1981 Sabre 34
$21,000
Boat in Marblehead, MA 01945 US
34
1 Engine (Westerbeke)
34 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
"Southerly" is a 1981 Sabre 34 yacht, the "MK I" series. It is a high-quality yacht with a handsome, classic design. She has a diesel engine. When the Sabre 34 was new, it was a relatively high-priced sailboat, as befits the premium workmanship and materials. Sabres are built in Maine. The Sabre 34 MK I is a solid example of a high-quality Sabre Yacht. Known for their excellent sea-keeping abilities and stout construction, they were engineered and built to last for many years.
Southerly has been well maintained over the years. Many upgrades include:
- 2025 - Rebuilt fuel pump
- 2023 - New North 135% furling Genoa
- 2022 - replaced throttle and transmission cables
- 2022 - Steering cables and pulleys inspected and repaired.
- 2021 - Replaced masthead light
- 2019 - New Sinrad Electronics including GO 9 chart plotter, 2 B&G multifunction displays, new speed/depth transducer, Simrad Autopilot
- 2005 - Upgraded cabin top winch to Lewmar 32 self-tailing
- 2005 - Replaced furling system to Harken
- Upgraded to Sea Frost Refrigeration
Construction
- Sabre 34 Mark I was produced with a balsa-cored hull.
- The hull was hand laid, using mat and roving with polyester resin-
- The decks are cored with 3/8-inch and half-inch end-grained balsa, although plywood is used in high-load areas. The hull-and-deck joint is an inward flange and through-bolted. F
- Floors, knees, bulkheads, and most structural members are well supported.
- The external lead ballast is fastened with stainless keel bolts, which are supported by a reinforced fiberglass fillet. The nuts are visible in the bilge.
- 255 Sabre 34 boats were built by Sabre Yachts
Galley
- Two-burner propane stove with oven
- Refrigeration 12V Adler Barbour
- Water tanks (2) 35 Gallon Polyethylene
- Double Stainless sinks
- Hot and Cold pressure water
- 6 gallon Hot Water Heater
- Sureflow 3.3 gpm 12V water pressure pump
- Sea Frost refrigeration converted Icebox
V-berth forward with drawers and hanging locker to port followed by an enclosed head with pressure water shower w/sump pump to starboard. The main salon has port and starboard settees, and the starboard settee expands for larger sleeping area. The cushions are in excellent shape. There is a quarter berth to port and a U-shaped galley to starboard.
• 4 Opening ports with screens
• 2 Hatches with screens
• All teak interior
• Teak and Holley floor
• Fold-up dining table, seats 6
• 2X Deep SS Sinks
• Pressure Water
• 2 burner propane Stove w/Oven
• Large Ice Box
- 2023 North 135% furling Genoa
- North Main
- Symmetrical Spinnaker
- Bimini and dodger
- Spinnaker pole
- 2019 - Upgraded Simrad electronics
- 2019 - Simrad GO 9chasrt plotter
- Furuno radar and back-up GPS
- Solar panels
- 1000 watt inverter
- 2- B&G multifunction displays
- 2019 New wind and speed/depth transducers connected to NMEA 2K network
- 2019 Simrad autopilot, rudder angle indicated & Precision compass added to NMEA Network
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/26/26 | Price increased | $21,000(+5.5%) |
| 1/29/26 | Initial price | $19,900 |
Overview from around the web 1981 Sabre 34
Customers praise the 1981 Sabre 34 for its classic design, solid construction, and excellent sailing performance
Many highlight its spacious and comfortable interior for a 34-foot cruiser, making it ideal for extended trips. The Sabre 34 is often noted for its balanced handling and stability in various conditions, appealing to both novice and experienced sailors. Owners also appreciate the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that Sabre Yachts is known for. Overall, the 1981 Sabre 34 is regarded as a reliable and timeless sailboat that offers a rewarding sailing experience.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Sabre 34 is a well-regarded classic cruiser known for its blend of performance, comfort, and quality craftsmanship. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Solid Construction: Built with a strong fiberglass hull and quality materials, the Sabre 34 is known for its durability and seaworthiness.
Classic Design: Timeless aesthetics with a sleek, graceful profile and traditional lines appeal to sailors who appreciate classic styling.
Good Sailing Performance: The Sabre 34 offers balanced handling and responsive sailing characteristics, making it enjoyable in a variety of conditions.
Comfortable Interior: Well-laid-out cabin space with ample headroom, good ventilation, and practical accommodations for extended cruising.
Reliable Systems: Simple and robust mechanical and rigging systems that are easy to maintain.
Strong Community and Support: A dedicated owner base and access to parts make ownership more convenient.
Cons
Limited Modern Amenities: Compared to newer models, the 1981 Sabre 34 may lack some of the latest conveniences and technological upgrades found in contemporary boats.
Smaller Size: While comfortable, the 34-foot length can feel tight for larger crews or families over longer voyages.
Older Systems May Require Updates: Depending on maintenance history, some boats may need upgrades to electrical, plumbing, or navigation gear.
Less Storage Space: Storage can be limited compared to more modern designs with optimized interior layouts.
Performance Limits: Although good for cruising, it may not match the speed or agility of more modern performance-oriented sailboats.
Made For
The 1981 Sabre 34 is ideal for sailors seeking a well-crafted, classic cruiser that combines performance with comfort. It’s perfect for couples or small families who appreciate quality craftsmanship, timeless design, and reliable handling for coastal cruising or weekend getaways. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or looking to step up to a capable and elegant sailboat, the Sabre 34 offers a balanced blend of sailing enjoyment and onboard livability.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact Sailboats Northeast about 1981 Sabre 34
6 Cliff St, P. O. Box 924, Marblehead, MA, 01945
Contact Sailboats Northeast
6 Cliff St, P. O. Box 924, Marblehead, MA, 01945
































