freedom 21 sailboat review

FREEDOM 21 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of FREEDOM 21. Built by Freedom Yachts and designed by Gary Hoyt, the boat was first built in 1982. It has a hull type of Fin w/transom hung rudder and LOA is 6.61. Its sail area/displacement ratio 20.21. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

FREEDOM 21 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about FREEDOM 21 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, contributions, who designed the freedom 21.

FREEDOM 21 was designed by Gary Hoyt.

Who builds FREEDOM 21?

FREEDOM 21 is built by Freedom Yachts.

When was FREEDOM 21 first built?

FREEDOM 21 was first built in 1982.

How long is FREEDOM 21?

FREEDOM 21 is 5.33 m in length.

What is mast height on FREEDOM 21?

FREEDOM 21 has a mast height of 7.44 m.

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Review of Freedom 21

Basic specs..

The Freedom 21 has been built with more than one type of keel. One option is a finn keel. A boat with a fin keel is more manoeuvrable but has less directional stability than a similar boat with a long keel.

The keel is made of lead. Compared with iron, lead has the advantage of being 44% heavier, which allows a smaller keel and hence less water resistance and higher speed.

The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 1.16 - 1.26 meter (3.81 - 4.11 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

An outboard motor is often used on this boat. In that case Freedom 21 will typically require a power of 2 - 3 hp, alternatively 35 - 42 lbs thrust if you prefer an electrical motor. Electric outboards are becoming popular for sailboat owners who want clean instant power with less noise and no exhaust fumes.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Freedom 21 is 2.65, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Freedom 21 is about 107 kg/cm, alternatively 604 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 107 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 604 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Freedom 21 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

The Freedom 21 is a 21.67ft cat (unstayed) designed by Gary Hoyt and built in fiberglass by Freedom Yachts since 1982.

The Freedom 21 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

Freedom 21 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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Exploring the Features of the Freedom 21 Sailboat: A Detailed Guide

freedom‍ 21 sailboat specs

The Freedom 21 sailboat is an exceptional vessel designed to ⁢provide sailors with an unparalleled sense of freedom and‌ adventure on the open ‍waters. With its remarkable features and well-crafted ​design, this sailboat⁣ offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience for ‌both novice and⁢ experienced ‌sailors alike.

Here‍ are some of the key‍ specifications that make ‍the Freedom 21 sailboat a true gem:

• Length: With a length of 21 feet, this sailboat strikes a⁢ perfect balance between maneuverability and‍ stability.
• Construction: The boat‌ is constructed with a high-grade fiberglass hull, ensuring durability and longevity even in rough⁤ waters.
• Sail Area: Equipped with a well-designed ⁣mainsail and headsail, the Freedom 21 offers a ​generous sail area that allows for efficient and ‍swift sailing.
• Ballast: Thanks to its ​lead ballast encapsulated‍ within the hull, the sailboat provides exceptional stability and⁢ superior sailing performance.
• Accommodation: Despite its compact size, the Freedom 21 boasts a cozy cabin with ​comfortable ⁣sleeping quarters and storage space, making it suitable for overnight⁢ trips or ⁢extended stays on the water.

When it comes​ to exploring the features⁤ of the Freedom 21 sailboat, the possibilities are endless. Whether you are yearning for a tranquil solo adventure or planning an exciting sailing⁤ getaway with friends and family, this sailboat has much to⁤ offer. Let’s delve⁢ deeper⁤ into some of its standout features:

freedom 21 sailboat review

The⁤ Freedom 21 sailboat is a​ true gem in the world of sailing enthusiasts. Renowned ‌for its exceptional ​craftsmanship and top-notch performance, this sailboat is a dream come true for those seeking the ultimate ⁢sailing experience. With its ⁢sleek⁤ design and expert engineering, the ‍Freedom ⁣21 offers a thrilling adventure on the open waters.

One of the standout features​ of the Freedom 21 sailboat is its incredible maneuverability. Whether ⁣you are a seasoned sailor or a novice, this sailboat ‌provides easy handling and precise control, making it a breeze to navigate through any water condition. The well-balanced design and responsive ​helm ensure a smooth and stable ride, even in choppy seas.

Exploring the Features​ of the Freedom 21 Sailboat: A Detailed Guide

freedom 21 sailboat pros and cons

The Freedom 21 Sailboat provides sailors with a unique and‌ exhilarating sailing experience.⁣ This versatile vessel has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which we have outlined below to help you make an informed decision:

• Easy to handle: The compact size of the Freedom 21 Sailboat‍ makes it extremely manageable for both beginner and experienced sailors.
• Stability: ⁤This⁣ sailboat⁢ boasts excellent ⁤stability, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even​ in⁤ moderate to rough waters.
• Innovative design: The Freedom 21 Sailboat showcases a unique freestanding carbon-fiber mast ‌that eliminates the⁤ need for conventional shrouds​ and provides‌ increased maneuverability and speed.
• Efficient upwind performance: With its self-tacking jib, the Freedom 21 Sailboat excels at sailing upwind, allowing you to easily tack without the hassle of adjusting the headsail.
• Restricted interior space: Due to its compact size,⁤ the ‌Freedom 21 Sailboat may‌ feel cramped for those seeking more spacious accommodations.
• Reduced downwind performance: While the self-tacking jib contributes to ⁢excellent ⁢upwind performance, the Freedom 21 Sailboat’s downwind sailing capabilities may be limited compared ‌to larger sailboats.
• Higher cost: The innovative design and advanced technology‌ utilized by the Freedom 21 Sailboat may result in a higher price tag compared ​ to traditional sailboats in its class.

freedom⁢ 21 sailboat interior photos

Step aboard the magnificent Freedom 21 Sailboat for an unforgettable journey into the world of luxury⁣ sailing. Prepare to be captivated by the elegant and thoughtfully designed interior, as ‍we take you on⁣ a visual tour ⁢through its stunning features and impeccable craftsmanship. With its sleek lines and spacious layout, the Freedom 21 Sailboat sets a new standard in sailing aesthetics.

The interior boasts a blend of contemporary and timeless design elements,⁢ providing a harmonious living space that exudes sophistication and comfort. From the moment you step below deck, you’ll be greeted by the warm ambiance created by the exquisite wooden finishes. Rich⁢ mahogany cabinetry perfectly complements the plush upholstery, while large portholes flood the space with natural light, creating an inviting and open‌ atmosphere.

freedom 21 sailboat specifications

The Freedom 21 sailboat is a remarkable vessel that embodies the⁢ essence of freedom on the open seas. Built with precision and⁢ expert craftsmanship, this sailboat offers an unforgettable sailing experience for both‍ novice and ​experienced sailors alike. Its sleek design and exceptional performance make it a top choice for those seeking adventure and ⁣relaxation.

Featuring a length overall of 21 feet and a beam of 7 feet, the Freedom 21‍ sailboat offers ample‍ space for comfortable sailing. With a⁣ displacement of 2,000 pounds and a draft of only 2 feet, this sailboat is perfect ⁣for exploring shallow waters and navigating through tight spots. ⁤Its⁢ sturdy construction, including a ‌fiberglass hull and a keel-mounted centerboard, ensures stability and durability on the‌ water.

freedom 21 sailboat layout

When it comes to the layout of‌ the Freedom 21 sailboat, this vessel offers a truly sublime experience‍ on the open waters. Designed with⁢ both comfort and functionality in mind, every aspect of this sailboat has been carefully ​crafted to provide an unparalleled sailing adventure. Immerse yourself⁣ in the world of sailing with the‌ that‍ boasts an array of impressive features, ensuring every voyage is both enjoyable and memorable.

‍ The⁣ interior of the Freedom 21 sailboat showcases a well-spaced cabin, carefully designed to maximize comfort. The main cabin features an ample seating area, perfect​ for relaxation or socializing with‌ friends and family. Additionally, this sailboat offers a cozy ⁢V-berth‌ that serves as a comfortable sleeping‌ quarters during those extended cruises. With clever storage solutions integrated throughout, you can keep ​your belongings organized and ⁣easily accessible.

freedom 21 sailboat data

When it comes to the Freedom 21 sailboat, a world of adventure awaits both seasoned sailors and beginners ​alike. This stunning vessel ⁣is renowned for its exceptional performance and unmatched freedom on the open water. Designed ‌with innovation and simplicity in mind, the Freedom 21 offers an exhilarating sailing experience like no other.

