Saber 28 History
 

There has been a few questions about the Saber 28 Hull configuration over the years. In 1987 the Big Block with a Bravo 1 drive had just been introduced.
Hull #1 was a 1987 with a single Big Block Bravo 1.
Hull #2 was also single Big Block Bravo 1.
Hull #3 Twin Big Block Bravo 1
These 3 hulls had the original narrow chime bottom.
Hull #4 was the prototype for wider chines and used the same deck. It was set up as an outboard race/ pleasure boat and was shipped to England where it was rigged with twin 200 Suzuki's and raced. Later a third Suzuki outboard was added and raced and I'm not sure what became of it. The Hull mold was changed on Hull #5 and on to widen the transom and add 4" width to each chine, 8" total chine to chine. The wider transom allowed more engine compartment space for twin Big Blocks. An added bonus of wider chines was more stability and the chines dug in better on the turns.
The early narrow chime bottom was probably a touch better in rough water but rolled a bit more on the turns.
On boat #5 on the deck mold through the engine compartment opening was widened about 2" each side, about 4" total. That allowed more access for twin Big Blocks. All 28's had a 7'10" beam with the widest area across the dash.

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Narrow chime bottom, Saber 28 #1,2,3
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Wide chine, Hull #5 on

Hull #5 on had the gas tanks under the cockpit floor.
Single engine had single 90 gallon tank.
Twin engines had twin 65 gallon tanks, 130 total.
Early boats were all 28 Offshores. Later the Cyclone was added as a twin engine Hi-Performance model. Fiberglass and structure were all the same. Cyclone's had a minimum of twin 500 HP and external steering was standard.
As mentioned by others, the Cyclone was guaranteed to go 85 MPH. The first Cyclone won Powerboat Magazine's Outstanding Offshore Performance Boat for 1994 Award, against some stiff, much larger competition.

Is it fair to say nothing was changed on the outside of the Hull & Deck to increase width?
If I read this correctly is sounds like you increased the (Inside width / Opened the inside with up) of the deck to allow more access for twin Big Blocks?
Basically, a bigger hole to drop the big blocks through and work on them...


Thank you
Cougarman

The Hull mold was widened at the transom, 8" at the chine and 4" at the rub rail, gradually tapering forward to match the existing. Widest beam remained at 7'10" through the dash area.
The Deck mold was spread 4" at the transom to match, tapering forward. This allowed better engine access.
Best regards, Doug

Can the original hull design be modified to increase the width of the chines? I doubt it, but thought I'd ask. Think I may be better off welding a small 1-2 inch 90 degree outer edge on the sides of the tabs like you see some of the race boats use to turn better.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the cockpit modified as well? Seems like after hull #5 the cockpit was expanded, and bilge was shortened. You can tell just by looking at them. My engine hatch is almost as big as a queen size bed.

To add some width to the chines would be a big project. Probably the best way would be to add some core and then a fiberglass skin to the outside of the hull and blend it all in. I don't think that you would want to try and cut and spread it at the chine, that could seriously compromise the structure. I think that you will find it turns just fine and with twin engines doesn't roll much.

Length of the cockpit and engine compartment could be varied depending on where the bulkhead and back seat were placed. Because the seat back went up with the hatch engine access was excellent.