Freedom 36 Cat Ketch vs Freedom 42
How do the Freedom 36 Cat Ketch 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 36 Cat Ketch Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1985 Freedom 42 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1987 | Freedom 36 Cat Ketch | Freedom 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 36.4 ft11.10 m | 42.0 ft12.80 m |
| Waterline length | 30.6 ft9.32 m | 39.5 ft12.04 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 13.4 ft4.09 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 13,400 lb6,078 kg | 24,000 lb10,886 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 682 ft²63.4 m² | 788 ft²73.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.34 | 15.15 |
| Displacement / Length | 209 | 174 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.2 | 29.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.11 | 1.86 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 8.4 |
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch vs Freedom 42: the short version
- The Freedom 42 is the larger boat at 42.0 ft12.80 m LOA versus 36.4 ft11.10 m for the Freedom 36 Cat Ketch.
- The Freedom 42 is heavier, displacing about 79% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Freedom 36 Cat Ketch carries the more powerful rig (19.3 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 2.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.