Designed and crafted by a team of experts, the Freedom 21 sailboat boasts a range of remarkable features that make it a true gem on ⁤the waves. Here are some highlights:

Responsive and Sleek Design

• Lightweight and durable carbon fiber hull
• Aerodynamic ⁤wings for enhanced stability
• Streamlined shape for maximum speed

Efficient‍ and Maneuverable

• Effortless single-handed sailing
• Quick and easy rigging
• Dual rudders for enhanced control

Comfort and Convenience

• Spacious cockpit with seating for six
• Ample storage space for gear and equipment
• Comfortable cabin with sleeping quarters

freedom 21 sailboat diagram

Welcome aboard the Freedom 21, a remarkable sailing vessel that promises adventure and excitement​ on the open ⁢seas. In this section,⁢ we will explore the various components and features that make this sailboat a true ⁣marvel of modern engineering. So, grab your compass, secure your⁣ life jacket, and let’s dive into the wondrous world​ of the Freedom 21 sailboat!

Anatomy of the Freedom 21 Sailboat:

• Mast: ⁤The tall vertical spar⁤ that supports the sails and navigational instruments.
• Hull: The ‌main body of the sailboat, ⁢providing buoyancy and stability.
• Deck: The flat surface‌ on which⁢ you ‌can walk and move around the sailboat.
• Sails:⁤ Made of durable fabric, the sails catch‍ the wind ⁢to propel the boat forward.
• Rudder: This movable surface at the stern controls the direction of the sailboat.
• Keel: The fin-like structure located underneath ​the hull that‌ provides stability and prevents ​sideways ​drift.

freedom 21 sailboat for sale

If you are an ‍avid sailor looking for your next adventure on the⁤ open sea, look no further! We are ‍thrilled to present to you the incredible Freedom 21⁤ Sailboat, now available for sale. Built with precision and designed for optimal performance, this sailboat ‌is a true gem that will surely enhance your⁤ sailing‍ experience.

Featuring a sleek‍ and modern design, the Freedom 21 Sailboat offers both beauty and functionality. Its sturdy construction ensures durability and stability, allowing you to embark on exhilarating journeys without any worries.⁢ With its exceptional speed and maneuverability, you can ⁣effortlessly navigate through various weather conditions, making ‌it an ideal vessel for ⁢both beginners and experienced sailors alike.

Q: What ‌is the Freedom 21‌ Sailboat? A: The Freedom 21 Sailboat is a versatile and popular sailboat built for leisure sailing and racing. It belongs to the Freedom Yachts line of boats, known for their innovative design and exceptional performance.

Q: What are the key features of the Freedom 21 ‍Sailboat? A: The Freedom 21 Sailboat ​boasts several notable features. It has a spacious cockpit ⁢with comfortable ⁣seating for ​up to six people, providing ample room ⁢for relaxation and enjoyment. The boat‍ is equipped with a roller-furling jib for‍ easy sail​ handling, allowing sailors of various skill levels to effortlessly navigate the waters.

Q: Can ⁣you tell me about the sail⁢ plan of‌ the‍ Freedom 21 Sailboat? A: The Freedom 21 Sailboat has a fractional rig, meaning‍ that the mast is located more towards the bow.​ This design allows for a larger mainsail, enhancing the boat’s overall performance. The Freedom 21 features relatively high aspect ratio sails, enabling better light-wind ‌performance while​ maintaining stability in stronger winds.

Q: How is the construction and build quality of the Freedom 21 Sailboat? A: The Freedom⁢ 21 Sailboat ​is constructed‌ using high-quality materials ⁢and methods, ensuring durability and longevity. The hull is typically‍ made of ⁢solid fiberglass, imparting⁤ strength and resistance to osmotic blistering. The deck is cored with balsa wood, reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity.

Q: What is the cabin ⁣layout like in the Freedom 21 Sailboat? A: The cabin of the Freedom 21 Sailboat offers comfortable accommodation for overnight stays or weekend cruising. It features ‌a ⁣V-berth forward, suitable⁣ for two people, and two settee berths in ⁣the main salon. There is also a small galley area equipped ⁣with ​a sink and a portable stove.

Q: How does the Freedom 21 Sailboat handle in different weather conditions? A: Due to its well-thought-out ⁣design, the Freedom 21 Sailboat performs admirably ‌in various weather conditions. It⁤ is well-balanced and responsive, allowing for easy handling even in heavy winds. ⁢The sailboat’s keel and rudder provide excellent stability‍ and maneuverability, making it a capable vessel in both calm and choppy waters.

Q: Is the Freedom 21 ⁣Sailboat suitable for racing? A: Yes, ‌the Freedom ​21 Sailboat is often used for racing due to its impressive performance ⁣capabilities. It has a reputation⁣ for being both fast ⁤and agile, allowing sailors to compete competitively in regattas and races. The boat’s design and sail plan facilitate quick acceleration and swift maneuvering, making it a thrilling choice for racing enthusiasts.

Q: ‌Are there any‍ additional features ‍that set the ‌Freedom ‌21 Sailboat apart? A: Yes, the ⁣Freedom 21 Sailboat offers a unique feature called ⁣the “ free-standing carbon ⁣fiber mast .” This mast design, pioneered by Freedom Yachts, eliminates the need for bulky and complex standing rigging,⁤ providing sailors with a simplified and efficient setup. The absence ‍of ⁢rigging also contributes to easier maintenance and reduced ‌stress on the hull and deck.

Q: ​Can beginners handle the Freedom 21 Sailboat? A: ⁤Yes, ⁣the Freedom⁢ 21 Sailboat is ⁢suitable for beginners. Its user-friendly sail⁢ handling , stable maneuverability, and forgiving nature‌ make it an ideal choice for novice sailors. However, it​ is always recommended to gain some ‌sailing experience and knowledge before embarking on any sailing adventure.

Q: Are there any downsides or limitations to the Freedom 21 Sailboat? A: While the Freedom 21 Sailboat has numerous positive attributes, it is important to consider its limitations. Due to its size, it may not be suitable for extended cruising or accommodating larger groups. Additionally,⁤ some sailors may find the cabin space relatively compact for comfortable long-term stays onboard.

The Way Forward

In conclusion, the Freedom 21 Sailboat offers an exceptional sailing experience for enthusiasts ​and novices alike. Its unique design, advanced technology, and superior build quality ensure a comfortable and pleasurable voyage on ⁣the water. From its efficient rigging system ​to its spacious cabin, this sailboat provides an array of features that set it ⁣apart from⁢ other vessels in its class.

With its self-tacking jib, single-handed sailing becomes a breeze, allowing even novice sailors to confidently handle the boat with ease. The impressive stability and maneuverability of ‌the Freedom 21 further enhance the overall experience, providing ⁢a sense of control and security even ‍in ​challenging conditions.

Not only does‍ this sailboat excel in performance, ‍but it also boasts a thoughtfully designed interior. The spacious cabin offers ample headroom and sleeping accommodations, ensuring a comfortable ⁣stay during extended trips. Additionally, ⁢the well-appointed galley enables onboard cooking and meal preparation, further enhancing the versatility and convenience of ​the Freedom 21.

The advanced construction techniques employed in building this sailboat guarantee a vessel that is not only structurally ‌strong but also built to withstand the test of time. With ⁣its durable materials and meticulous ⁢craftsmanship, the Freedom 21 ensures longevity and ⁣minimal maintenance, making it a reliable companion on countless voyages.

Overall, the Freedom ​21 Sailboat is a testament ⁤to exceptional engineering⁤ and ‍a commitment to ‌providing ⁢a⁢ superior sailing experience. Whether‍ you’re a seasoned sailor seeking top-notch performance or a ​beginner looking for a user-friendly ​vessel to explore the beauty‍ of the open waters, the Freedom 21 is undoubtedly a fantastic choice. Embark ⁤on your journey with this sailboat, and experience the true freedom of sailing​ at its finest.

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“The Freedom 21 sailboat was designed by Garry Hoyt for Freedom Yachts in the early 80’s.   At least a couple hundred were built by TPI (Tillotson Pearson, the JBoat manufacturer) in the 1980’s.  It is still manufactured in England, and still much loved here in the States.  It is not a common sailboat, in any sense of the word.   It is designed to be fun to sail, easy enough for a novice and challenging enough for an experienced sailor, an unusual combination.”  This Freedom has spent most of it’s years here on Lake Winnipesaukee. It is in very good condition. An excellent boat for daysailing.

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Freedom Freedom Boats for Sale Craigslist & Freedom Freedom Specs & Pictures

Related posts:.

• Freedom 25 1983
• Freedom Yachts 35 1983
• Freedom Yachts 32 1983
• Freedom 28 Mark II 1983

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• Sailboat Reviews

Though expensive, the Freedom 36 is a boat that sails well and is very easy to handle.

