Alajuela 38 vs Freedom 38
How do the Alajuela 38 and Freedom 38 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Alajuela 38 | Alajuela 38 | Freedom 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 38.0 ft11.58 m | 38.0 ft11.58 m |
| Waterline length | 32.6 ft9.93 m | 30.6 ft9.33 m |
| Beam | 11.5 ft3.51 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 27,000 lb12,247 kg | 13,400 lb6,078 kg |
| Ballast | 10,000 lb4,536 kg | 5,530 lb2,508 kg |
| Sail area | 837 ft²77.8 m² | 572 ft²53.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.88 | 16.22 |
| Displacement / Length | 349 | 208 |
| Comfort ratio | 47.2 | 21.8 |
| Capsize screening | 1.53 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.6 | 7.4 |
Alajuela 38 vs Freedom 38: the short version
- The Alajuela 38 and Freedom 38 are close in length (38.0 ft11.58 m vs 38.0 ft11.58 m ).
- The Alajuela 38 is heavier, displacing about 101% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Freedom 38 carries the more powerful rig (16.2 vs 14.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Alajuela 38 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Alajuela 38 rates better for offshore work (1.53 vs 2.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.