This Beautiful Bristol 2013 Sabre 38 Salon Express is a highly equipped, well-maintained express cruiser featuring the desirable Volvo Penta IPS 400 pod drive system with joystick control and dynamic positioning. Currently moored in a covered boathouse on the fresh waters of the Columbia River, the vessel presents in excellent condition with a comprehensive list of equipment, recent servicing, and meaningful upgrades that support both comfortable cruising and extended onboard use.

The layout offers a natural flow between the cockpit and salon, creating a functional and inviting space for entertaining or relaxing underway. Large salon windows provide excellent visibility and natural light, while tinted glass and exterior window screens enhance privacy and reduce solar gain. The upper salon settee converts into an additional sleeping area, increasing onboard flexibility for guests. Interior finishes reflect Sabre’s reputation for quality craftsmanship, with thoughtful storage solutions and durable materials throughout.

From a systems perspective, this Sabre 38 is exceptionally well outfitted. Dynamic positioning, joystick controls, modern Garmin electronics, diesel heat, reverse-cycle climate control, inverter power, watermaker, underwater lighting, and Starlink connectivity combine to create a vessel that is capable, comfortable, and well suited for longer cruising seasons and remote anchoring.

Cockpit, Deck & Exterior

The cockpit is arranged for comfort and usability, featuring new bench cushions upholstered in Sunbrella fabric and new canvas on both bench seats. A cockpit extension bimini constructed from premium Stamoid fabric provides excellent sun and weather protection. Teak trim throughout the exterior was varnished in October 2024 with three fresh coats, and teak-style flooring adds durability and a refined appearance. A Magma stainless steel BBQ is mounted in the cockpit, making onboard grilling convenient for entertaining at anchor or dockside.

Additional exterior features include port and starboard window privacy screens, solid canvas covers for port, starboard, and windshield windows, and full Stamoid weather covers for benches, table, windshield screen, flagpole, and burgee pole. Anodes on swim platform supports, trim tabs, and shafts were replaced in October 2025.

Salon / Helm Deck

The salon and helm deck are thoughtfully designed to provide excellent visibility, comfort, and functionality while underway or at rest. Bright and open, benefiting from large tinted windows and exterior screens that provide privacy while maintaining visibility. A Stidd 500N Series helm seat anchors the helm position, paired with a Stazo wooden steering wheel and an Ultraleather-wrapped helm and navigation pod, creating a refined and ergonomic command center.

Seating to port includes a mate’s L-settee that converts to face the salon table, along with a raised U-shaped settee measuring approximately 94” x 50”, offering generous seating and integrated storage below. To starboard is a dedicated storage cabinet with an LED television mounted on a mechanical lift, maintaining clean sightlines when not in use. An icemaker installed in 2021 enhances onboard entertaining.

The aft bulkhead is finished in stainless steel and features a bi-fold door, allowing the salon to open fully to the cockpit. An electrically operated drop-down window to port and curved acrylic windows in the aft corners enhance airflow and natural light. An elegant inlaid main salon table serves as a focal point for dining and entertaining, while stereo speakers and two teak magazine racks complete the space with both function and visual warmth.

Galley

The galley is open to the main salon and designed for practical, extended use aboard. Solid-surface countertops provide ample prep space, complemented by a stainless steel sink and faucet. Cooking appliances include a ceramic two-burner cooktop and a microwave oven. Refrigeration is handled by a two-drawer stainless steel fridge/freezer operating on AC/DC power. Storage is abundant, with lockers throughout the galley and additional storage below the helm deck. An opening stainless steel portlight over the galley provides ventilation and natural light, enhancing comfort while cooking.

Cabin & Accommodations

The forward master stateroom features a queen-size island berth with storage below and additional shelf lockers throughout the cabin. A cedar-lined hanging locker provides dedicated wardrobe space. Two overhead hatches bring in natural light and ventilation. The master stateroom offers private access to the head compartment, enhancing comfort and privacy for owners.

A large passageway door connects the master stateroom to the galley, creating an open and spacious feel when desired. A bulkhead-mounted television raises and lowers, allowing the cabin to remain visually open to the galley or closed off for privacy.

Below the helm deck is a lower lounge area that remains open to the galley, expanding the living space. This lounge includes a slide-out berth filler, providing additional sleeping accommodations. Climate control throughout the accommodations is handled by reverse-cycle heat and air conditioning, supplemented by a diesel furnace for efficient heating in cooler conditions.

Head

The head features a separate shower stall and custom teak floor grates in both the shower and head area. 

Navigation, Electronics & Systems

Navigation and electronics are modern and comprehensive, including a Garmin GPSMap 8617 chartplotter, Garmin GMR 24xHD radar (new September 2023), Raymarine p70r autopilot, AIS with send and receive, depth sounder, and Volvo Penta joystick control with dynamic positioning system.

Electrical and onboard systems include a Magnum 3000W inverter, Xantrex three-bank battery charger (new August 2024), AGM Lifeline premium generator batteries (August 2024), engine start battery (June 2021), and house batteries (June 2021). A Sea Recovery Aqua Whisper Pro 450 watermaker rated at approximately 19 GPH, combined with a full-house water filtration system, supports extended time aboard. New underwater lights have been installed with an upsized breaker. Starlink provides high-speed connectivity.

Tender & Davit

The vessel includes an 2021 APEX A-11 (11’) inflatable tender powered by a Tohatsu 20hp outboard with electric start, trim, and tilt, supported by an electric SeaWise davit for easy handling.

Mechanical & Service Highlights

Propulsion:
Twin Volvo Penta IPS 400
Model: D4-300D-E / D4-D-IPS-4
Engine Hours: 894

Generator: Kohler 6kW – 280 hours

• Annual oil changes completed October 2025 (main engines and generator)

• Pods received full annual service; most recent service April 2025

• Bottom paint applied April 2025

• All anodes replaced October 2025                                                                                                                        

• This 2013 Sabre 38 Salon Express offers an outstanding combination of performance, comfort, and systems capability. Equipped with Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, joystick docking, dynamic positioning, extensive cruising amenities, and recent service work already completed, the vessel is well prepared for immediate use. Currently moored in a covered boathouse on the Columbia River and available for inspection by appointment.