Freedom Yachts were the invention of Garry Hoyt back in the early 1970s. An advertising executive and champion one-design sailor, Hoyt reached a stage in his life when he wanted a cruising boat, but he found the existing fleet ordinary and unsatisfactory. So—the story goes—he set about designing himself a boat. The result was the Freedom 40, an unusual-looking cruiser with a long waterline, conventional hull, and a peculiar wishbone cat-ketch rig.

Hoyt marketed the Freedom 40 with the diligence and success you’d expect of an accomplished advertiser—claiming speed, quality, and simplicity of handling for his innovative-looking boats. In time he designed (often with the aid of professional naval architects like Halsey Herreshoff) and sold a whole line of Freedoms—a 21, 25, 28, 32, 33, and 44, as well as the original 40.

At the time, Hoyt’s company was unusual—because Freedom Yachts was a “boatbuilder” that didn’t build the boats. Instead, Hoyt went to Everett Pearson, pioneer in the fiberglass boatbuilding industry and one of the founders of Pearson Yachts.

Tillotson-Pearson took on the Freedom line, establishing a reputation for Freedom yachts as topend, high-quality production boats. Ultimately, Hoyt sold the company to Tillotson-Pearson.

One of the first moves of the new owners was to revamp the Freedom line. The company commissioned new designs from California-based naval architect Gary Mull, well known for his race boats and his wholesome racer/cruiser designs like the Ranger 29 and Ranger 33 in the early 1970s. The Freedom 36 was the first of the Mull designs, and it was followed by a 30, a 28, and a 42. The 36 went out of production in 1989.

The Mull-designed Freedoms share a profile that is rather different from the older Freedoms—with fewer curves and more sharp turns, most noticeable in the square, boxy cabinhouse that is remarkably reminiscent of a Ranger 26. The boats are generally plain and simple looking, with virtually no exterior wood trim.

The most noticeable characteristic of the line continues to be the unstayed carbon fiber mast that had become a hallmark of all the Freedom boats. Most traditional sailors would describe the new designs as big catboats, with the enormous-diameter mast set well forward, but they do carry a vestigial jib and are technically sloops. All the new Freedoms are rigged with the aim of simple handling that has always been associated with the line.

The Mull boats have also maintained the general concept of enormous beam and long waterline with almost no overhangs, and the boats have more interior volume for their length than almost anything else on the market. The major difference from the older boats is that the hull underbodies are thoroughly modern in the Mull designs, with flat bottoms, fin keels, and spade rudders.

Hoyt originally tried to market the Freedoms directly to customers, but the company has since developed a widespread network of dealers which generally have a good reputation for servicing the boats they sell. The company has also developed a good reputation for responding to warranty problems and other customer complaints.

For example, the Freedom 36 that we sailed for this evaluation had originally been sold to an owner on the west coast, and had developed some gelcoat problems on the deck. The company eventually replaced the boat with a new one—an incredibly rare occurrence among boatbuilders—had redone the deck completely, and then re-sold the boat to the current owner at a reduced cost.

Similarly, while we were evaluating the 36, the owner received a package from the company with a kit to modify the lightning protection system in the boat. The new boats were being set up differently, and the builder thought the change was advisable for all boats. They provided retrofit kits—at no charge. On its latest boats, the company is also offering a 10-year warranty on the hull—even against gelcoat blisters—and a lifetime warranty on the spar to the first owner.

While there has never been a boat line with no problems, buyers of Freedoms should have better expectations than most of successful dealings with the company.

Hull And Deck

Both the hull and deck of the Freedom 36 are fiberglass with a Contourkore balsa core throughout. There are potential problems with water absorption in both hull and deck of balsa cored laminates, with little way for the owner to guard against it except by depending on the integrity of the manufacturer. Tillotson-Pearson is one of the few companies that we would count on to produce a good, long-lasting hull in boat after boat. Basic construction is solid.

The fiberglass itself is a laminate of E-glass mat and stitched unidirectional fiberglass, with vinylester barrier resins in the exterior layer of the hull below the waterline. The outside layer is an isophthalic gelcoat. Both the vinylester and the isophtalic resins are believed to provide the best protection against water absorption and blistering. This is a high-cost fabrication, but Freedom obviously has faith in it.

One of the big advantages of balsa coring is the thermal and acoustic insulation it provides. Condensation problems inside the hull are greatly reduced, and the hull has a solid, quiet feel to it going through waves.

The drawback of balsa coring is that one must exercise more care than normal when installing through-hull and through-deck fittings, for example being careful not to compress the whole laminate and allow for penetration of water. Cracks or other damage to the hull must be attended to promptly.

The hull and deck are laid up separately and joined with an inward-turning flange on the hull on which the deck molding sets. An adhesive caulk, 3M-5200, is laid in the seam, and the joint is through-bolted with 1/4″ stainless bolts through an external aluminum toerail.

We examined a number of hulls and found them generally fair, with no obvious problems. Exterior gelcoat work is generally good.

Two keels are available—either a deep fin or a shoal draft fin. The 36 we sailed had the deep fin, which is an external lead casting, bolted to the hull. The shoal keel is encapsulated in a keel cavity and fiberglassed to the hull. If you can stand the draft, the deeper keel will be preferable in terms of performance as well as construction.

Overall, the construction of the Freedom 36 is high-quality, with everything being done pretty much the way industry standards say they should be done. The single exception we found was not in the 36 but in a Freedom 28 we examined. The 28 had a chintzy plastic through hull fitting for a sink drain, with no seacock—an odd oversight in an otherwise well-built boat.

The unstayed carbon fiber masts were quite radical when Freedom first used them, but they are well established and proven by now. They are laid up somewhat like fiberglass, with carbon fibers wound around a form and impregnated with resin. For equivalent strength, they are much lighter and stiffer than an aluminum mast.

Under sail, it’s a bit shocking at first to see the mast bend in puffs, especially since it’s so tall (55′ 6″ above the waterline). But once you’re accustomed to that peculiarity, there should be little to worry about in terms of strength or longevity. We were unable to find any statistics or insurance figures on carbon fiber mast failures compared to aluminum mast failures, but we suspect the odds of a dismasting or other significant failure are no more likely—perhaps even less likely—with the carbon fiber than with aluminum. We are aware of at least one mast that was damaged in a lightning strike.

The Freedom 36 was available with both a sloop rig and Freedom’s trademark cat ketch rig.

Handling Under Power

A three-cylinder 27 hp Yanmar diesel is standard. The engine is adequate, though certainly not oversized.

Engine installation is well done, in a small compartment lined with a lead/foam sound deadener. Access to the engine is possible from the front by removing the companionway steps, and from the port cockpit locker by removing a panel. It’s hard to get at the Yanmar’s dipstick on the engine’s starboard side. There is a small screw-out port for access from the aft cabin, but the port is about a foot ahead of the dipstick.

The boat comes with a solid two-bladed prop which most owners will want to trash immediately, replacing it with a folding or feathering prop. The boat we sailed had a three-bladed feathering prop, which not only lets the boat live up to its sailing potential, but also seems to improve backing power. A folding prop would be much cheaper, though motoring performance would not be as good as with the three-bladed feathering prop.

It surprises us that companies which tout the sailing performance of their boats continue to fit them out with solid propellers. There’s almost nothing you can do that will degrade sailing performance more than carry an exposed, solid prop, especially when the wind turns light.

With the three-bladed feathering prop, the Freedom 36 performs well. The boat backs out of a slip, goes where you want it to go in reverse, and powers easily to hull speed without overloading the engine. The engine is mounted slightly off-center so the shaft is at an angle to the centerline of the boat, and some people will tell you that this helps the boat track in a straight line under power. The 36 did track straight, but then most boats with centerline installations track straight, too.

With the deep fin to pivot on and the spade rudder located way aft, the boat turns sharply. The large mast and the high topsides provide plenty of windage, but generally the Freedom 36 should be nimble enough to make handling in close quarters no problem.

Handling Under Sail

“Easy” is the key word in the company’s promotion of their sailboats. We found the mainsail a bit of a nuisance to hoist and lower, with the full-length battens fouling the lazy jacks, but other than that the boat is truly easy to sail.

All the gear is of good quality. Halyards are led aft to the cockpit, through stoppers to self-tailing winches. The jib can actually be hoisted by hand, but the main requires the winch to raise it the last 10′ or so. Other controls (outhaul, reef lines, boom vang, cunningham) also lead to sheet stoppers in the cockpit. A neat feature is the “panel” for hanging the coiled lines, just behind the winches at the front of the cockpit.

The mainsheet is a four-part tackle at mid-boom, running to a Harken traveler ahead of the companionway. Frequently, the mechanical advantage of a mid-boom sheeting arrangement is so low that mainsail trimming is hard, but we found we could handle the mainsheet by hand easily in winds up to about 12 knots. Thereafter, we used the winch. All winches are adequately sized, though self-tailers are an option that almost everyone will want.

