Sabre Yachts is reintroducing one of its most versatile express cruisers, the Sabre 38 Salon Express, with Volvo Penta’s Aquamatic DPI propulsion system. Built in Raymond, Maine, the updated model pairs the 38’s proven hull and cruising layout with a modern driveline designed to improve handling, efficiency and access to shallow-water destinations.
At the heart of the update is Volvo Penta’s DPI package, which combines twin counter-rotating DuoProp propellers with joystick maneuvering and a trimmable thrust angle. The result is a compact sterndrive system intended to deliver precise low-speed control around docks while maintaining smooth, responsive performance underway. Compared to traditional inboard setups, the DPI system also reduces draft, opening up cruising grounds that are often off-limits to deeper-running express cruisers.
That shallow-water capability is a key part of the 38’s renewed mission. With the ability to trim the drives and run in thinner water, owners can explore coastal shallows, island anchorages and winding waterways with greater confidence. From the Intracoastal Waterway to the Bahamas and the coves of the Great Lakes, the Sabre 38 is positioned as a cruiser that encourages wider-ranging itineraries without sacrificing refinement or performance.
Sabre’s design team has also used the reintroduction as an opportunity to refine the boat’s mechanical layout and onboard flow. A reorganized engine room creates space for a dedicated Seakeeper gyro stabilizer installation, along with a utility area accessible from the main salon. A sliding salon door improves the connection between the cockpit and interior, enhancing natural ventilation and making the boat feel larger at anchor or underway in fair weather.
Inside, the Salon Express concept that made the 38 a favorite remains intact, emphasizing a bright, open main living space with large windows, comfortable seating and practical cruising accommodations below. Sabre’s reputation for fit, finish and thoughtful joinery carries through, reinforcing the brand’s focus on long-term ownership and understated New England craftsmanship.
Beyond access and maneuverability, the DPI system brings additional operational benefits. The integrated driveline is engineered for responsive throttle control, optimized fuel efficiency and reduced routine maintenance compared with more complex propulsion arrangements. Joystick control simplifies close-quarters handling, an advantage for owner-operators navigating tight marinas or busy harbors.
The reintroduced Sabre 38 Salon Express with Volvo Penta Aquamatic DPI is scheduled to begin deliveries in March 2026.
