Yachts for sale / Sabre 52 Express

2009 Sabre 52 Express

Spring Lake, MI, US 53.3 ft · 16 ft' beam
Asking
$860,000
Our Thoughts

The 2009 Sabre 52 Express represents a meticulously maintained example of one of the market's most respected offshore cruising platforms. At 53.25 feet with a 16-foot beam and 4.25-foot draft, this modified-V planing hull delivers the shallow-water capability and fuel efficiency that serious Great Lakes and coastal cruisers demand, while the 15-degree transom deadrise ensures a composed ride in varied sea states.

Powered by twin Caterpillar C15 diesel engines rated at 865 horsepower each, the 52 Express operates through Twin Disc QUICKSHIFT transmissions with electronic controls and Express Mode, delivering responsive performance paired with the fuel economy expected from this proven propulsion package. The dual 10-inch underwater transom exhaust system, fresh water cooling, PSS drip-less shaft seals, and comprehensive engine management systems reflect Sabre's engineering standards. A CAT Michigan service was completed in August 2024, with routine annual maintenance documented throughout the ownership period. The 800-gallon fuel capacity (dual 400-gallon tanks) and 200-gallon fresh water system support extended cruising without range anxiety, while the Racor dual Max 1000 fuel filtration and Walker engineering fuel polishing system preserve fuel integrity over time.

This particular vessel spent 15 years as a freshwater Lake Michigan cruiser before relocating to Naples, Florida in October 2024—a provenance that speaks to minimal corrosion exposure and meticulous freshwater maintenance. The hull received a navy repaint in 2022, and there is no accident history on record. The custom interior redesign by Soucie Horner Chicago elevates the living spaces considerably: the salon features refined fabrics on the settee, area rugs, custom honed Calcutta Gold marble in the heads and galley, custom glass tile work, and leaded glass doors on the main salon entertainment cabinet and galley. Forward and master berths are fitted with custom pillowtop mattresses, and the master stateroom includes a designer sink and custom appointments throughout.

The layout flows intuitively across three staterooms. The forward guest stateroom features a low queen island berth with cedar-lined hanging locker, private access to the guest head with separate shower, and an integrated LCD TV. The guest/day head includes a circular shower door, solid surface countertop, and teak shower grate. The galley—positioned amidships—is exceptionally well-appointed with an electric three-burner ceramic cooktop, convection microwave, Fischer & Paykel dish drawer, dual Sub-Zero 700BC refrigerator/freezer drawer units (6.0 cubic feet refrigeration, 4.0 cubic feet freezer), and a vented washer/dryer in the hallway. The master stateroom amidships offers a spacious low queen island berth, dual cedar-lined hanging lockers, a high-boy dresser, and an oversized private head with separate shower, electric sump pump, and full-length mirror. The main salon features a U-shaped lounge with convertible sleeping berth, a fixed pedestal table with starburst inlay, and an L-shaped entertainment cabinet to starboard with LCD TV. An electrically operated sunroof floods the salon with natural light.

Navigation and systems integration represent a significant strength. The Raymarine system encompasses dual GS120 monitors (installed 2017), 48-inch radar, autopilot (upgraded 2023), engine room and aft cameras, Airmar weather station, HD sonar, FLIR thermal