The non-overlapping jib uses a sprit that fits in a sleeve on the sail. The jib is self-tacking, with a single sheet that is easily controlled by hand. It is amazing how much speed the dinky little jib adds to the boat. Though the company’s literature talks about sailing under main alone, for performance you need the jib. Though we haven’t sailed a Nonsuch 36 and a Freedom 36 side by side, we suspect the Freedom will be noticeably faster, largely because of the jib.

The pulpit-mounted spinnaker pole and the other spinnaker handling gear (all optional) are remarkable in making the spinnaker easy to hoist, jibe, and lower. Of course, the spinnaker is tiny for a boat of this size—closer to what you’d get on a J-24 than on a conventional 36′ sloop. Using the pole—which is pinned at the center so that it pivots on top of the pulpit—takes some getting used to, but once you figure things out it’s a lot easier than jibing a J-24.

We raced the 36 in two PHRF triangle races to try her performance against more conventional boats. In most respects, we found the boat admirable.

Full crew for the racing was two people, and in terms of performance per amount of energy expended, the boat was a clear winner. It is amazing how getting rid of a big jib lowers the activity required on a sailboat.

We did find that the fully-battened main on the bendy mast required new skills, particularly going to windward. The sail has a very wide “slot” in terms of trim, and does not seem to stall out. We messed with the mainsail almost constantly, first trimming it as we would a conventional main, then dropping or raising the traveler, adjusting sheet tension, cunningham, and so on.

The conventional wisdom concerning the rig is that it will not go to weather: you should foot off for maximum performance. But we found that we could point with most of the fleet, and the boat had a B&G Hornet system which kept telling us that our VMG was highest when we were pinching.

Reaching is the boat’s strong suit—as you would want in a good cruiser—and the boat is a surprising combination of effortlessness and power. Handling, including sail trim, is a piece of cake, even with the spinnaker up.

Running, the boat is a little sluggish, even with the spinnaker. We didn’t test the boat fully, but we suspect that jibing downwind on broad reaches may be faster than running dead down, at least in lighter air.

Whatever the point of sail, the sailor used to conventional rigs will have to do quite a bit of experimenting and relearning to get the most out of the Freedom 36.

In terms of absolute speed, the boat was a bit disappointing to us. We expected a little more than we got out of her long waterline.

Her PHRF rating is 150, comparable to the speed of racer/cruisers of 10 years ago like the C&C 33 and 34, or the Pearson 10M. Our impression is that the boat will sail much faster than those boats on a reach, but quite a bit slower on a beat or a run. Her strongest performance will be in stronger winds rather than light air.

There is not a lot that you can do about the fundamentals of yacht design, but we sort of expected that the boat would outsail a 15-year-old Mull design like the Ranger 33. In fact, it won’t. Of course, any passage on the Freedom will be much easier than on the Ranger, much less demanding, and much less tiring. But it won’t be faster, unless you can always make arrangements for a reach.

Nonetheless, after our experience on the boat, we strongly recommend the Freedom 36 as a sailing machine, with the ease of sailing far outweighing any drawbacks. She is a pleasure under sail.

You sail the Freedom 36 almost entirely from the cockpit, and it is big and roomy, with plenty of space to do the minimal chores of sail handling.

The benches are wide and comfortable, long enough to use as outdoor berths. It’s not a T-shaped cockpit—one of the few straight cockpits we’ve seen recently, and we decided we sort of like that. There’s ample room for lounging about, and with a dodger and bimini it would be an excellent cruising cockpit. There’s a propane tank locker, and a cavernous portside locker that will be hard to use well unless you can figure out a way to subdivide it.

Wheel steering is standard. The boat we sailed had an optional oversized wheel that simplified steering from the side decks, but made passage around the wheel difficult.

From the cockpit forward to the mast, the Freedom is wide open. It would be an ideal working platform, though of course there’s little working of the boat to be done except from the cockpit. The nonskid of the decks and cabin top seemed generally mediocre.

From the mast forward, the rig gets in the way of things. With the turret-mounted spinnaker pole, the spinnaker in its storage sock, and the wishbone in the jib, the foredeck is crowded. Anchor handling and docking are complicated by having to step over and around the gear, and we suppose many cruisers will think about not having the spinnaker equipment at all. To us, this congestion on the foredeck seems the one major shortcoming of the Freedom rig. Otherwise, the Freedom has a spacious, comfortable deck.

As you might expect with the long waterline, short overhangs and wide beam, the area belowdecks is huge. We thought the size, especially the beam, might even be a problem under way, but found that that the boat is stiff enough that you should rarely be tossed about.

The interior arrangement is fairly ordinary. A big forward cabin has a good V-berth which can be made into a comfortable double by using an insert in the V. There’s a bureau and hanging locker to starboard and a door to the head to port. Headroom is 6′ 1″ near the entry door.

There is good stowage under the V-berth and in a small forepeak—in fact, this boat generally has more storage than is common in more conventional modern designs.

The head is roomy, mostly a fiberglass molding, and has a second door to the main cabin. Opposite the head is another bureau and storage space.

The main cabin is large, with an L-shaped settee around a table which folds up against the forward bulkhead. The table can be folded out so that the starboard settee becomes the outboard seat for an enormous dining table. There is good storage space behind both settees and beneath the port settee. Headroom is a true 6′ 4″.

The galley is U-shaped, with deep sinks, a good dry-storage locker, a gimbaled stove with oven, an adequate icebox, and lots of storage space. A garbage trap in the aft bulkhead lets you drop stuff into a wastebasket stored in the cockpit locker. Now if someone would just come up with some similar way to store your returnable cans and bottles.

Opposite the galley is a navigation table with a swing-out seat. Above the table is the electrical panel, and mounting space for most of the electronics.

The aft cabin, mostly under the starboard cockpit seat, is also good-sized, with a bureau, hanging locker, and decent headroom just inside the door.

Finish below is generally good—lots of teak veneer with a nice contrast in the ash battens used as hull ceiling. The cabin overhead is vinyl panels—OK, but a nuisance if you need to mess with the deck hardware fastenings.

Ventilation is adequate, but would be minimal for offshore passages. You might want to look for the optional dorades to improve air movement below.

Conclusions

In general, we came away from the Freedom 36 with renewed respect for the work of Tillotson-Pearson. For us there’s no question of the quality of construction or general workmanship.

Though high-quality, the Freedoms are plain. If you’re into hand craftsmanship or the sort of excessive teakwork that you find in the best Oriental imports, you probably won’t like the Freedoms, though their belowdecks joinery and finish is very good.

In general, we also like the roominess and livability of the boat. In a 36-footer, it’s hard to imagine more space, or think of a way the space could be better used.

In sailing, the strong point of the boat is ease of handling, and after our trials on the water, we have no reservations about the unusual rig—it works, and it works pretty well. In a 36′ cruiser, we might hope for a little more absolute speed, but the Freedom is no slouch. She will make smart passages, and make them easily.

The major drawback, of course, is price, since the Freedom is on the high end of the price spectrum. With sails and a few “necessary” options like the spinnaker package, self-tailing winches, electronics, and refrigeration, the price of a new boat could easily have topped $110,000.

And if you fully outfitted the boat, including things like customized interior fabrics, you could have quickly gotten the bottom line up to $125,000 or so—a lot of money, even for one of the biggest 36-footers around.

For the price you got a good boat, with assurance of quality construction and a company that will stand behind its products. For many who’ve owned cheap boats, those characteristics will be worth paying for.

Probably the most distinctive thing you’ll be getting in the Freedom 36 is the ease of handling. We can’t imagine how you could get a 36-footer that sails well and make it any easier to handle. A lot of the joy of sailing is making the wind work for you, and the Freedom 36 gives you more return for your labor than any other boat we’ve sailed.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

I was surprised to find this article buried in practical sailor. Although written proximately 25 years ago, most of the information rings true today in 2023. The article as you would expect is fair and accurate. My Hoyt designed 32 is long in the tooth but surprisingly with few suggestions that would improve the boat. I’m in my last decade of sailing. Soon someone new will expound on my Freedom’s virtues I’ll leave room for that.

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Freedom 21 Boats for sale

1983 Freedom Marine F-21

Osterville, Massachusetts

Make Freedom Marine

Category Sailboats

Posted Over 1 Month

1983 Freedom Marine F-21 Designed by Garry Hoyt for Freedom Yachts in the early 80's, this sailboat is designed to be fun to sail, easy enough for a novice and challenging enough for an experienced sailor. This 1983 Freedom Marine sailboat has a fiberglass hull and has an overall length of 21 feet.  The beam of this craft is 8 feet.  There is no Hoyt gun mount fitting spar or sail but the owner reports she sails just fine without the options listed.

