One of the most eagerly anticipated new launches at last week’s Miami International Boat Show was the Sabre 51 Salon Express. The new design was initially introduced at the Newport boat show in September 2024 and hull number one was launched in Maine for sea trials back in December.
But now, this all-weather, Downeast-style family cruising boat is ready for prime time. For those of us who haven’t yet been aboard, we thought it would be fun to show the boat in all its glory through the exquisite photos that were recently published.
The 51 fits in Sabre’s Salon Express line between the 45 and 58 and offers her owners a three-cabin, three-head cruising home that. Is a perfect size for owners who want to entertain, cruise with family and friends and live aboard for more extended cruising.
With her sleek Downeast pedigree and performance, the new 51 has all of Sabre’s DNA and more. Powered by twin Volvo IPS 800s, she will get up and move with the best of them. Plus, it has an air draft of 15-feet, 10 inches so it is Great Loop compatible.
The 51 is built for indoor-outdoor living. Note the sliding doors between the cockpit and salon that create one large social area. The cockpit has three seating areas plus a teak table for al fresco meals. The cabin top extends over the cockpit for sun and rain protection and the whole space and be enclosed if so desired.
Note the cockpit’s expansive bench seating area under the extended hard top. This is true indoor-outdoor living.
Forward of the salon on the cabin top, a large sun bed with articulated back rests has been installed. This will be a great place to while away a sunny afternoon and kids and grand kids will find it makes a special place, away from the oldies, where they can hang out.
In the layout, and the photo below, you can see how the salon and cockpit flow together into a combined area with seats for up to 10 friends. The galley is down below with the sleeping cabins. This makes more room for social spaces in the salon and gives the galley crew a full kitchen for preparing meals.
The twin seats at the helm are raised to provide excellent visibility. The ergonomically placed joystick will operate Volvo’s multifunction boat handling features for pain free docking and moving in the tight quarters of marinas. Note the door to the side for easy access to the side deck when mooring or anchoring.
The galley stretches along the port side and is down four steps from the salon. Sabre has included four drawer-style fridge-freezers so the crew can cruise for weeks at a time between provisioning stops. Note the ample storage space both above and below the counter.
The master stateroom and private head are amidships and across from the galley. This is a spacious bedroom with a full queen berth and ample drawers and closets. The head is accessed through a sliding door. Check out the fine joinery and finish work and the traditional teak and holly soles.
The VIP guest cabin is in the fore peak and the third cabin shown here is aft of the galley and tucked in neatly under the salon. Note the washer and drier which are full-size. This cabin will be a utility space and a home office as well as an extra bunk for guests.
A modern masterpiece in Sabre’s classic Maine-built tradition, the new Sabre 51 Salon Express will make a fine family cruiser capable of longer adventures and cruises.
