Freedom 32-2 Information, Review, Specs

Under the banner of Freedom Yachts, founded by the visionary Gary Hoyt, the 32-2 emerged from a lineage of designs that challenged traditional rigging conventions. The company, known for its partnership with Tillotson Pearson Inc. (TPI) in Rhode Island, consistently delivered high-quality construction.

History and Design

The Freedom 32-2's production run spanned from 1992 to 1999, representing a refined iteration of earlier Freedom 32 models. While early Freedom designs, particularly the cat-ketch rigs, were directly attributed to Gary Hoyt's radical vision, the Freedom 32 line, including the 32-2, is widely understood to have evolved from designs influenced by renowned naval architect Gary Mull. Mull was brought in by Tillotson-Pearson to create a series of "great sailing, conventional looking boats" while still aligning with Freedom's performance ethos and ease of handling. The transition from the Freedom 30 to the Freedom 32, and subsequently the 32-2, often involved adding features like swim platforms, indicating a continuous development towards enhanced cruising amenities.

Freedom Yachts, under the meticulous craftsmanship of TPI, established a reputation for robust and reliable construction using fiberglass. This collaboration ensured that innovative designs like the unstayed sloop rig of the 32-2 were executed with high standards. The "freedom" in the company's name truly encapsulated its design philosophy: freedom from complex rigging, freedom from excessive windage, and the freedom to sail with remarkable ease.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 31.5 feet and a waterline length of 25.42 feet, the Freedom 32-2 is characterized by a fractional sloop rig featuring an unstayed mast. The design incorporates a fin keel and a spade rudder, contributing to its responsive handling.

Interpreting its performance ratios, the Freedom 32-2 reveals its sailing characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of 17.48: This indicates a boat with good light-air performance, suggesting it can move well in lighter breezes and maintain respectable speeds across various wind conditions.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp) of 0.411: A ratio above 0.40 suggests excellent stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling. This translates to a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL) of 208.5: This places the Freedom 32-2 in the moderate displacement category, indicating a balance between performance and the load-carrying capacity expected of a cruising boat. It is considered a reasonably good performer, with owners often praising its easy sail handling, particularly due to the unstayed rig that simplifies deck layouts and reduces maintenance. The boat is noted for being "very stable / stiff" and exhibiting good off-wind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its 31.5-foot length, the Freedom 32-2 is celebrated for its remarkably spacious interior, a feature frequently highlighted by owners. The layout typically includes two private double cabins, offering comfortable sleeping arrangements for two couples or a family. This generous interior volume is complemented by what is described as "excellent ventilation and quality joinerwork," creating a bright and inviting living space. The finish quality, often featuring quality wood trim, contributes to a "terrific interior" that feels larger than its dimensions suggest. While specific details on the galley and head configuration would require direct observation, the general consensus points to a well-appointed and practical cruising interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Freedom 32-2 consistently commend several aspects of the vessel. The "easy handling rig" and "roomy interior" are frequently cited as significant strengths, making the boat particularly appealing for cruisers and those who value simplicity. The robust construction, a hallmark of TPI-built yachts, also contributes to a sense of security and a comfortable motion in a seaway, derived from its inherent stability. Owners also appreciate the low maintenance associated with the unstayed mast.

However, as with any vessel of its age, some common considerations have been noted. A recurring "age related issue" mentioned by owners for the Freedom 32 models is the potential for "moisture and delamination in the deck," suggesting that a thorough survey of the deck core is advisable for potential buyers. Despite this, the overall sentiment is positive, with the Freedom 32-2 retaining a loyal following among sailors who value its distinctive design, ease of use, and comfortable cruising capabilities.