2020 Grady-White Freedom 215

Milford, Delaware

Make Grady-White

Model Freedom 215

Category Saltwater Fishing Boats

2020 Grady-White Freedom 215 Innovative and stylish with forward-looking design yet timeless beauty, Grady-White's Freedom 215 combines a roomy 8' 6" beam with spirited, award-winning SeaV2 hull performance in a head-turning, versatile 21-foot dual console family boat and fishing boat. The 215 is feature rich with incomparable storage, port and starboard swim platforms, aft seating innovation, a head compartment, and thoughtfully engineered detail. Main SpecificationsBeam Amidships: 8'6" (2.59 m)Center Line Length w/o Engine: 21'3" (6.48 m) (swim platforms not included)LOA w/Swim Platforms: 23'3" (7.09 m)Bridge Clearance: 5'4" (1.63 m)Cockpit Depth: 25" (0.64 m)Hull Draft: 16" (0.41 m)Transom Dead rise: 19 degrees (SeaV2® progression)Maximum HP: 250 (187 kW)Fuel Capacity - Standard: 80 gal. (303 l)Passenger Capacity: 8Weight w/o Engine: 3150 lb. (1429 kg) Featured Options:Vista top w/front, side curtains & boot (black)Tonneau cover (black)Bow cover (black)Ski pylonSleeper seat - Port STANDARD FEATURESSafety Automatic bilge pump (1100 GPH) (4164 LPH)Basic flotationBow rail - low profile 316 grade stainless steelCaptain Grady - digital boat systems and operations guide for iPad and iPhoneCockpit toe railsCompanion grab railComposite stringer system & transom - water imperviousNonskid fiberglass linerSelf-bailing cockpit w/cockpit drains (2)Stainless steel through-hull fittings Cockpit & Deck 100%

2019 Grady-White Freedom 215

Request Price

2019 Grady-White Freedom 215 Innovative and stylish with forward-looking design yet timeless beauty, Grady-White's Freedom 215 combines a roomy 8' 6" beam with spirited, award-winning SeaV2 hull performance in a head-turning, versatile 21-foot dual console family boat and fishing boat. The 215 is feature rich with incomparable storage, port and starboard swim platforms, aft seating innovation, a head compartment, and thoughtfully engineered detail.   Main Specifications Beam Amidships: 8'6" (2.59 m) Center Line Length w/o Engine: 21'3" (6.48 m) (swim platforms not included) LOAw/Swim Platforms: 23'3" (7.09 m) Bridge Clearance: 5'4" (1.63 m) Cockpit Depth: 25" (0.64 m) Hull Draft: 16" (0.41 m) Transom Dead rise: 19 degrees (SeaV2® progression) Maximum HP: 250 (187 kW) Fuel Capacity - Standard: 80 gal. (303 l) Passenger Capacity: 8 Weight w/o Engine: 3150 lb. (1429 kg)     INCLUDED OPTIONS Vista top w/front, side curtains & boot (black) Tonneau cover (black) Bow cover (black) Ski pylon Cockpit shower Sleeper seat Fusion stereo     STANDARD FEATURES Safety Automatic bilge pump (1100 GPH) (4164 LPH) Basic flotation Bow rail - low profile 316 grade stainless steel Captain Grady - digital boat systems and operations guide for iPad and iPhone Cockpit toe rails Companion grab rail Composite stringer system & transom - water impervious Nonskid fibergl

2019 Grady-White Freedom 215 Innovative and stylish with forward-looking design yet timeless beauty, Grady-White's Freedom 215 combines a roomy 8' 6" beam with spirited, award-winning SeaV2 hull performance in a head-turning, versatile 21-foot dual console family boat and fishing boat. The 215 is feature rich with incomparable storage, port and starboard swim platforms, aft seating innovation, a head compartment, and thoughtfully engineered detail.   Main Specifications Beam Amidships: 8'6" (2.59 m) Center Line Length w/o Engine: 21'3" (6.48 m) (swim platforms not included) LOAw/Swim Platforms: 23'3" (7.09 m) Bridge Clearance: 5'4" (1.63 m) Cockpit Depth: 25" (0.64 m) Hull Draft: 16" (0.41 m) Transom Dead rise: 19 degrees (SeaV2® progression) Maximum HP: 250 (187 kW) Fuel Capacity - Standard: 80 gal. (303 l) Passenger Capacity: 8 Weight w/o Engine: 3150 lb. (1429 kg)     INCLUDED OPTIONS Vista top w/front, side curtains & boot (black) Tonneau cover (black) Bow cover (black) Ski pylon Cockpit bolsters Sleeper seat Fusion stereo     STANDARD FEATURES Safety Automatic bilge pump (1100 GPH) (4164 LPH) Basic flotation Bow rail - low profile 316 grade stainless steel Captain Grady - digital boat systems and operations guide for iPad and iPhone Cockpit toe rails Companion grab rail Composite stringer system & transom - water impervious Nonskid fiber

2019 Grady-White Freedom 335

Model Freedom 335

Category Dual Console Boats

2019 Grady-White Freedom 335 Cruise in ultimate comfort, fish in style: the 33-foot Freedom 335 is the next-generation dual console boat. Its a superb saltwater offshore sport-fishing boat, filled with creature comforts from deluxe bow seating to separate cabin and head console areas, to helm and cockpit deluxe seating. The result is an amazing balance of ruggedness, luxury, and thoughtful design.   Main Specifications Beam Amidships: 11'7" (3.53 m) Center Line Length w/o Engines: 33'6" (10.21 m) Bridge Clearance: 9'8" (2.95 m) Cockpit Depth: 29" (0.74 m) Hull Draft: 26" (0.66 m) Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees (SeaV2® progression) Maximum HP: 900 (671 kW) Fuel Capacity - Standard: 293 gal. (1109 l) Weight w/o Engines: 11,900 lb. (5398 kg) Safety 2 automatic bilge pumps (total 3000 GPH) (11,356 LPH) Basic flotation Bow rail - low profile 316 grade stainless steel Captain Grady - digital boat systems and operations guide for iPad and iPhone Cockpit toe rails Composite stringer system & transom - water impervious Console grab rails Nonskid fiberglass liner Self-bailing cockpit w/ cockpit drains (6) Stainless steel through-hull fittings   Cockpit / Deck 100% hand laid hull & deck Accessory outlet - 12V (3) Accessory outlet - 5V duplex USB port Air conditioning - 16,000 BTU at helm Anchor windlass w/remote switches at helm & windlass Batteries (4) Battery charger system Battery select switch

2015 Starcraft 180 Freedom TL

Eugene, Oregon

Make Starcraft

Model 180 Freedom TL

Category Aluminum Fishing Boats

2015 Starcraft 180 Freedom TL 2015 Starcraft 180 Freedom Tiller with Yamaha 60 Hp Power trim electric start with troll mode 21 Gallon Port Livewell Lockable Glove Box Bilge Pump Starboard Rod Storage Bow Storage      Max Horsepower (hp)90Fuel Capacity (gal)18Boat Length18' 11"Beam (in)89Dry Weight (lbs)1,005Max Persons6Max Capacity (lbs)1,840Interior Depth (in)22Transom Width (in)85Bottom Gauge (in)0.100Side Gauge (in)0.080

2000 Grady White 225 Freedom

Port Charlotte, Florida

Make Grady White

Model 225 Freedom

2000 Grady White 225 FREEDOM, PRE-OWNED 2000 GRADY WHITE 225 FREEDOMPOWERED BY A YAMAHA 250 OUTBOARDSALE PRICE $ 21,000 GW518J INCLUDEDBimini topSimrad cpmbo NSE8Aluminum trailer Csn be seen at the Pt. Charlotte location Call 941-255-1555 for more information

2015 Starcraft Freedom 180 Tiller

Model Freedom 180 Tiller

2015 Starcraft Freedom 180 Tiller New Starcraft 180 open Freedom Tiller F40 Yamaha Gas assisted tilt3 Seat's - driver's fixed seat is not mounted can be moved at your discretion Starboard Rod StorageBow Storage21 Gallon Port LivewellCall 541-686-3572 or stop by MAXXUM MARINE 1700 HWY 99 N. Eugene, OR 97402 & Feel free to look online at http://www.maxxummarine.com To see all of our current New and used inventory Also you can call us Toll Free 1-877-462-9986 1-877-4 MAXXUMspecs:180 FreTedom L SpecificationsMax Horsepower (hp) 90Fuel Capacity (gal) 18Boat Length 18' 11"Beam (in) 89Dry Weight (lbs) 1,005Max Persons 6Max Capacity (lbs) 1,840Interior Depth (in) 22Transom Width (in) 85Bottom Gauge (in) 0.100Side Gauge (in) 0.080

