Topic: 1988 Sabre performance vs. present generation

This topic has 4 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 11 months ago by Jstew.

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July 16, 2010 at 3:45 am #303376

kantex
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Hello Gents and Ladies: Im a former Sabre owner and new to the board. I owned a 1988 Sabre in the early 1990s that was powered by a 175 Mariner. The Sabres performance was fine above 40 mph, but when I dropped below 35 it did not handle all that good. Back in the day, I fished reservoirs in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, and I used to run up creeks, which is where the poor performance was really noticable and difficult to keep the boat up on plane. I would like to think the performance of the new generation Sabre is superior to the 1988 model, but I do not know that to be the case. Id appreciate your knowledgeable comments about the performance of the current generation Sabre, especially if you had experience with older models. Thanks much.

July 16, 2010 at 5:26 am #303377

showmebass
Participant

Just from my short (2 months) experience with my 01 Sabre, I can tell you that they handle quite well from 0 to top end.

July 16, 2010 at 1:17 pm #303378

jignpig
Participant

Hey Kantex, welcome to the board. I ran an 89 Sabre up until 97. We first had a 150 Mariner Mag III on it, then loaded an new Magnum 175 EFI on it in 94-95. Ran like a scalded Cat on top end, strong into the low 70s.I think probably what you experienced would be a combination of things. Our boats were dual fuel tank set ups for the most part, twin 23 gal tanks, in the rear of the boat. The new generation Sabre moved to a mid boat underseat gas tank.When running 35+, our boats were right on the minimum of keeping up on pad and plane. Dropping below 35, I feel, would cause the boat to lean slightly right from the torque of the motor. That, coupled with the majority of weight on the right side(driver and fuel/battery), would move the boat off pad and cause you to drive “through” the water rather than on it.The newer Sabre with the tank more forward and across the width, in my opinion, would help some, but figuring the weight of the boat with gear, it will take a certain speed to maintain a balanced pad for minimal plane.Ive been in newer Sabres, they are nice and functional even more than ours were………….96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner

July 16, 2010 at 2:18 pm #303379

sabreski
Participant

Kantex, Although I cant speak for the older models, my main fishing lake has a 35mph limit-230 acres. My 07/175 Sabre does a great job above 24mph and it will run in the 67-69 range on different lakes regardless of loads/temps. Do not hesitate to rediscover the newer Sabre as it is one heck of a boat. John S.

July 16, 2010 at 8:13 pm #303380

Jstew
Participant

The newer Sabres are quick boats but not as fast as they used to be. The re-design moving the fuel forward made for more useable storage in the rear and a boat that handles extremely well, due in part to the better weight balance. As John said – maintaining plane above 25 – it handles great. Get someone to take you out in one – youll really like it.
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