OnBoard Magazine - Issue XII - 2020 Season

more than 200 associates build the Back Cove range, which spans 30 to 41 feet in length. “For nearly twodecades, Sabre successfully built both sail and power models, growing the selection of Fast Trawler models from 34 to 52 feet,” explains Bentley Collins, Sabre’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “However, after the financial crisis of 2009, the sailboat business that Sabre had enjoyed for nearly 40 years essentially dried up as more new boat buyers opted for the speed and comfort of our power boats.” ONWARD & UPWARD The second stage in Sabre’s evolution as a power boat builder occurred in 2004 with the launch of the Sabre Hard Top Express models which were offered in a range from 34 to 42 feet. “When the first Hard Top Express models debuted at the Miami boat show, a dozen owners signed up for these exciting boats,” Collins explains. This trend has yet to waiver, with Sabre garnering several pre-orders for a new model before the hull is even pulled from the mold. As this powerboat evolution progressed, clients signaled a desire to get rid of the roll up Eisenglass enclosures which secured the aft end of the helm deck in favor of hard back enclosures. This led to the launch of the Salon Express models which are built today from 38 to 66 feet in length, of which the new 58 Salon Express is the latest example. HIGHLY DESIRABLE During the initial design and engineering process for a new model, Sabre seeks out dealer and owner input to discover which features, finishes and accommodations are standout for a client and what could be changed or added to make the model better. This approach has proven incredibly successful for the Sabre brand since design, layout and features are dictated by those who know and use the boats most, rather than by what competitors are doing or what might be the easiest solution. Customer and dealer feedback helped give birth to a first for a Sabre model: a galley up layout. The all-new Sabre 58 is the first of their yachts to feature this new layout which seamlessly marries the cockpit entertaining space with the salon through massive sliding glass doors. The main-level, aft galley does not surrender storage or functionality to the traditional Sabre galley-down arrangement. Owners will find plenty of storage space including overhead cabinets that do not obstruct the view, plus all the usual equipment and refinements. The new layout of the Sabre 58 along with the high-tech integrated systems and other features borrowed from the flagship 66, has created impressive demand for this new model. Bluewater customers have already claimed 3 of the first 14 hulls along with an on order “stock” boat coming in 2021. Now this new model has quite a waiting list. “The open-air galley is a huge hit,” exclaims Bluewater Sales Professional Chris Hall Jr. “There are so many standard features on the new 58 that most owners don’t need to add much to their order.” Hall has two confirmed sales on the 58 with another deal in the works as of this writing. The full-beam master stateroom amidships, complete with a small office and true king size bed, was appealing to Hall’s customers. Aside from the main-level aft galley, another Sabre-first is factory installed electronics on the 58. The Volvo/Garmin Glass Cockpit dual screen system comes standard for the new 58, but now the craftsmen in Raymond, Maine will install the transducer, radar, VHF and other components at the customer’s request. “Of course, like all Sabres, the 58 comes standard with outstanding workmanship and quality,” adds Hall. This year, as Sabre celebrates its 50th anniversary of boat building, their brand is as strong as ever and customers are queuing up to become a part of the family. A galley situated on the main deck is one of the distinguishing layout features of the new Sabre 58. 43 2020 SEASON