Freedom 28 vs Freedom 42
How do the Freedom 28 and Freedom 42 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 42 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1987 | Freedom 28 | Freedom 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.5 ft8.38 m | 42.0 ft12.80 m |
| Waterline length | 23.3 ft7.11 m | 39.5 ft12.04 m |
| Beam | 10.3 ft3.12 m | 13.4 ft4.09 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 6,370 lb2,889 kg | 24,000 lb10,886 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 331 ft²30.8 m² | 788 ft²73.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.41 | 15.15 |
| Displacement / Length | 224 | 174 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.0 | 29.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.21 | 1.86 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 8.4 |
Freedom 28 vs Freedom 42: the short version
- The Freedom 42 is the larger boat at 42.0 ft12.80 m LOA versus 27.5 ft8.38 m for the Freedom 28.
- The Freedom 42 is heavier, displacing about 277% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Freedom 28 carries the more powerful rig (15.4 vs 15.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Freedom 42 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Freedom 42 rates better for offshore work (1.86 vs 2.21).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.