2015 Starcraft Freedom 160 SC

Model Freedom 160 SC

Category Powerboats

2015 Starcraft Freedom 160 SC 2015 Starcraft freedom Side Console with 30 Hp Suzuki Bilge Pump21 Gallon Port Live wellComes with 3 swivel seats 1 seat not pictured but installed at your discretion Storage Throughout 160 SC SpecificationsMax Horsepower (hp) 90Fuel Capacity (gal) 24Boat Length 16'2"Beam (in) 82Dry Weight (lbs) 850Number of Seats 2Max Persons 5Max Capacity (lbs) 700Interior Depth (in) 21Transom Width (in) 77Bottom Gauge (in) 0.080Side Gauge (in) 0.070Rib Gauge (in) 0.080Deadrise at Transom (deg) 19

2015 Starcraft Freedom 160 Tiller

Model Freedom 160 Tiller

2015 Starcraft Freedom 160 Tiller 2015 Starcraft freedom open tiller 21 Gallon Port Live wellSuzuki DF30 Tiller 1 seat not pictured but installed at your discretion    Max Horsepower (hp) 75Fuel Capacity (gal) 18Boat Length 16' 11"Beam (in) 89Dry Weight (lbs) 875Max Persons 6Max Capacity (lbs) 1,665Interior Depth (in) 22Transom Width (in) 85Bottom Gauge (in) 0.100Side Gauge (in) 0.080 Aluminum Utility Boat for Hunting and Fishing

2004 Northwest Jet Boats 196 Freedom

Salem, Oregon

Make Northwest Jet Boats

Model 196 Freedom

2004 Northwest Jet Boats 196 Freedom Great boat - ONE OWNER, LIKE NEW. Honda 150 outboard with 133 hours, Honda 9.9 kicker. Both motors electric start, all controls in cabin. Premium folding top with side curtains, full custom made backtop. Transom fish box. Top quality 4 piece aluminum hull, one piece sides with bead roll. 5 piece welded windshield with step through door. Full gauge instrumentation package. Lowrance fish finder. Two 33" bench seats on storage boxes, deluxe driver and passenger seats. 19.6 ft., 21 ft. including transom platform. Always stored inside.

2012 Northwest Jet Boats Freedom 196

Portland, Oregon

Model Freedom 196

Category Bass Boats

2012 Northwest Jet Boats Freedom 196 SOLD 2012 Northwest Jet Boats Freedom 196 This Northwest Jet is Immaculate! With the extended planing hull, the boat measures 21' 8" Length: 21' 10" ; Beam: 96" ; Side Height: 34" ; Bottom Width: 72" ; Aluminum Thickness: .19" ; Fuel Capacity: 62 Gallons ; Transom Deadrise: 18 degrees ; Bow Deadrise: 36 Degrees ; Weight: 1800LBSOff Shore PlatformFull Enclosure TopBench seats convert to a bedDrainable Fish Box in the bow and Transom Fish BoxSki PylonWashdown PumpLowrance Elite-4 Fish/Depth FinderWelded kicker bracket with fuel line plumbed

2017 Smoker Craft 180 Freedom TL

Charter Twp Of Clinton, Michigan

Make Smoker Craft

Category Utility Boats

2017 Smoker Craft 180 Freedom TL GREAT FISHING BOAT WITH ALL THE RIGHT AMENITIES. 19 FT WITH WIDE BEAM 6" WIDER AND LONGER THAN A LUND FOR LESS $$ IN STOCK 2017 SmokerCraft Freedom 180 Freedom TL Features may include: Miscellaneous Bilge Pump Treated Floor w/ Lifetime Warranty Vinyl Floor Covering Warranty 6 Year Carpet Warranty Livewell 21 Gallon Port Livewell Trolling Motors Trolling Motor Plug Lighting Navigation Lights Seating Stationary Pedestal Seat Bases Fishing Seats Storage Starboard Rod Storage Bow Storage  ALSO INCLUDES BLACK MOORING COVER AND POWERED BY A 90HP NEW MODEL SUZUKI IN NEBULAR BLACK WITH DELUXE TILLER (INCLUDES TACH, ELECTRIC START, TROLLING MODE WITH REDESIGNED ERGONOMIC SHIFT LEVER). 6 YEAR SUZUKI EXTENDED WARRANTY BLUE LAGOON BOATING CENTER - FULL SERVICE DEALERSHIP  SALES - SERVICE - BROKERAGE - TRANSPORT -  INDOOR STORAGE

1989 Mach I-Freedom Boats Explorer

Cape Coral, Florida

Private Seller (239) 257-0861 Photos Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 8 Photo 9 Photo 10 Photo 11 Close Request Information * Name First Name * Email Telephone (optional) Best Time to Contact Anytime Morning Mid-day Evening Question/Comments (optional) Shop Safely: Protect Your Money. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. Contact Seller 1989 Mach I-Freedom Boats Explorer,Nice 21' Cuddy Cabin I/O 8 Cyl Engine starts instantly. Shift cable working sporadically. Alpha One outdrive may need work. Boat should be towed to local boat ramp. No Trailer. $2400, 2392570861 Be sure: Get a boat history report|Finance this boat|Get an insurance quote|

1985 Freedom Yachts 39 Pilothouse Cat Schooner

Niceville, Florida

Private Seller (850) 502-9237 Photos Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 8 Photo 9 Photo 10 Photo 11 Photo 12 Photo 13 Photo 14 Photo 15 Photo 16 Photo 17 Photo 18 Photo 19 Photo 20 Photo 21 Photo 22 Photo 23 Close Request Information * Name First Name * Email Telephone (optional) Best Time to Contact Anytime Morning Mid-day Evening Question/Comments (optional) Shop Safely: Protect Your Money. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. Contact Seller 1985 Freedom Yachts 39 Pilothouse Cat Schooner,Sadly, I haven't been sailing Freeflight for a number of years and she is just sitting at my dock getting old. She needs lots of TLC including new deck paint and interior woodwork. The sailcloth is in good shape, the Yanmar 55-hp turbo diesel engine runs well and she'd been fully outfitted to sail single-handed around the world. Solar panels, wind generator, wind-vane steering, autopilot, depth, electric windless w/ 150 feet of chain, over 150 feet of anchor rode, 35# CQR and 35# Bruce anchors, Freedom 110vac/12vdc power inverter, 12vdc refrigeration, microwave, dual-source hot water heater, pressurized fresh water with two 80-gallon fresh water tanks, holding tank, bimini, dodger, and new sail-covers. Everything needs cleaning, maintenance and repair. Check the prices for this vessel and you will see just how much I'm willing to sacrifice her to a caring owner who will bring her back to her original beauty.Freeflight is a 1985 Freedom 39 Pilothouse Cat Schooner that features a Ron Holland hull for superior performance. It is designed to be sailed single-handed and full-length battens make the sails easy to manage. The masts are freestanding carbon fiber and the traditional booms are aluminum. All sail controls are lead aft through stoppers to self-tailing winches so you can hoist, reef and douse sails without leaving the cockpit.SpecsBuilder: Freedom YachtsDesigner: Holland/HoytKeel: FinDimensionsLOA: 39 ft 0 inBeam: 12 ft 10 inLWL: 31 ft 2 inMaximum Draft: 5 ft 6 inDisplacement: 18500 lbsBallast: 6000 lbs $39500, 8505029237 Be sure: Get a boat history report|Finance this boat|Get an insurance quote|

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Freedom Sailboat

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I am a complete novice at this, so please be nice. I have looked at a Freedom sailboat and I am wondering what other peoples opinions of these boats are. I want to be able to cruise the Gulf Coast and beyond. The 33'' ketch I looked at had a centerboard and to me (unknowing) seemed to be very well made. The ideal of free standing masts is really appealing to me. Can some of you offer your opinion and what you know first hand about this brand. Thanks.  

You will get better comments than mine from more knowledgeable participants. But I have known a few owners and they comented that jibing was out of the question, they go all the way around instead. These were on single rigs however, not cat ketches. I have also heard that they do not point well because of the fat mast not allowing proper luff filling. I would like to try one out sometime however as the simplicity is appealing. Gene  

Respectfully you “heard” wrong, in my opinion. I purchased and sailed a Freedom 30 for over a year now, and have not seen such anomalies. I agree you should experience one for yourself.  

