Freedom 27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Freedom 27 emerged from a legacy of innovation established by Gary Hoyt, founder of Freedom Yachts, who aimed to simplify sailing through the revolutionary concept of the unstayed mast. While Gary Hoyt himself initiated designs like the Freedom 40, the Freedom 27 specifically saw its design penned by James Williams, entering production in 1989. All Freedom Yachts, including the 27, were built by Tillotson Pearson Inc. (TPI) in Rhode Island, a manufacturer celebrated for its high-quality fiberglass construction, ensuring a robust and reliable vessel. The core design ethos centered on the unstayed mast, a single alloy spar free of traditional standing rigging, which promised a cleaner deck, reduced maintenance, and exceptional ease of handling, particularly for single-handed sailing. This simplified cat rig allowed sails to adopt aerodynamically efficient shapes, aligning with Freedom Yachts' broader goal of accessible yet capable cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to the Freedom Yachts heritage, the Freedom 27's sailing performance is largely characterized by its distinctive cat rig and unstayed mast. This configuration significantly reduces complexity and windage, making the boat notably easy to manage, even for a single sailor. The unstayed mast allows the sail to be easily hoisted and furled without the need to contend with shrouds or stays. With a hull speed calculated at 6.67 knots, the Freedom 27 is designed for comfortable cruising rather than outright racing, prioritizing stability and ease over extreme speed. The boat features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, contributing to its maneuverability and control on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Freedom 27 is designed to offer practical accommodations for cruising. While specific detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented in public records, typical of a boat of its era and purpose, it likely features a functional arrangement. The vessel has a water capacity of 24.0 gallons, indicating provisions for basic overnight or weekend trips. Owners generally find the main cabin to be of good size for a boat of its dimensions, suggesting a focus on maximizing usable interior volume within the hull's confines. The interior finish would typically reflect the robust fiberglass construction of TPI, likely complemented by practical, durable materials, though extensive wood trim or luxurious appointments would be less common for a boat of this class and design philosophy.