Freedom 35 (Pedrick) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Freedom 35 in 1993 marked a significant collaboration between David Pedrick and Freedom Yachts. Pedrick, known for his involvement in Grand Prix handicapping rules and America's Cup campaigns, aimed to design a boat that was both fast and easily managed, while providing ample space for cruising. Freedom Yachts, under its original vision established by Gary Hoyt, was synonymous with innovative designs and a focus on ease of handling, though primarily known for its unstayed cat ketch rigs. The Freedom 35, however, features a more conventional fractional sloop rig, as indicated by its design specifications and the presence of genoa tracks on deck plans.

Construction was meticulously carried out by Tillotson Pearson Inc. (TPI) in Rhode Island, a manufacturer esteemed for its high-quality fiberglass production and craftsmanship, which also built for brands like Aldens and J-Boats. This partnership ensured that Pedrick's innovative design was executed with robustness and reliability. While the standard design featured a deep fin keel, a winged keel version was also available, reducing the draft to 4.5 feet, offering versatility for different sailing grounds. Early in its production run, the spar-building contract for the Freedom 35 shifted to Goetz Marine, reflecting ongoing refinements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Freedom 35's design ratios offer insight into its performance characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.24, the boat suggests moderate performance, capable of moving well in a range of conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in stronger breezes. Its displacement to length ratio of around 244.0 places it firmly in the moderate displacement category, indicating a balance between lightweight performance and comfortable cruising capability.

However, the ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 30.56% is relatively modest, leading some owners to describe the Freedom 35 as potentially "tender." This suggests that the boat may heel more readily in gusts and might require earlier reefing compared to stiffer designs with higher ballast ratios. Despite this, anecdotal evidence consistently praises the Freedom 35 for its agility, speed, and balanced handling. It is frequently described as a boat that is easy to manage, even for a single sailor or a non-athletic couple, making it a capable blue water cruiser. Owners often highlight its decent downwind performance. The boat's long waterline of nearly 30 feet, combined with an overall length of just over 35 feet, contributes to a comfortable motion and good speed potential for its size.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Freedom 35 is notable for its efficient use of space, offering accommodations typically found on larger vessels of its era. Designed to provide ample cruising comfort, the layout generally features a traditional American arrangement. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in detailed specifications, reviews suggest a roomy interior. Owners appreciate the thoughtful design which maximizes living areas within its 12-foot beam, making it a comfortable platform for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Freedom 35 frequently commend its robust construction and the comfortable motion it exhibits offshore, solidifying its reputation as a reliable blue water cruiser. The ease of handling, particularly for single-handed sailing, is a recurring strength cited by many. The generous interior volume is also a strong selling point, providing comfortable living spaces for its length.

However, common discussions among owners sometimes touch upon the boat's initial tenderness due to its ballast to displacement ratio, suggesting that anticipating conditions and reefing early can optimize comfort and performance. The deep draft of the fin keel, and even the 4.5-foot draft of the winged keel version, can be a consideration for those planning to navigate shallower waters. Despite these minor points, a dedicated community of Freedom yacht owners continues to value and maintain these distinctive vessels, often sharing insights and support through online forums.