powered models. Also of interest is their automated cutting system, which trims each piece of fiberglass to the exact size needed for each part: reducing waste and expenses while increasing efficiency and value. After seeing the Back Cove hulls, the Bluewater team visited the lower level of the facility, where the Sabre 58 and 48 models are brought to life. Although most of the Sabre line is built at a separate facility in Raymond, Maine, the Back Cove facility is used for the larger boats because of their larger footprint and closer proximity to the coast. Sabre’s flagship 58 is built from start to finish in the Back Cove facility, while only the hull of the Sabre 48 is built in Rockland before being shipped south to the original Sabre facility in Raymond. A 58 Sabre was in production during the visit, so the Bluewater team had the chance to see the largest model currently in production. Following the short detour to see those larger Sabre models, the Bluewater team visited the wood shop, where all of the wooden bulkheads, cabinets, flooring, and trim are created by a talented group of craftsmen. Both Sabre and Back Cove incorporate a lot of woodwork throughout their boats, which help provide the timeless downeast feel that the brands are famous for. Once through the wood shop, the team observed all of the various parts come together as they walked down the production line. They witnessed hulls being equipped with mechanical components and bulkheads, topped with decks, and outfitted with all of the interior features before reaching the end of the line with beautiful, completed boats ready to be delivered. SHIFTING TO SABRE Departing the Back Cove facility, the Bluewater team then traveled two hours away to the Sabre Yachts campus in Raymond, Maine. This visit began in the original Sabre building, which has been running for more than 50 years; starting with the original Sabre 28 sailboats that initially ushered in the brand. This building has stood the test of time and vast changes in the marketplace—being utilized first as Sabre crafted their worldrenowned sailboats, then introduced their first flybridge powerboat, and are now manufacturing some of the finest motor yachts on the market. This space is now used to produce the company’s two newest models, the Sabre 45 and the Sabre 43, while the Sabre 48 line is constructed in a nearby building. Glen Chaplin, who has been working with Sabre for over 26 years, showed the Bluewater team around the original Sabre facility, starting with the hulls of the 43 and 45. Since Sabre and Back Cove share the same heritage, their build processes are very similar with the same fiberglass infusion used on the hulls and parts, but on a slightly larger scale for these bigger boats. Perhaps the most impressive part of a visit to Sabre is how much woodwork is incorporated into each boat, and how much detail goes into creating each piece of the boats. When stepping into a Sabre, you will notice that there is an enormous amount of wood, including cabinets, window trim, tables, decks, bulkheads, trim, and more. Each one of these parts has to be cut, shaped, and stained so that the assembly team can put every boat together in exactly the same way. The amount of pieces is surely overwhelming, but the experienced team at Sabre has the organization and processes in place to build and perfect approximately fifty boats each year. 33 2024 SEASON
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