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

This exceptional yacht has been meticulously maintained by its original owner, having spent 15 years as a freshwater vessel in Lake Michigan (2009–2024) before relocating to Naples, FL, in October 2024. With no accident history, it remains in pristine condition, enhanced by a navy hull repaint in 2022. Designed for both convenience and comfort, the yacht features a Freedom Lift for effortless dinghy (tender not included) handling and custom interiors designed by Soucie Horner Chicago, including refined fabrics for the salon settee, area rugs, kitchen and bath countertops, and bath tiles. Custom pillowtop mattresses for the forward and master berths ensure restful nights on board. For enhanced security and monitoring, a Siren Marine Siren 3 Pro system was installed in November 2024, providing features such as a motion detector for the salon, engine room hatch monitoring, AC power status, salon temperature tracking, a high-water alarm, and GPS/geofencing. Navigational performance is top-tier with bow and stern thrusters and a yacht controller, enabling remote control of forward/reverse thrust and bow/stern movements. Mechanical reliability is ensured through routine annual servicing of the engines and twin generators, including oil and filter changes, impeller replacements, and air filter changes every year, with no major engine issues. A comprehensive CAT Michigan service was performed in August 2024. Additional mechanical upgrades include seawater filters for cold water in both bathrooms and the kitchen sink and a new Xtreme Headhunter freshwater pump (installed October 2024), with a backup unit included. A high-performance lighting system includes Ocean LED Pro Series Gen 2 underwater lights with multi-color functionality and 10,000 lumens, along with a backup set of lights. The new Fusion Sound System (installed in 2023) integrates with smart HD Samsung TVs in the forward berth and salon, as well as an HD Jensen TV in the master berth. It features a high-fidelity Bluetooth link, JL speakers, and subwoofers throughout, including four speakers in the aft cockpit. The salon dining table includes an adjustable pedestal, allowing it to convert the salon settee into an additional sleeping space. Other practical enhancements include a distance counter for the anchor rode, Direct TV with an HD7 satellite, and dual Raymarine GS120 monitors (installed in 2017). The comprehensive Raymarine navigation system also includes: MMSI VHF AIS Satellite weather 48” radar Autopilot (new in 2023) Cameras (engine room and aft) Airmar weather station HD Sonar FLIR thermal imaging For global connectivity, the yacht is equipped with an Iridium GOES satellite phone with a rooftop antenna and WiFi link to a cell phone, along with a Starlink satellite dish and WiFi router. The Stidd 1200 double helm seat offers electric forward/back and up/down adjustments for ultimate comfort. In the aft cockpit, a Sure Shade retractable sunshade provides excellent coverage. For propulsion flexibility, the yacht includes an extra set of propellers (protected with a prop guard), prop nuts, a prop wrench, a prop remover, keyways, and cotter pins, all with storage shafts in the engine room. Additionally, line cutters are installed on both shafts just forward of the props.

