between. It makes the best use of the space and yet, the chef can be a part of the party.

This boat is full of great features. We loved the big pullout rack in the galley that can hold all kinds of boxes and cans in a space that’s only six inches wide. There’s a cutlery drawer, a trash locker and big bins, plus a sailboat-style underfloor storage area with sliding steel racks, a big area for cases of drinks and other bulky provisions plus service access to wiring and other components.

Back on the main deck level to star-

board is the helm. The very first thing that would strike you is the pair of Stidd seats. These have a tremendous range of adjustment, arm and foot rests – the works! The custom-made wooden steering wheel is very handsome and Sabre includes the MerCruiser DTS (digital throttling and shift) system, with Precision Pilot, Skyhook and other features. Of course, the Zeus pod-drive system includes full joystick docking. You can spin the boat and walk it sideways into a fuel dock; it’s highly maneuverable.

Another great feature is the starboard-

Notice the panel down the center of this photograph. The large opening is created by pocket doors that run on tracks. This guest cabin layout is only one option. Our test boat had the optional dinette which makes this area into a great spot to entertain grandchildren, enjoy a quiet meal or to serve as an office on the boat.