Sitting on the Stidd, surrounded by warm cherry joinery and expertly stitched leather, the sportiness of the 48’s handling was a striking contrast to what you might reasonably expect of a typical Down East cruiser. Yet after five pod-drive models, it’s become standard fare for this builder. The response to adjustments of the wheel is instant, and only a minimal amount of speed is lost when turned hard over.
“This is our first model where we also designed the interior around the pods,” Collins noted, before unveiling a surprise in the salon. With a touch of a button, the portside settee moved inboard, revealing a bonus space beneath the sole in an area typically reserved for the engines. On our test boat, the space was finished as a stateroom designed to host the owner’s grandkids. With headroom of 5 feet 10 inches, a little stooping may be required, but the berth and head will certainly provide comfortable accommodations for kids or adults. Owners can also forego this option and create a utility room with a washer and dryer, additional stowage and even a freezer for the long-distance cruiser.
The rest of the accommodations truly reflect Sabre’s evolutionary design process. Details such as ceramic tile with glass tile accents in the heads, Shoji screens in the master stateroom and elegantly detailed joinery create an extremely comforting atmosphere. The amount of interior stowage was impressive, highlighted by five deep drawers and a hanging locker in the master. An island berth in the forward, en suite guest stateroom complements the athwartship berth in the master. I’ve seen many boats of this type and size where the master stateroom pales in comparison to the 48’s guest accommodations. 
The fully equipped galley lines the port side and will please the demanding gourmet with double sinks, Isotherm refrigerator and freezer, a microwave/convection oven and an area for an optional dishwasher.
Even with such voluminous accommodations, the 48’s machinery space is large. An access hatch in the cockpit allows for easy inspections and fluid checks, and all components are neatly displayed and serviceable. The 11.5 kW generator sits on the centerline, while the fuel tanks are positioned outboard on each side, forward of the engine room.
Sabre’s continued dedication to innovation and quality made this boat a thrill to drive, and it will certainly be more of a thrill to own. I admit, I’m actually looking forward to my ride on the company’s new 54 later this fall.
Watch the video and see the complete photo gallery of the Sabre 48.
LOA: 47’6”
BEAM: 15’4”
DRAFT: 3’9”
DISPL.: 34,700 lb.
FUEL: 500 gal.
WATER: 160 gal.
DEADRISE: 14 degrees
at transom
ENGINES TESTED: 2 x 550 hp Cummins QSC 8.3 diesels with
Zeus pod-drives
BASE PRICE: $920,000
PRICE AS TESTED: $1,100,000
RPM Knots GPH dB(A)
900 7.1 3.2 64
1200 8.8 7.0 67
1500 10.2 13.5 69
1800 14.7 23.1 71
2100 20.4 29.9 74
2400 25.9 36.2 75
2700 30.2 44.7 75
3000 34.0 59.7 77
Sabre, 207-655-3831; www.sabreyachts.com