2009 Sabre 52 Express: Freshwater-Maintained Diesel Motor Yacht with Custom Interiors and Advanced Electronics
Overview
The 2009 Sabre 52 Express represents the pinnacle of build quality and thoughtful customization in the express cruiser category. This 53.25-foot motor yacht spent its first 15 years as a freshwater vessel on Lake Michigan, where it was maintained by its original owner with meticulous attention to detail. The yacht's transition to saltwater in October 2024 marks a new chapter for a boat that has never experienced accident damage and remains in excellent condition, enhanced by a navy hull repaint completed in 2022. Sabre Yachts has built a reputation for engineering seaworthy, well-appointed cruising vessels, and the 52 Express exemplifies that commitment. With a 16-foot beam and a modified V-planing hull design featuring 23-degree deadrise amidships, this yacht balances stability and efficiency. The 4.25-foot draft accommodates both Great Lakes and coastal cruising. Powered by twin Caterpillar C15 diesel engines rated at 865 horsepower each, the 52 Express delivers the range and reliability expected of a serious cruising platform, supported by dual 9.0-kilowatt Onan generators and comprehensive mechanical systems maintained through annual service protocols. What distinguishes this particular yacht is not merely its freshwater history but the depth of customization and recent mechanical upgrades executed by an owner who understood the value of preventive maintenance and thoughtful enhancement. From the Siren Marine monitoring system installed in late 2024 to the comprehensive Raymarine navigation suite, from custom Soucie Horner Chicago interiors to the high-performance Ocean LED underwater lighting system, every system reflects intentional ownership and professional attention.
Hull Design and Structural Integrity
The 52 Express employs a modified V-planing hull with shallow prop pockets, engineered to deliver efficient cruising and stable handling across variable sea states. The hull bottom features 1.5 inches of vacuum-bagged Airex PVC foam core, while the topsides utilize a half-inch foam core, creating a rigid, noise-dampened structure. Knitted biaxial structural E-glass reinforcements throughout provide durability and impact resistance. The composite stringer system uses PVC foam and Airex coring, distributing loads evenly and minimizing flexing. The reverse-sloped transom and shallow prop pockets accommodate the twin shafts and NiBrAl four-blade propellers while reducing hydrodynamic drag. Hull-side rubbing strakes and a PVC rub rail with stainless steel cap protect the topsides during docking and anchoring. The painted IMRON finish with double boot stripe and gold cove stripe reflects professional cosmetic maintenance and protection against UV degradation and osmotic blistering.
Propulsion and Power Systems
Twin Caterpillar C15 diesel engines, each producing 865 horsepower, provide the 52 Express with substantial propulsive capability and the range expected of a long-range cruising yacht. The engines are equipped with fresh water-cooled Twin Disc QUICKSHIFT transmissions featuring MGX 5114A gearboxes and Twin Disc EC300 electronic controls with Express Mode, enabling smooth shifting and responsive throttle management. The 2.5-inch stainless steel shafts rotate through PSS drip-less shaft seals, minimizing bilge contamination and maintenance burden. Manganese bronze struts with cutlass bearings support the shafts, while NiBrAl four-blade propellers conform to ISO Class S specifications for marine duty. An extra set of propellers, stored in the engine room with protective prop guards, prop nuts, wrenches, removers, keyways, and cotter pins, provides redundancy and flexibility. Line cutters installed on both shafts forward of the props offer protection against entanglement with fishing gear or marine debris. The fuel system comprises two 400-gallon diesel tanks with a combined 800-gallon capacity, sufficient for extended cruising. A Walker Engineering AS801-24 fuel polishing system maintains fuel quality and performance over time, while dual Racor Max 1000 fuel filters protect the engines from contamination. A Lewmar Digital Chain Counter with navigation display provides visual confirmation of anchor rode deployment. Electrical power derives from dual 9.0-kilowatt Onan generators with sound enclosures, dual 12-kilowatt isolation transformers, and a 4-kilowatt high-output inverter with a 120-amp DC charger for ship's batteries. The 240/120-volt AC electrical system includes dual 50-amp shore power connections, a 75-foot Glendinning cord reel aft, and a 240-volt bow inlet with a 25-foot cord. Dedicated engine-starting batteries and dedicated 24-volt 8D AGM deep-cycle ship's service batteries ensure reliable electrical distribution throughout the vessel.
Helm Station and Navigation Electronics
The helm area features a professional-grade Stidd 1200 double helm seat with electric forward/back and up/down adjustments, offering ergonomic comfort during extended cruising or maneuvering. The seat incorporates a built-in storage cabinet, replacing two individual seats and optimizing the helm layout. A custom wood-trimmed stainless steel wheel provides tactile feedback and aesthetic refinement. Navigation and situational awareness rely on a comprehensive Raymarine system installed with dual GS120 monitors (added in 2017) and upgraded autopilot (new in 2023). The system integrates a 48-inch radar, HD sonar, MMSI VHF with AIS, satellite weather reception, engine room and aft cameras, an Airmar weather station, and FLIR thermal imaging. This suite of electronics provides the operator with detailed knowledge of the surrounding environment, from underwater bottom composition and fish presence to weather patterns and traffic separation schemes. For global connectivity, the yacht is equipped with an Iridium GOES satellite phone with rooftop antenna and WiFi link, a Starlink satellite dish with WiFi router, and Direct TV with an HD7 satellite receiver. These systems ensure communication capability regardless of proximity to terrestrial networks, essential for extended offshore cruising or operations in remote anchorages. The helm dash is finished in cherry with a navigation switch panel and flat chart area to port of the engine control panel. A pantograph-style door to the side deck and a stainless steel sliding door to the aft cockpit with curved corner windows provide helm visibility and deck access without compromising weather protection.
Propulsion Control and Maneuvering Systems
The 52 Express is equipped with bow and stern thrusters and a yacht controller, enabling remote control of forward/reverse thrust and independent bow and stern movements. These systems dramatically simplify docking, anchoring, and tight-quarters maneuvering, particularly valuable in crowded marinas or challenging anchorages. The hydraulic steering system incorporates power assistance and twin electro-tab trim tabs, optimizing trim and fuel efficiency across speed ranges. The 24-volt electric windlass (Lewmar V4) features helm and foot-switch controls on deck, enabling single-handed anchor deployment and retrieval. A double-sided anchor locker with Southco slam latch prevents accidental opening, while custom stainless steel dual anchor rollers guide the rode smoothly to the deck.
Interior Layout and Accommodations
The 52 Express accommodates four guests across two staterooms plus the master suite, with two dedicated head compartments. The interior design reflects custom work by Soucie Horner Chicago, incorporating refined fabrics, area rugs, custom countertops, and designer tile selections throughout. Main Salon and Helm Area The main salon serves as the social and operational hub, combining the helm station with a spacious lounge area. An oversized U-shaped lounge with custom fabrics converts to a sleeping berth via a removable table center leaf. A raised "Mates Lounge" to port includes ice maker storage below and chart storage above. An L-shaped entertainment cabinet to starboard houses an LCD television. The salon features a fixed-height pedestal table with starburst inlay and deep epoxy finish, designed to accommodate dining and entertainment while maintaining a low center of gravity. The salon dining table includes an adjustable pedestal, converting the settee into an additional sleeping space when needed. An electrically operated sunroof with integrated shade floods the space with natural light while providing weather protection. Blinds and curtains on all windows allow occupants to control light and privacy. Sound-deadening headliner panels reduce engine and machinery noise, creating a quiet refuge from the operational spaces below. Two 16,000-BTU air conditioning units maintain comfortable temperatures in the salon, while teak and holly sole with two coats of sealer provides durable, attractive
Length
53.3 ft
Beam
16 ft'
Year
2009
Builder
Sabre
Model
52 Express

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Bay Marine - Grand Haven. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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