Freedom 28 (Mull) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Freedom 28 (Mull) began its production in 1986, reflecting Freedom Yachts' commitment to ease of handling and simplified sailing, a vision spearheaded by founder Gary Hoyt. The builder, Tillotson Pearson Inc. (TPI), was known for its high-quality fiberglass construction, ensuring that Freedom's innovative designs were executed with robust craftsmanship. While Freedom Yachts gained renown for its cat ketch designs, the Freedom 28, designed by Gary Mull, presented a free-standing, fractional sloop rig, which still aligned with the brand's core philosophy of eliminating complex standing rigging. Gary Mull, a prolific American maritime architect, designed a range of Freedom Yachts and was known for creating boats that were "fast, easily sailed and capable of world travel" while also cruising comfortably. Although it's sometimes referred to as the Freedom 27, the Freedom 28 (Mull) is a distinct model designed by Mull, separate from other Freedom 27 models by different designers. The design eventually ceased production, though the exact end year is not specified.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Freedom 28 (Mull) is characterized by its balanced design, offering a blend of stability and respectable performance for a cruising sailboat of its size. With a displacement of 6,370 pounds and a waterline length of 23.33 feet, its Displacement-Length ratio calculates to approximately 224, placing it in the moderate weight category. This suggests a boat that is neither ultra-light for racing nor overly heavy, providing a comfortable motion without sacrificing too much speed. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40% (2,540 lbs of lead ballast to 6,370 lbs displacement) indicates a stable and stiff vessel, capable of standing up to a good breeze.

Its sail area of 331 square feet yields a sail area-to-displacement ratio of about 15.43. While one assessment suggests it is "slightly under powered," owners generally praise its "surprisingly fast" nature and its ease of handling. The free-standing fractional sloop rig, combined with a self-tending jib and main and jib sheets led to the helm, makes the Freedom 28 an ideal boat for single-handed sailing or for those with inexperienced crew. However, some owners have noted that the boat's motion can be "very rolly in a chop," describing it as "wallowing" when beating upwind in waves. Despite this, the overall build quality is often regarded as very good, and it is considered a simple boat to sail well.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Freedom 28 (Mull) are not readily available, the design generally offers a comfortable interior for a boat of its length. The beam of 10.25 feet provides a sense of spaciousness below decks, particularly compared to narrower designs of its era. Typical interior layouts for sailboats of this size often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station, usually with an enclosed head. Freedom Yachts, built by TPI, maintained a reputation for quality construction, which extended to their interior finishes. Information gleaned from owner discussions and review snippets suggests the interiors were designed for comfortable cruising, emphasizing practicality and a warm, inviting atmosphere, often utilizing wood trim in conjunction with fiberglass surfaces. The boat's water capacity of 40 gallons and fuel capacity of 17 gallons further support its cruising aspirations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Freedom 28 (Mull) frequently express satisfaction with their vessels, highlighting several key strengths. The "cut above build quality" and "solid construction" are consistently praised, a testament to TPI's manufacturing standards. The simplified, free-standing rig is a major draw, with owners appreciating the "easy to handle sail plan" and its suitability for single-handed sailing, noting that the main and jib sheets are often led to the helm. Its performance is generally described as "surprisingly fast," making it a rewarding boat to sail.

However, the Freedom 28 is not without its noted characteristics. Some owners observe a tendency for a "rolly" motion in a chop, which can be described as "wallowing" when encountering waves, particularly when sailing upwind. Despite this, the overall consensus leans towards the Freedom 28 (Mull) being a well-regarded cruiser, valued for its innovative rigging, robust build, and comfortable sailing experience, making it a popular choice in the used boat market for those who appreciate its unique design philosophy.