Sabre 45 Salon Express

Just because a style of boat has a specific New England region in its name, doesn’t mean it can’t be well suited to other areas.

Just ask Sabre, purveyor of ever-popular Downeasters. The Maine-based company has long maintained a solid footprint in the northeast, and has also in recent years become a popular Florida vessel as boaters have fallen in love with its steady performance, high level of fit and finish, and entertainment-friendly layouts.

And the hottest Sabre on the market is the 45 Salon Express, which falls right near the middle of a lineup ranging from a 38 to a 58. Mark Felhofer, president of Bay Marine, understands why the 45 is so popular.

“The layout might be the most appealing thing about it,” he says. “It has two wonderful staterooms that work well for a family of four. Plus it’s got what I like to call a ‘mid-level galley,’ meaning the galley is two steps down from the salon, but two steps above the accommodations. It lets the cook choose whether they want to be a part of the salon conversation or stay out of the way. It really opens up options for time spent onboard.”

Felhofer also points to the boat’s high level of onboard comfort and attention to detail, with plush settees adorned with intricate stitching, tight joinery and an ergonomic sense throughout.

“The way the cockpit flows into the salon is something that needs to be experienced,” he says. “Plus this boat is so quiet and smooth riding. I really cannot stress enough just how comfortable this boat is for couples and family cruising.”

The enclosed pilothouse is another nice touch for cruising in the cooler climes of the Great Lakes region, though a side pilothouse door can be cracked for refreshing airflow — and it aids with docking and navigation as well. It’s true the Sabre 45 is a versatile boat that will be just as at home cruising Boothbay Harbor as she would off of Mackinac Island.

DEALERS