Freedom 38 vs Freedom 42
How do the Freedom 38 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 38 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1989 Freedom 42 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1987 | Freedom 38 | Freedom 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 38.0 ft11.58 m | 42.0 ft12.80 m |
| Waterline length | 30.6 ft9.33 m | 39.5 ft12.04 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 13.4 ft4.09 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 13,400 lb6,078 kg | 24,000 lb10,886 kg |
| Ballast | 5,530 lb2,508 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 572 ft²53.1 m² | 788 ft²73.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.22 | 15.15 |
| Displacement / Length | 208 | 174 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.8 | 29.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.11 | 1.86 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 8.4 |
Freedom 38 vs Freedom 42: the short version
- The Freedom 42 is the larger boat at 42.0 ft12.80 m LOA versus 38.0 ft11.58 m for the Freedom 38.
- 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 38 carries the more powerful rig (16.2 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.