I am somewhat familiar with the ketch rigged centerboard model of the 33. I helped a friend who lived in Savannah but was buying one here in Annapolis. I got to go through the boat quite carefully during the survey and to sail on the sail trial which actually was quite long and involved a pretty wide range of windspeeds. I frankly saw very little that I liked about these boats. In terms of sailing ability, the boat offered Okay reaching performance but was a very poor sailor in light and heavier air, and poor at pointing or running. This boat had the wrap around sail which was a bear to raise and which tended to creep around the mast leaving extra cloth on one side of the mast that tended to flap really killing speed and shaking the whole boat as the windspeeds built up. Key sail shaping controls were inaccessible under the wrap around portion of the sail. Sail shape was imposible to maintain as the wind came up and sails would be extremely expensive for this boat (kind of like buying four mainsails). In the survey a whole raft of problems came up but most serious were extensive delamination in the cored hull in those areas below the deck scuppers. In examining the specific detail used at the scuppers, I believe that this condition was bound to happen to any Freedom 33 constructed in the same manner as the boat I was on. With all due respect, I find myself saying this a lot lately and in fact this part is cloned from another reply earlier this week, but here goes. We all come to sailing with our own specific needs, our own specific goals and our own specific capabilities. The neat thing about sailing is that we all don’t have to agree that there is only one right way to go sailing. There is no more truth in expecting that there is one universally right answer about many aspects of sailing than there is in trying to prove that vanilla ice cream is universally better than strawberry ice cream. One area of sailing for which there is no one universally right answer involves the amount of knowledge one needs to go sailing. For some, all they need or want to know about sailing is just enough knowledge to safely leave the slip sail where they want and get back safely. There is nothing inherently wrong with that approach. But for others, like myself, there is much more to sailing than simply developing a rudimentary knowledge of sailing basics. If you fall into that camp, it is next to impossible to learn to sail really well on a boat as large as the one in question. While I am in no way suggesting that this makes sense for you personally, If you are interested in learning to sail beyond a rudimentary level, this kind of boat is a really lousey choice for a first boat. For someone who really wants to learn to sail well, I strongly suggest that they start out owning a used 23 to 27 foot, responsive, light-weight, tiller steered, fin keel/spade rudder (ideally fractionally rigged) sloop (or if they are athletically inclined then a dinghy.) Boats like that provide the kind of feedback that is so necessary to teach a newcomer how to really sail well. By sailing well I mean understanding the nuances of boat handling and sail trim in a way that cannot be learned on a larger boat. Used small boats generally hold their values quite well so that after a few years or so of learning, you should be able to get most of your money out of the small boat and move on to a bigger boat actually knowing something about the desirable characteristics of a boat that appeal to you as an experienced sailor rather than some stranger on some Internet BB. Respectfully, Jeff  

Jeff raises a good point. The Freedom cat-rigged ketch is not a straightforward arrangement. It would be better to learn on a conventional rig. You'll develop skills that have more widespread application. All catboats are trimmed differently and sail differently from sloops. As far as gybing, it depends. I've owned a Nonsuch 30 and a Freedom 25. Both are extremely fast boats offwind. But can be tricky to gybe in heavy air. The poster was correct. Many catboat sailors opt to 'wear ship'.  

I was also interested in Freedom Yachts some time ago. I started a post here solociting comparison between Pearson and Freedom that you may want to check out.  

Contact CardiacPaul, he owned one of these for a long time, and IIRC loved it. Most of the boats have had the clunky mast furled sail systems replaced with new conventional furling systems. TPI has a good reputation for working with carbon fiber, and makes a good boat. Notwithstanding Jeff's well informed criticism of them, I think they are good boats if you are suited to them. Many of the unfavorable sailing characteristics which he points out would be corrected with the conventional furling methods on most refits. This has no bearing on his or others' comments on what boat to sail. As for The Freedom 33, I think the centerboard version is not as useful as the full keel version, simply because of the huge CB trunk in the middle of the cabin. But you can get them more cheaply as a result. Other issues on these boats include surface delamination on the spars due to their wrapped construction. You need to examine the masts closely to determine if the fiberglass which encases the carbon fiber has cracked. This could be an expensive fix. There is also a documented issue with spider cracks on the gelcoat. Google Freedom owners groups and ask these questions before going any further. For what it is worth, I agree with Jeff that this is not the boat to learn to sail on. Good luck! Freeman  

Jeff has no idea what he's talking about Everyone knows Strawberry ice cream is better than Vanilla. JH, hope all is well. Haven't spoken in a very long time.  

I simply loved the 33. I don't know if it was easy to sail because I knew how to sail, or it was easy to sail because it was... easy to sail. And it was easy to sail. I had those damn wrap arounds, and because I'm as strong as your typical 12 year old, I had to plan my raising of the sails. It was easy to reef. I do agree with Jeff that its probably not the boat to 'learn" on, but, that being said, if you're interested in one, ask the former owner to spend some time on her with you. In lieu of that, theres another thread going that lists a VERY good contact about these boats. The CB version does cut down on cabin space, it wouldn't have been a problem for us, I can see where it'd be a pain for others. On the upside, they don't draw a heck of a lot with the board up (and it doesn't need to be fully deployed either) so the bene's outweigh the PITA factor. IMHO I know there was an "issue" concerning gelcoat crazing. I don't know anything about that, we were in texas sun, and never had a problem on a 25 year old boat. It held up a heck of a lot better than my 27 catalina (nothing against the catalina either) I think it has a lot to do with many other issues not to be addressed here. Theres been a lot of talk about CF masts and again, I think its because of the relative "oddity" of them that makes people hypersensative. Maybe I wasn't in strong enough winds, but I don't remember any discernable "flex" of the mast. Same with the "lightning" issue. i don't think, but I can't prove that they're any more apt to be struck than anything else. Damage from lightning? I can't say about that either... LOL, I don't know a heck of a lot do I? In short, If I had the chance to get a centerboard 33 here in S. Florida, I'd be all over it like a fat kid on a snickers bar.  

And I'm still looking for mine!  

Greetings all, I am new to this site as well, but having just purchased a Freedom 28 Cat Sloop (is that how you say that?) I must say the mast is a delight. I have the wing mast as opposed to the round one. We went sailing for the first time since the sea trial..which wasn't very long, and the boat performed really well. One of the interesting things I noticed about the mast is that by over rotating the mast a bit, more air flows into the sail. I am sure this cannot happen with the round carbon fiber mast. I was sailing in light air (5-10 knots) and the boat did well. Not however as well as if I had a Jib hanging out there for sure. I have owned a Cal 24 (not flush deck), a Frisco Flyer, an S&S 34' Yawl, and a Kettenburg PCC 46. While the Freedom does not sail anywhere as well as most of those (Better than the Frisco Flier though!) it IS a VERY easy boat to sail.. Point, and shoot. Not fast but acceptable. Downwind, I cannot see much keeping up with it when the spinnaker is flown. Its suprisingly fast downwind. This is not the last boat I will own, and probably not the last one even this year. In The Leigh will be for sale sometime in the spring after she has been lovingly restored. For me, the love is fixing her while I sail her. Nothing quite so nice as simply messing about in boats...  

ok.. I was reading the posting above me, and posted the wrong thing.. I own a Freedom 25' Cat Sloop, not a 28. UGH.. brain farts.  

Still Looking to sell Leigh? Hi - I realize this thread is pretty old, but I see you mentioned that you might be looking to sell your Freedom 25 sometime in the future....that's now.... Still planning to let it go? Where are you located? Bill  

Good to hear from you Michael. What sort of work are you doing on the boat these days? Bill  

I own a Freedom 25 in Savannah, GA that I bought from my parents. I have been sailing it since 1987. It is a wonderful boat to sail. It is very fast as I raced it for 12 years. The forward mast makes the Freedom a very forgiving boat. You can purchase a jib that has a built in forestay to give you additional pointing ability if you want. Off the wind with the large main there are not many boats that will keep up. A few years ago I raced a race that allowed no spinnakers. We beat 30 and 40 foot boats. We would lose a little to the wind with the larger boats, but on a reach and downwind she was untouchable. If we could have thrown the kite up no one would have stayed up with us. As for jibing, it is no different than any other boat. I have raced on Catalina 25's, 27's, 30's and Thomas 35 as well as have sailed on many others including a Freedom 35. Jibing can be controlled with the main sheet just like any other boat. Best bet is to see if you can take a test sail if you can. The Freedom line is very stable. Drawing it's design from a Cat boat that was designed as a stable fishing boat. It is meant to be crewed by 1 to 2 people. I have sailed it single handed many times. You will have fun with this boat.  

Interesting comments ...... I've just purchased Freedom 32 and never hesitated or seriously look at any other boat. She is slightly damaged and that will be my winter project. Looking forward for my first sail on her. Cheers.  

