Freedom 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing experience of the Freedom 39 is defined by the unique behavior of its free-standing carbon fiber masts. In a traditional stayed rig, the mast is held rigid; however, the Freedom’s masts are designed to flex at the tip during heavy gusts. This "automatic reefing" characteristic spills excess power from the top of the sail, flattening the boat and reducing the need for immediate reefing by the crew. According to editorial analysis from Cruising World, this makes the boat exceptionally forgiving for short-handed sailors.

With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically in the moderate-heavy range and a hull designed by Ron Holland, the 39 tracks with more precision than many other "character" boats of its era. The Cat Ketch version, featuring two roughly equal-sized sails on wishbone booms, allows for effortless tacking—one simply turns the wheel, and the sails find their own way across. While the lack of a headsail can lead to a slight performance deficit when beating at very tight angles into the wind, the boat excels on a reach, where the clean airflow over the unstayed sails minimizes drag and maximizes lift. Owners often report that the boat feels remarkably quiet compared to stayed rigs, as there is no "whistling" from wire rigging or slapping of halyards against an aluminum spar.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Freedom 39 was offered in several distinct configurations, most notably the "Standard" (Cat Ketch or Schooner) and the "Pilothouse." The standard version features a traditional offshore layout with a focus on sea-going security. Because there are no chainplates or stays cluttering the side decks, the interior volume is maximize and the side decks are unusually wide and easy to traverse. The main salon typically features a large U-shaped settee and a sea-friendly galley, utilizing the 12' 10" beam to provide an airy feel.

The Pilothouse variation is a significant sibling model that caters to long-distance voyagers in colder climates. This version raises the salon floor to provide panoramic visibility from an internal steering station, a feature rarely found in 39-foot yachts of this vintage that still maintain sailing performance. The use of high-quality teak joinery and molded fiberglass liners—a TPI trademark—ensures the interior remains durable and aesthetically warm. In both versions, the placement of the masts is a key interior feature; the foremast is stepped far forward, often in or near the forward cabin, which can dictate the layout of the V-berth.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Freedom 39 often appears in technical discussions regarding the longevity of composite spar technology. It has been featured in several retrospective reviews by Practical Sailor, where it is frequently cited as a benchmark for "easy-to-sail" mid-sized cruisers. The model's reputation for safety and simplicity was further bolstered by the writings of Gary Hoyt himself, who used the Freedom line to challenge the conservative yachting establishment, arguing that modern materials should liberate the sailor from the "bondage" of complex rigging.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Freedom 39 is a robustly built vessel, the unstayed rig introduces specific points of inspection that differ from traditional sloops:

• Mast Partners and Bearings: Because the mast is unstayed, all the leverage from the sail plan is concentrated at the deck partners and the mast step. Buyers should inspect the deck around the mast for any crazing or compression and ensure the wedges or bearings that secure the mast are in good condition.
• Carbon Fiber Integrity: While carbon fiber does not fatigue like aluminum, older spars should be checked for UV degradation of the resin or damage from lightning strikes. Any "shattering" or delamination of the carbon layers is a critical safety issue.
• Core Moisture: TPI used balsa coring in the decks and, in some models, the hull. A thorough moisture meter survey is essential, particularly around deck hardware, stanchion bases, and the mast partners where water ingress can lead to core rot.
• Wishbone Booms: The wishbone hardware and the "pigtails" that attach them to the masts are subject to high loads. Look for signs of metal fatigue or worn bushings in these unique mechanical connections.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Freedom 39 are supported by a dedicated community of enthusiasts. The Freedom Yachts Owners Association remains the primary technical resource for these vessels, offering archives of original TPI build manuals, rig tuning guides, and advice on maintaining the free-standing masts. Because many components were custom-made for the Freedom line, these owner networks are vital for sourcing replacement hardware for the wishbone rigs.

The Verdict

The Freedom 39 is a thinking person's cruiser, offering a blend of Ron Holland's performance pedigree and Gary Hoyt's radical simplicity. It remains one of the few boats on the market that truly delivers on the promise of effortless, single-handed offshore sailing.

Pros:

• Extreme Ease of Handling: The self-tacking nature of the cat ketch rig makes it one of the easiest 40-footers to sail alone.
• Clean Decks: The absence of shrouds and stays makes moving around the boat safe and provides a clutter-free aesthetic.
• Balanced Performance: The Ron Holland hull provides a sea-kindly motion and surprising speed, especially on a reach.

Cons:

• Pointing Ability: The lack of a large overlapping headsail means the 39 will not point as high as a modern stayed sloop.
• Technical Niche: Finding riggers familiar with free-standing carbon spars and wishbone booms can be challenging in remote cruising grounds.
• Draft Limitations: While a shoal draft was available, the performance-oriented deep fin version may be too deep for some "skinny water" cruising areas like the Bahamas.