Freedom 39 Pilot House Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Freedom 39 Pilot House utilizes a cat-schooner rig featuring two unstayed carbon fiber masts. This configuration is central to its handling characteristics; because there are no stays or shrouds, the masts are allowed to flex, which naturally depowers the sails in heavy gusts—a built-in safety mechanism often cited in Cruising World editorial archives. The absence of a headsail eliminates the need for winching heavy sheets during a tack, allowing the boat to move through the wind with a simple turn of the helm.

While the boat lacks the upwind pointing ability of a modern sloop with a high-tension forestay, it excels on a reach and downwind. The schooner rig allows for a "wing-and-wing" configuration that is exceptionally stable. However, the Pilot House variant carries more windage than its open-cockpit sibling, which can affect its leeway in light air and high-drag situations. Sailors typically find the motion to be predictable and "seakindly" due to the significant displacement and the dampening effect of the heavy masts. The internal steering station is a boon for heavy weather, though most owners report using the external cockpit helm for close-quarters maneuvering to ensure better sightlines over the high cabin trunk.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 39 Pilot House is defined by its expansive 360-degree visibility, a rarity for yachts of this era. The raised "deck saloon" features a wrap-around settee and a navigation station that doubles as the interior helm. This layout transforms the living experience, moving the "cave-like" feeling of traditional sailboats into a bright, airy space. The craftsmanship provided by TPI is evident in the extensive use of teak joinery and the robust bonding of the interior modules to the hull.

The 39 Pilot House shares its hull with the Freedom 39 Schooner (the open-cockpit version). While the Schooner focuses on deck space and a lower profile, the Pilot House optimizes for long-term liveability. Below the raised saloon, the layout typically includes a galley and a primary stateroom. Variations often seen in the used market include different galley configurations—some featuring a "galley-up" design to keep the cook in the social center of the boat, while others utilize a "galley-down" approach to maximize seating area. The hull’s nearly 13-foot beam is carried well aft, allowing for a spacious aft cabin that is uncommonly large for a 39-footer of this vintage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their survey on the specific engineering challenges of the unstayed rig and the TPI construction methods of the 1980s.

1. Mast Steps and Partners: Because the masts are unstayed, all the leverage of the sail plan is concentrated at the mast partners (where the mast meets the deck) and the mast steps. These areas must be inspected for stress cracking or structural compression.
2. Deck Core Integrity: TPI utilized balsa-core construction for the decks. While this provided excellent stiffness-to-weight ratios, moisture intrusion around the pilot house windows or the many deck hatches can lead to delamination. A professional moisture meter test is essential.
3. Carbon Fiber Crazing: The early carbon fiber masts were often finished with an AWLGRIP or similar paint. While the carbon itself is durable, UV degradation of the coating or "crazing" can occur. It is important to verify that the masts have not suffered impact damage or lightning strikes, which can compromise the laminate.
4. Wishbone Booms: The Freedom 39 uses wishbone booms rather than traditional horizontal booms. The hardware at the "clew" end of the wishbone and the hangers that attach them to the masts are high-load points that require frequent lubrication and inspection for metal fatigue.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels often congregate through the Freedom Yachts Owners Association, a long-standing group that maintains technical archives and provides a forum for discussing the nuances of the cat-schooner rig. While no longer in production, the legacy of the 39 is also supported by the general TPI community, which includes enthusiasts of J-Boats and Alden Yachts who share a common appreciation for the builder’s composite expertise.

The Verdict

The Freedom 39 Pilot House is a specialized cruiser that rewards those who prioritize comfort and ease of use over technical racing performance. It is a "thinking person's boat," ideal for couples who want to extend their sailing season into the colder months.

Pros:

• Ease of Handling: The unstayed rig and lack of a jib make tacking effortless.
• Visibility: The pilot house offers an unparalleled view of the surroundings from the safety of the cabin.
• Build Quality: TPI construction ensures a structurally sound hull capable of blue-water passages.

Cons:

• Upwind Performance: The schooner rig cannot point as high as a stayed sloop.
• Windage: The high profile of the pilot house makes the boat more susceptible to blowing off in tight docking situations.
• Complexity of Masts: While "simple" to sail, any structural repair to a carbon fiber mast can be more expensive than replacing traditional aluminum.