The New Sabre 43 Salon Express Debuts in Portland, ME
Exactly one year after being announced, Sabre Yachts unveiled the new Sabre 43 Salon Express at a fun-filled launch celebration in Portland, Maine. The Sabre team set-out to raise the bar on the highly successful 42 Salon Express, and have done exactly that! The new 43 was designed to increase the interior space of the 42 with additional natural lighting and incorporate the latest in boat building technology. Upon entering the salon, it is evident that the Maine craftsman have achieved success and the new 43 will be a winner in the cruising market.
In the Summer of 2021, the Sabre design team decided to reexamine the 42, which led to a complete redesign of the boat, including a new hull, a reconfigured layout, and several technical updates. From the outside, the Sabre 43 looks very much like its predecessors, following the timeless downeast styling the defines the brand. It showcases gorgeous sweeping lines, wraparound railings, a freshly designed mast, and a large aft deck with a swim platform. The aft deck provides a generous outdoor entertaining space, highlighted by an L-shaped settee, a teak table, and aft facing seats on either side of the sliding glass doors to the salon. The cockpit provides access to the engine room, which was shifted aft from where it was on the 42 to help cut down on noise while underway. The design team also removed one of the transom doors in the new 43, providing additional seating and lounging in the aft cockpit (the transom door is on the starboard side).
The modernization of the 43 is immediately evident when entering the salon. Sabre designed the 43 with fixed-glazed windows throughout the salon, as well as skylights in the ceiling, which flood the interior with natural light and give the boat an open and contemporary look and feel. With two additional sky lights incorporated in the hardtop, Sabre doubled the amount of natural light from above, while also providing more air flow for those spectacular days on the water. Additional lighting in the hybrid lounge is provided by using a fixed glass window forward of the helm.
As was on the 42, the 43 has a pair of sofas in the salon, but the layout was redesigned to give more space to the half-up galley that is situated forward and to port. The helm is located within the salon, and features two Stidd helm chairs, two Garmin 8617 displays, a joystick, a custom teak steering wheel, and a side door. This is also one of the first Sabre models to be built with a fully networked system, allowing for operators to monitor and control functions, switches, and components such as alarms, GPS, trip logging, and more. Finally, there is an access hatch in the salon sole that leads to a utility room with space for a washer dryer, storage, or additional coolers. This space is especially useful for owners making longer trips such as the Great Loop, where extra storage space is at a premium.
A couple of steps down from the salon leads to the expanded half-up galley, which includes a solid surface countertop, a two-burner induction cooktop, a microwave, refrigerator, freezer, and several drawers for serving ware and appliances. The hybrid lounge area is just forward of the galley and is one of the truly unique additions to the 43. This space contains an expansive U-shaped dinette, table, and TV, perfect for family meals or relaxing with a group. Another unique feature of the hybrid lounge is a mechanical and motorized bulkhead. Hidden aft of the seating is an additional bunk for families traveling with small children. With the simple push of a button you will find the additional bunk or storage compartment. The flexible lounge gives way to the forward master stateroom, which features an island berth, cedar-lined hanging lockers, en-suite head, and multiple storage compartments.
As with all Sabre models, the 43 Salon Express has been designed to be easy to maneuver and exceptionally user-friendly. It will come standard with efficient and agile Volvo D6-380 IPS engines, with optional D6-440 and 480’s available. Initial predictions show this boat capable of speeds well over 30 knots, with cruising speeds in the upper 20’s. For more information about the Sabre 43 Salon Express or any other downeast models, please contact a Bluewater Yacht Sales specialist today.
