Sabre 45 view of starboard quarter at speed on the water.

Sabre Yachts

Sabre Yachts represents the pinnacle of American Downeast motor yacht design, blending traditional New England craftsmanship with cutting-edge composite technology and marine engineering. Founded in Maine, Sabre has earned an international reputation for building elegant, seaworthy, and high-performance motor yachts and classic sailing vessels that stand the test of time.

Renowned for their timeless lines, luxurious hardwood joinery, and smooth, fuel-efficient rides, Sabre yachts are designed for discerning owners who value both comfort and offshore performance. Featuring advanced resin-infused hull construction and state-of-the-art Volvo Penta IPS pod drive systems, Sabre’s modern Salon Express and Flybridge models deliver effortless maneuvering, quiet operation, and exceptional cruising speeds in all sea conditions.

At Wellington Yacht Partners, our brokers bring deep, first-hand experience to the Sabre Yachts market. Based in Newport and Portsmouth, Rhode Island, our team includes knowledgeable professionals who understand the nuance and craftsmanship built into every Sabre hull. Whether you are buying or selling, we offer trusted guidance across the full Sabre lineage, from iconic legacy sailboats to the latest Salon Express and Flybridge motor yachts. Browse our current Sabre yachts for sale below, or contact our team to discuss a specific model.

Current Listings

Unnamed

48 Flybridge Sedan (2018) 48ft Sabre 48 Flybridge Sedan
South Dartmouth, MA, US $1,294,000

SALT THERAPY

45 Salon Express (2023) 45ft Sabre 45 Salon Express
Newport, RI, US $1,250,000

MONOMOY

42 Express (2004) 42ft Sabre 42 Express
Chatham, MA, US $349,000

DESTINY

34 Salon Express (2007) 34ft Sabre 34 Salon Express
Mystic, CT, US $275,000

Pedigree & Performance

Brand History & Legacy

Crafted in Maine: The Evolution of Sabre Yachts

Founded in 1970 by Roger Hewson in South Casco, Maine, Sabre Yachts began with a clear mission: to build high-quality, production fiberglass sailboats using advanced engineering and skilled New England craftsmanship. The company’s inaugural model, the Sabre 28, was launched at the 1970 Newport International Boat Show and quickly became a landmark success, setting a new benchmark for performance cruising sailboats.
Over the subsequent decades, Sabre expanded its sailing lineup with celebrated models ranging from 30 to 42 feet. In 1989, recognizing evolving market demands, Sabre introduced its first motor yacht, the Sabreline 36 Fast Trawler. This marked the beginning of Sabre’s transition into a world-class builder of Downeast-style express powerboats and flybridge motor yachts. Today, built in Raymond and Rockland, Maine, Sabre Yachts continues to push the boundaries of luxury motor yacht design while honoring its rich maritime heritage.

Sabre 386 sailing yacht stern quarter view sailing on the ocean.

Design & Craftsmanship

Advanced Composite Engineering Meets Handcrafted Luxury

Every Sabre yacht is engineered for quiet efficiency, structural integrity, and exceptional seaworthiness. Sabre pioneered Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) infusion technology across its fleet, producing high-strength, lightweight hulls with optimal resin-to-glass ratios. Sabre’s deep-V hull forms cut cleanly through head seas, delivering a stable, dry, and soft ride.

Below deck, Sabre yachts are renowned for handcrafted American cherry joinery, fine teak-and-holly cabin soles, and intuitive liveaboard layouts. Designed for maximum onboard comfort, Sabre incorporates proprietary noise attenuation technology, isolating machinery vibration and keeping interior cabin sound levels whisper-quiet at planing cruising speeds.

Sabre sailing yacht, view of interior handcrafted American cherry joinery, fine teak-and-holly cabin soles.

Key Features & Model Variations

The Salon Express and Flybridge Motor Yachts (38′ to 58’+)

Designed for fast coastal passage-making and luxurious long-range cruising, Sabre’s modern powerboat fleet pairs Downeast elegance with state-of-the-art marine technology.

  • Sabre 38 & 43 Salon Express: Perfect for cruising couples and day boating, featuring single-level indoor/outdoor living, bright deck salons, and joystick pod maneuvering.
  • Sabre 45 & 48 Salon Express / Flybridge: Versatile mid-sized motor yachts offering two-stateroom, two-head arrangements, climate-controlled helm stations, and generous cockpit entertainment spaces.
  • Sabre 58 Salon Express: The flagship of the fleet, delivering mega-yacht luxury, grand master accommodations, and extraordinary blue-water cruising performance.
Sabre motor yacht resting on mooring.

The Classic Sabre Sailing Fleet (28′ to 42′)

Although Sabre shifted focus exclusively to motor yachts in the late 2000s, its legacy sailboat fleet remains highly prized among classic sailing enthusiasts.

  • Performance cruising lineage: Models such as the Sabre 28, 30, 34, 38, and 42 represent classic performance cruisers with nimble handling and well-balanced sail plans.
  • Shorthanded capability: Engineered with user-friendly deck layouts, sea-kindly hulls, and robust rigging designed for effortless shorthanded sailing.
  • Warm teak interiors: Rich wood cabinetry, functional sea galleys, and comfortable staterooms built for extended coastal and offshore cruising.
Sabre 452, sailing yacht, view of deck from the bow looking aft.

What Sets Sabre Yachts Apart

Choosing a Sabre is an investment in an iconic American boatbuilding legacy. Recognized for exceptional engineering, enduring value, and timeless style, Sabre yachts remain a benchmark for discerning motor yacht owners.

Maine boatbuilding heritage

Hand-crafted by generations of skilled Maine craftsmen, maintaining unmatched build consistency, structural integrity, and finish detail.

Volvo Penta IPS pod propulsion

Precision pod drives with joystick steering deliver impressive fuel economy, smooth acceleration, and effortless maneuvering in tight slips.

Quiet ride system

Advanced sound insulation, engine room dampening, and quiet exhaust design ensure whisper-quiet decibel levels in the salon while underway.

Timeless Downeast styling

Classic sheerlines, beautiful tumblehome transoms, wide side decks, and expansive 360-degree salon visibility.

Enduring market value

Thanks to limited production runs and exceptional build quality, pre-owned Sabre yachts command outstanding resale demand worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sabre Yachts was founded in 1970 by Roger Hewson in South Casco, Maine. Initially famous for high-performance fiberglass sailboats, Sabre expanded into Downeast-style motor yachts in 1989. Today, Sabre motor yachts are handcrafted in Maine at dedicated manufacturing facilities in Raymond and Rockland.

Modern Sabre Salon Express and Flybridge motor yachts feature twin Volvo Penta IPS pod drive systems equipped with joystick control. Pod drives provide superior fuel efficiency, higher cruising speeds, reduced vibration, and unmatched maneuvering control when docking.

Sabre ceased sailboat production in 2008 to dedicate its full production capacity to its expanding motor yacht line. However, classic Sabre sailboats, from 28 to 42 feet, remain highly sought after on the pre-owned brokerage market for their quality construction and sailing performance.

When evaluating a pre-owned Sabre powerboat or sailboat, review pod drive maintenance history, engine service logs, hull gelcoat or paint finish, deck hardware seals, and interior cherry joinery. Partnering with an experienced broker ensures comprehensive marine surveys and fluid analyses are completed.

Wellington Yacht Partners represents buyers and sellers of Sabre motor yachts and classic sailboats. If you wish to list your yacht for sale, consult with our brokers, or explore our yacht services, contact our team today to find or list your Sabre yacht.