Freedom 28 vs Freedom 38
How do the Freedom 28 and Freedom 38 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Freedom 28 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1986 Freedom 38 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1989 | Freedom 28 | Freedom 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.5 ft8.38 m | 38.0 ft11.58 m |
| Waterline length | 23.3 ft7.11 m | 30.6 ft9.33 m |
| Beam | 10.3 ft3.12 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 6,370 lb2,889 kg | 13,400 lb6,078 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 5,530 lb2,508 kg |
| Sail area | 331 ft²30.8 m² | 572 ft²53.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.41 | 16.22 |
| Displacement / Length | 224 | 208 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.0 | 21.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.21 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 7.4 |
Freedom 28 vs Freedom 38: the short version
- The Freedom 38 is the larger boat at 38.0 ft11.58 m LOA versus 27.5 ft8.38 m for the Freedom 28.
- The Freedom 38 is heavier, displacing about 110% 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 15.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Freedom 38 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Freedom 38 rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 2.21).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.