Built by Tillotson Pearson from 1989 through the early 1990s, this Gary Mull-designed cruiser stands out in the sailing world for its distinctive freestanding rig system. The Freedom 38's most notable characteristic is its unstayed carbon fiber mast, which eliminates the complexity and maintenance concerns of traditional standing rigging while providing excellent sailing performance. With a moderate displacement of 16,970 pounds and a fin keel drawing 4.5 feet, this 38-footer strikes an appealing balance between performance and comfort. The boat's 30.63-foot waterline length delivers a theoretical hull speed of 7.42 knots, while the SA/Displacement ratio of 16.66 indicates spirited sailing ability without being overly demanding to handle. The Freedom 38 excels as a coastal cruiser and makes an excellent choice for couples or small families seeking simplified sailing without sacrificing performance. Its comfort ratio of 27.66 suggests a relatively stiff, responsive boat that won't pound excessively in choppy conditions. The low capsize screening value of 1.95 reflects good stability characteristics, though the design is better suited for coastal waters rather than extended offshore passages. The freestanding rig's simplicity particularly appeals to sailors who prefer reduced complexity and maintenance requirements.
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What is the Freedom 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Freedom 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.66. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Freedom 38's comfort ratio?
The Freedom 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.66. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Freedom 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Freedom 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.95. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Freedom 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Freedom 38 is 7.42 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Freedom 38 weigh?
The Freedom 38 has a displacement of 16,970.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.92 ft.
How much does a used Freedom 38 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Freedom 38 sailboats typically sell for between $59,900 and $75,000, with a median asking price of $67,450. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Freedom 38?
The Freedom 38 was designed by Gary Mull, first built in 1989.