Sabre 54FB

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Photo by: Billy Black

If light is everything to Bill Seale, he chose the right boat. The cherry joinery in the lovely salon almost seems to glow from the effects of the outdoors coming in. Fans of the 52 will recognize this layout instantly, but why mess with a good thing? As you enter from the sliding glass doors to the cockpit, a U-shape dinette is tucked in the after port corner — the table drops to form an extra berth. To starboard is an entertainment console with a hidden flat-screen TV on a lift. The helm, forward and to starboard, has a Stidd seat, and the line of sight is excellent. Even better, a door beside the helm opens to the deck — a feature that adds extra reassurance when docking from the salon helm in lousy weather or when there’s no help with the lines. A full array of electronics is set in the cherry dash, which sports a beautiful matching wheel. An integral chart table lifts up to reveal dash stowage beneath, and the AC/DC display hides behind cherry doors above. L-shape seating to port sits atop an ice maker and offers the skipper handy companionship.



A few steps down and you’re in the galley, which runs along the port side with a small dogleg forward. Clean lines and top appliances, including Sub-Zero drawer refrigeration and freezer units, a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, a three-burner ceramic stove top and loads of stowage make this galley elegant and functional. A washer/dryer is also tucked away opposite the end of the galley, behind a door and above the second Sub-Zero unit. Again, though, it is the light that really dazzles. Most of it pours down from the salon, but a window above the sink also gives the cook a bright view of the passing sights while under way.

Across from the galley is the amidships master, which can be completely opened to the galley or hidden behind two large, sliding shoji pocket doors. A full queen berth on a hydraulic lift hides stowage, and there are lots of thoughtful touches in the cabinetry — like a drop-down hamper with a mesh bag liner. The lockers are cedar-lined and auto-lit. A large hatch overhead opens for more air and light, and the en suite head features a ceramic tile sole and an ample shower with heavy glass door.

The forward stateroom has another queen, plenty of stowage, an opening overhead hatch and an en suite head with a circular door. An entrance from the companionway allows this to double as a day-head.