Built during a brief three-year production run from 1987 to 1989, this Roger Hewson-designed cruiser represents Sabre Yachts' commitment to combining performance with comfort. With only 62 hulls produced, the Sabre 42 has become a sought-after model among serious cruising sailors who appreciate its blend of seaworthiness and refined construction. The yacht's moderate displacement of 18,800 pounds and well-balanced sail plan deliver respectable performance while maintaining the stability needed for extended offshore passages. Its fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides excellent tracking and maneuverability, while the substantial ballast ratio ensures confident handling in challenging conditions. The masthead sloop rig offers straightforward sail handling and versatility across varying wind conditions. Hewson's design emphasizes seaworthiness over pure speed, evident in the boat's comfortable motion and predictable handling characteristics. The fiberglass construction reflects Sabre's reputation for quality boatbuilding, with attention to detail that has helped these yachts maintain their value over the decades. The Sabre 42 excels as a coastal cruiser and capable offshore passage-maker, appealing to sailors who prioritize comfort, safety, and reliability over racing performance. Its moderate sail area and well-mannered hull make it manageable for couples or small crews on extended voyages.
About this estimate ▾
- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
- See our full analysis: What Thousands of Sailboat Listings Tell Us About Used Boat Prices.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Sabre 42's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Sabre 42 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.15. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Sabre 42's comfort ratio?
The Sabre 42 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.19. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Sabre 42 safe for offshore sailing?
The Sabre 42 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.91. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Sabre 42?
The theoretical hull speed of the Sabre 42 is 7.81 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Sabre 42 weigh?
The Sabre 42 has a displacement of 18,800.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 41.75 ft.
How much does a used Sabre 42 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Sabre 42 sailboats typically sell for between $109,000 and $109,000, with a median asking price of $109,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Sabre 42?
The Sabre 42 was designed by Roger Hewson, first built in 1987.