Freedom 36 Cat Ketch vs Independence 20
How do the Freedom 36 Cat Ketch and Independence 20 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 Independence 20 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1999 | Freedom 36 Cat Ketch | Independence 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 36.4 ft11.10 m | 20.5 ft6.25 m |
| Waterline length | 30.6 ft9.32 m | 17.8 ft5.41 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 13,400 lb6,078 kg | 2,080 lb943 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 682 ft²63.4 m² | 230 ft²21.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.34 | 22.58 |
| Displacement / Length | 209 | 166 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.2 | 10.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.11 | 2.51 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 5.6 |
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch vs Independence 20: the short version
- The Freedom 36 Cat Ketch is the larger boat at 36.4 ft11.10 m LOA versus 20.5 ft6.25 m for the Independence 20.
- The Freedom 36 Cat Ketch is heavier, displacing about 544% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Independence 20 carries the more powerful rig (22.6 vs 19.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Freedom 36 Cat Ketch scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Freedom 36 Cat Ketch rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 2.51).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.