SAGA 43
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 43.25 ft |
| LWL | 38.92 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 6.25 ft |
| Shoal Draft version | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 19,842 lb |
| Ballast | 7,799.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 58.17 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.66 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 51 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 909.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 455.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 902.4 sq ft |
About the SAGA 43
The Saga 43 is a robust cruising sloop designed by Robert Perry and built by Saga Yachts/Saga Marine, with a total production run of 55 hulls constructed in 1996. This limited production volume and single-year build period create a distinct, homogeneous fleet known for its heavy displacement and comfortable motion, though owners report significant structural maintenance challenges.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize comfort and stability over speed, and who possess the technical aptitude to manage complex structural repairs and heavy maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 19842.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.78, the Saga 43 is inherently stable and well-suited for bluewater passages, provided the critical structural integrity of the keel and rudder systems is verified.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Swan 44 and Hallberg-Rassy 43, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and offshore pedigree, though the Saga 43 is distinguished by its specific Robert Perry design lineage and much smaller production volume.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.6 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 60° | 6.0 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 75° | 6.5 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.5 | 8.6 |
| 90° | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9.2 |
| 110° | 6.1 | 7.4 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 9.6 |
| 120° | 6.0 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 10.0 |
| 135° | 5.3 | 6.7 | 7.7 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 9.1 | 10.1 |
| 150° | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 9.0 |
| Beat VMG | 3.5 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 8.2 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
12 listings · boat years 1997–2004 · median $169,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 43.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
28 reported issues across 9 systems for the SAGA 43, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a SAGA 43? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 28 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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