I also own a Freedom 28 Cat ketch, centerboard version and think the boat is very well designed, well thought out and sails Great! I am an experienced sailor with blue water experience and time campaigning modern go fast boats & dinghy's like the 470, 505, J-100, and Melges 24. I did learn to sail in dinghies & totally agree that the way to learn how to sail is in a small responsive boat, like a dinghy or small, tender keel boat. Once you know what your doing & how to do it, the Freedom is a great platform for fun sailing. I have the wrap around sails & am changing now to singly-ply, full battened sails, to get more roach aloft for better pointing & light air performance. Off the wind, or even close reaching in 5-knots or better, she sails great. In real light wind she has a little trouble getting going to windward, but she goes and has that nice diesel if time is running short. As a catboat, she can't point like a sloop, but crack off a few degrees, and you are off. I have no trouble with jibes or tacks - favorite on-board hail is "Tacking, everyone do nothing!" I also use a downwind "screecher" which I can fly from either mast, depending upon point of sail, but it must be doused and reset on jibes, unless I'm flying it off the end of the pulpit. She was initially called a "broad reacher" and a recommended configuration was with the apparent wind at about 150-degrees or so, set the main way out to windward, at about 110 - 120 degrees from center-line, set the missen to leeward, and fly the screecher in the hole between them - very fast & very balanced, and will keep you moving even in light air. I cruise her, and gunkhole with the board up. Planning some real traveling in her for next summer. A very nice, solid boat. - Andy Garte  

I too am considering a Freedom primarily due to the ease of single handing, not only under sail but also getting in and out of slips and in close quarters. All boats are a compromise and opinions vary depending on priorities. After reading almost every post on every site I'm noticing a distinct trend. Those who own or have owned Freedoms almost universally love them, love the way they sail and experience few if any of the concerns expressed by those who have not, many of whom seem to be very knowledgeable on sailboats in general. The mast issue is especially frustrating due to its criticality. It would be nice to know what percentage of Freedoms have actual mast failures as compared to other of comparable size/use. Same with pointing. Some stats comparing actual up wind performance would settle the issue. Is the upwind performance so poor as to cause concern when dealing with a lee shore? If not, the performance on all other points of sail would seem to more than offset the upwind performance. I do notice almost no concern with quality of build except oddly universal concern about the almost universal use of cored hull. I appreciate all the discussion and especially the conflicting views as they identify important issues for further investigation. Now, I must find a way to eliminate a Nonsuch from consideration... other than price :=)  

Upwind comparison stats will be hard to find. What I can offer is that I raced mine for the first time last year against a large variety of boats while towing a 10' RIB with motor attached. The first race was a about a 5 mile beat close hauled in which an IC24 (modified J24), Benetau 40, Ericson 36, Jeanneau 45, and Starrett 45 beat me to the mark (island). Rounding the small island the course was a deep reach for about 4 miles to another mark (island). During the reach I gained substantial distance on all the boats ahead of me. Leaving that island to port the course was a DDW run for another 5.5 miles to the finish. During the run and having my sails wing and wing I passed everything except for the IC24 flying a spinn and surfing the waves. Had the course been even .25 miles longer I would have passed the IC too. Everything except for the IC owed me time. The next day was an upwind beat in which I finished 4th on corrected time. The IC, owing everyone time, finished 1st by a large margin boat on boat. The Bene 40 with an experienced race crew was 2nd. The Ericson 36' was 3rd. After handicaps applied my Freedom finished 3rd overall towing a heavy RIB being beat by an IC that goes to weather extremely well and a well sailed Bene 40. Your question about sailing off of a lee shore. Through an unfortunate chain of events I found myself leaving an anchorage and slowly motoring through a narrow channel straight into about 15kts of wind when I lost propulsion. The main (forward) sail was raised about 2/3 before the lee shore started looking a little too close for comfort. On the helm I was able to pick up enough speed and point high enough to find a comfortable angle away from the shore for a couple of minutes before making a slow tack. In the middle of the tack I was able to get the sail the rest of the way up. Off onto a port tack and sailing with a good sail shape we easily sailed off the shore while raising the mizzen. One more tack and we were very clear and sailing away with a large enough safety margin for me to leave the helm and see WTF happened causing this little bit of unwanted excitement. In essence we sailed off of a lee shore with a partially raised sail with a horrible sail shape.  

FarCry said: Upwind comparison stats will be hard to find. What I can offer is that I raced mine for the first time last year against a large variety of boats while towing a 10' RIB with motor attached. The first race was a about a 5 mile beat close hauled in which an IC24 (modified J24), Benetau 40, Ericson 36, Jeanneau 45, and Starrett 45 beat me to the mark (island). Rounding the small island the course was a deep reach for about 4 miles to another mark (island). During the reach I gained substantial distance on all the boats ahead of me. Leaving that island to port the course was a DDW run for another 5.5 miles to the finish. During the run and having my sails wing and wing I passed everything except for the IC24 flying a spinn and surfing the waves. Had the course been even .25 miles longer I would have passed the IC too. Everything except for the IC owed me time. The next day was an upwind beat in which I finished 4th on corrected time. The IC, owing everyone time, finished 1st by a large margin boat on boat. The Bene 40 with an experienced race crew was 2nd. The Ericson 36' was 3rd. After handicaps applied my Freedom finished 3rd overall towing a heavy RIB being beat by an IC that goes to weather extremely well and a well sailed Bene 40. Your question about sailing off of a lee shore. Through an unfortunate chain of events I found myself leaving an anchorage and slowly motoring through a narrow channel straight into about 15kts of wind when I lost propulsion. The main (forward) sail was raised about 2/3 before the lee shore started looking a little too close for comfort. On the helm I was able to pick up enough speed and point high enough to find a comfortable angle away from the shore for a couple of minutes before making a slow tack. In the middle of the tack I was able to get the sail the rest of the way up. Off onto a port tack and sailing with a good sail shape we easily sailed off the shore while raising the mizzen. One more tack and we were very clear and sailing away with a large enough safety margin for me to leave the helm and see WTF happened causing this little bit of unwanted excitement. In essence we sailed off of a lee shore with a partially raised sail with a horrible sail shape. Click to expand...

Windward, leeward, round-the-buoy sailing is fun in a Freedom, but generally won't put you on top of the standings. IMHO, the boat shines in longer, downwind or beam reach, and high wind courses. Now, if I could just hurry up and become a better sailor.... I am getting better at pointing, and have not had any problems with the mast or cored-decks. I LOVE my boat. As to stats, if you find any please let me know. I have a 141 PHRF (non-spinnaker rating).  

I think that your rating of 141 is a good indicator of the relative performance hit that the Freedom's take for having a freestanding rig. I believe that you said that you have a Mull-designed Freedom 38. Mull was one of the best race boat designers of that era and designed some very fast boats. To put the impact of the freestanding rig in proportion, compare the Freedom 38 rating of 141 to the rating on something conservative like an Ericson 38 at 111, or my 38 foot performance cruiser, which is a 10 year older design, at 87 with spinnaker (non-spinnaker rating in Maine of 99). A ten year newer Mull design should have been as fast, or faster than the Ericson 38 or an older Farr 38 rather than owing 40-50 seconds a mile. I suspect the speed difference comes from the greater drag of the freestanding rig, the heavier structure required to support a free standing rig, and the distortions in the hull form that are needed to carry the mast that far forward. Jeff  

Great information regarding Freedom boats! I don't race mine (1984 Freedom32) but after extensive repair work couple of years ago I single handed sailed her to Bahamas and back to Nova Scotia and was extremely happy with her performance especially in rough weather, and easy reefing system! Unfortunately do to a health reasons, boat will be offered for sale early spring!  

Does any body have a n opinion on a 1984 28' Freedom Cat Ketch. I will appreciate your thoughts.  

I sailed on a couple and really dig them, enough in fact, to consider buying one locally. A couple issues I see though - one is on earlier models that have wraparound luff sails as opposed to conventional track luff. They are alleged to be difficult to raise, and lose their shape in a breeze. The other issue is that they have balsa cored hull and deck. On a boat as old as they are, I would be wary of wet cores. It difficult enough to repair cored decks. A rotten balsa cored hull would be disastrous. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk  

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• Sailboat Guide
• Freedom Yachts

Founded by Gary Hoyt. Most feature unstayed cat, or cat ketch rigs. The boats were built by Tillotson Pearson Inc.

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29 sailboats built by Freedom Yachts

Freedom 40 AC

Freedom 45 AC

Freedom 40/40

Freedom 21 Slp

Freedom 28 (Mull)

Freedom 39 Pilot House

Freedom 40 CC

Freedom 32-2.

Freedom 28 Cat Ketch

Pierce arrow 31.

Freedom 24 (Tripp)

Freedom 44 (Cat Ketch)

Freedom 35 Cat Ketch

Freedom 36 Cat Ketch

Freedom 45 CC

Freedom 35 (Pedrick)

Independence 20

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