Freedom 35 vs Hughes 36
How do the Freedom 35 and Hughes 36 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Freedom 35 | Freedom 35 | Hughes 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 35.4 ft10.79 m | 35.3 ft10.74 m |
| Waterline length | 29.9 ft9.11 m | 27.5 ft8.38 m |
| Beam | 12.0 ft3.66 m | 10.1 ft3.07 m |
| Draft | 6.5 ft1.98 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 14,611 lb6,627 kg | 13,000 lb5,897 kg |
| Ballast | 4,465 lb2,025 kg | 4,700 lb2,132 kg |
| Sail area | 609 ft²56.6 m² | 500 ft²46.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.30 | 14.47 |
| Displacement / Length | 244 | 279 |
| Comfort ratio | 26.1 | 31.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.96 | 1.71 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.3 | 7.0 |
Freedom 35 vs Hughes 36: the short version
- The Freedom 35 and Hughes 36 are close in length (35.4 ft10.79 m vs 35.3 ft10.74 m ).
- The Freedom 35 is heavier, displacing about 12% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Freedom 35 carries the more powerful rig (16.3 vs 14.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hughes 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hughes 36 rates better for offshore work (1.71 vs 1.96).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.