Freedom 36 vs Independence 20
How do the Freedom 36 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 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1985 Independence 20 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1999 | Freedom 36 | 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 | 14,370 lb6,518 kg | 2,080 lb943 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 569 ft²52.9 m² | 230 ft²21.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.40 | 22.58 |
| Displacement / Length | 224 | 166 |
| Comfort ratio | 23.8 | 10.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 2.51 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 5.6 |
Freedom 36 vs Independence 20: the short version
- The Freedom 36 is the larger boat at 36.4 ft11.10 m LOA versus 20.5 ft6.25 m for the Independence 20.
- The Freedom 36 is heavier, displacing about 591% 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 15.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Freedom 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Freedom 36 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 2.51).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.