Freedom 38 vs Independence 20
How do the Freedom 38 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 38 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1989 Independence 20 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1999 | Freedom 38 | Independence 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 38.0 ft11.58 m | 20.5 ft6.25 m |
| Waterline length | 30.6 ft9.33 m | 17.8 ft5.41 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 13,400 lb6,078 kg | 2,080 lb943 kg |
| Ballast | 5,530 lb2,508 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 572 ft²53.1 m² | 230 ft²21.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.22 | 22.58 |
| Displacement / Length | 208 | 166 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.8 | 10.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.11 | 2.51 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 5.6 |
Freedom 38 vs Independence 20: the short version
- The Freedom 38 is the larger boat at 38.0 ft11.58 m LOA versus 20.5 ft6.25 m for the Independence 20.
- The Freedom 38 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 16.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Freedom 38 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Freedom 38 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.