Freedom 38 vs Freedom 45
How do the Freedom 38 and Freedom 45 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 45 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1987 | Freedom 38 | Freedom 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 38.0 ft11.58 m | 45.0 ft13.72 m |
| Waterline length | 30.6 ft9.33 m | 34.4 ft10.49 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 13.5 ft4.11 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 13,400 lb6,078 kg | 22,992 lb10,429 kg |
| Ballast | 5,530 lb2,508 kg | 9,500 lb4,309 kg |
| Sail area | 572 ft²53.1 m² | 731 ft²67.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.22 | 14.47 |
| Displacement / Length | 208 | 252 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.8 | 29.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.11 | 1.90 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 7.9 |
Freedom 38 vs Freedom 45: the short version
- The Freedom 45 is the larger boat at 45.0 ft13.72 m LOA versus 38.0 ft11.58 m for the Freedom 38.
- The Freedom 45 is heavier, displacing about 72% 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 14.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Freedom 45 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Freedom 45 rates better for offshore work (1.90 vs 2.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.