Freedom 35 Cat Ketch Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Freedom 35 Cat Ketch is defined by its remarkable ease of motion and lack of "deck clutter." Because the carbon fiber masts are unstayed, they are designed to flex in heavy gusts, effectively "spilling" air from the top of the sail and acting as a natural shock absorber for the hull. This creates a remarkably dry and upright ride compared to traditional sloops. The boat employs wishbone booms, which allow the sails to maintain an aerodynamic foil shape even when sailing off the wind, a significant advantage over standard booms that require vangs to prevent twisting.

While the lack of a headsail means the boat lacks the raw "pointing" ability of a stayed racing sloop, it excels on a reach and is surprisingly nimble in stays. Since there is no jib to sheet in, tacking simply involves turning the wheel; the sails find their own way across the centerline without human intervention. This makes the Freedom 35 an ideal platform for single-handed sailors or couples who prefer to avoid the physical strain of grinding winches. According to technical assessments often found in Cruising World, the Mull-designed hull provides enough lift to keep the boat competitive in light air, despite the unconventional rig.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Freedom 35 reflects the high-quality craftsmanship associated with TPI-built yachts of the 1980s. The layout is traditional yet functional, benefiting from the absence of a mast compression post in the center of the main salon (as the masts are stepped through the deck further forward and aft). Typically, the configuration features a spacious V-berth forward, a U-shaped or linear galley to starboard, and a comfortable nav station. The use of warm teak joinery and a generous beam creates an airy, open feel that belies the boat's 35-foot length.

The Freedom 35 was produced in two distinct rig variations: the Cat Ketch and the Sloop. While the Cat Ketch is the more iconic "Freedom" configuration, the sloop version utilized a single unstayed mast and a large fractional jib. Additionally, the hull was offered with different keel configurations, including a deep fin for better windward performance and a wing keel for those cruising in thinner waters like the Chesapeake Bay or the Bahamas. The interior remained largely consistent across these variants, though the mast partner locations shifted slightly depending on the rig.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Freedom 35 should focus their inspections on the unique structural elements of the unstayed rig. While the carbon fiber masts are incredibly durable, the areas where they pass through the deck—the partners—are high-stress points.

1. Mast Partners & Wedges: Inspect the mast collars and wedges for signs of movement or water ingress. Over decades, the rubber or urethane chocking can degrade, leading to leaks that may saturate the surrounding deck core.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like many TPI boats of this era, the Freedom 35 uses a balsa-cored deck. Use a phenolic hammer to check for delamination around stanchion bases and mast partners, as moisture can migrate into the core if hardware wasn't properly re-bedded.
3. Wishbone Hardware: The wishbone booms utilize specific tackle and "hangers" at the mast. Ensure the hardware is not fatigued and that the aluminum wishbones do not show signs of corrosion at the joints.
4. Rudder Bearing Wear: Owners in the Freedom community often note that the large, high-aspect rudder can put significant strain on the bearings. Check for excessive "play" or "clunking" in the steering system while the boat is hauled out.
5. Chainplate-Free Inspection: One of the greatest benefits of this model is the absence of chainplates, which are a primary failure point on traditional boats. However, this means the mast step (located at the keelson) must be inspected for any signs of compression or moisture-related rot in the grid structure.

Community & Resources

The Freedom 35 enjoys a dedicated following among sailors who value "the Freedom way." The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Freedom Yachts Owners Association. This group maintains an extensive archive of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and specific "how-to" guides for maintaining the wishbone rigs and carbon fiber spars.

The Verdict

The Freedom 35 Cat Ketch is a "thinking person’s" cruiser, offering a blend of innovative engineering and traditional comfort. It is perhaps the most refined example of Garry Mull’s ability to optimize a non-traditional sail plan for a production hull.

Pros:

• Extreme Ease of Handling: True "point and shoot" sailing with no jib sheets to manage during tacks.
• Safety: Carbon fiber masts flex to depower the rig automatically in gusts, reducing the risk of a knockdown.
• Build Quality: TPI construction ensures a robust hull and high-end interior finish.
• Low Maintenance: The absence of standing rigging eliminates the need for expensive periodic shroud and stay replacement.

Cons:

• Upwind Angle: Will not point as high as a modern stayed sloop, especially in choppy seas.
• Mast Height: The tall masts may limit access to certain "ICW-friendly" bridges depending on the specific rigging height.
• Rigging Familiarity: Finding a rigger who is truly comfortable tuning a wishbone cat ketch can be more challenging than finding one for a standard Bermudan rig.