1. In the bilge there’s a metal keeper with a bolt that holds the cable for the valve that controls the auto/empty function. You can identify it by having a helper cycle the switch while looking in bilge. The cable can slip especially if the valve gets debris, fish scale, etc. lodged in it. By hand, see if you can close the valve and secure the cable in the closed position. You should be able to feel a detent in the closed position. If it doesn’t close, may have to remove, inspect, clean and reinstall if it’s serviceable.
2. With your Sabre being 17 years old now, I imagine there’s been a hole or three drilled in the top cap ahead of the carpet around the trolling motor pedal. Any unsealed holes will leak into the hull and water can end up in your rod lockers. I am getting water in my starboard side from a drilled hole under newly installed graphs. There could be other issues but take a look here. BassCat has recommended in the past putting paper in the lockers and hosing suspect areas to find your leaks.
