Sailing Performance & Handling
The hallmark of the Freedom 28 is its unstayed carbon fiber mast, which eliminates the need for shrouds, spreaders, and stays. This design choice dramatically reduces windage and allows the mainsail to take an aerodynamically clean shape, particularly when sailing off the wind. According to technical assessments of the Mull series, the boat’s performance is defined by its simplicity; the absence of standing rigging allows the boom to be eased out past 90 degrees, a feat impossible on stayed yachts.
On the water, the Freedom 28 is noted for its "dinghy-like" responsiveness. The fractional rig typically utilizes a large, fully-battened mainsail and a small, self-tacking jib mounted on a Camberspar. This setup means that tacking involves nothing more than turning the wheel or tiller—the sails shift across the deck automatically without the need to winch in sheets. Gary Mull’s influence is felt in the hull’s underwater profile, which is more "slippery" than previous Freedom models, offering better upwind pointing ability than the earlier cat-ketch variants. Sailors frequently report that the carbon fiber mast’s ability to flex in heavy gusts acts as a natural "shock absorber," spilling excess power and keeping the boat flatter and more controlled than a rigid, stayed rig.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its performance-oriented rig, the Freedom 28 Mull was designed with a legitimate cruising interior that maximizes the 10' 6" beam. The layout is conventional for a yacht of this era but benefits from the lack of a mast compression post in the center of the main cabin (as the unstayed mast is stepped through the deck and braced at the keel). This creates an open, airy feeling in the salon that is rare for a 28-foot boat.
The interior typically features a V-berth forward, followed by a main salon with settee berths on both sides. The galley is located aft to starboard, equipped with a deep sink and stove, while a dedicated navigation station sits to port. A significant feature for a boat of this size is the aft quarter berth, which provides a secondary private sleeping area. The use of teak joinery and white laminates reflects the high-quality construction standards of TPI. While no major "versions" of the Mull hull were produced, the interior remained largely consistent, though some owners have customized the storage lockers to accommodate longer-range cruising gear.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique engineering requirements of an unstayed rig. While the carbon fiber mast is exceptionally durable, the stresses are concentrated at the deck partner and the mast step.
- Mast Collar and Partners: Inspect the area where the mast passes through the deck. Over time, the sealant or the rubber "wedges" can perish, leading to water ingress. More critically, check for any signs of crazing or structural stress in the fiberglass laminate around the mast hole.
- Balsa Core Moisture: Like many TPI-built boats of the 1980s, the Freedom 28 uses a balsa-cored deck. High-moisture readings around stanchions, cleats, and the mast partner are common if the hardware was not properly re-bedded over the decades.
- The Camberspar Jib: The self-tacking jib uses a specific internal spar. Inspect this spar for cracks and ensure the pocket in the sail is not excessively worn, as a failing Camberspar can make the jib difficult to control.
- Rudder Bearing Wear: The spade rudder on the Mull design is high-aspect and effective, but the bearings can develop play. A "clunking" sensation in the helm while underway usually indicates that the bushings require replacement.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Freedom 28 are supported by a dedicated community that prizes the brand's unconventional engineering. The Freedom Yachts Owners Association serves as the primary technical repository for the brand, offering archives on mast specifications and TPI construction techniques. While the original builder is no longer in operation, technical support for the carbon fiber spars is often sought through specialized composite repair facilities that understand the specific flex characteristics of the early TPI masts.
The Verdict
The Freedom 28 (Mull design) is an ideal choice for the sailor who prioritizes ease of use and solo-handling without sacrificing the performance of a modern hull. It stands as a testament to a period when American yacht design was at its most experimental and high-quality.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to sail solo thanks to the self-tacking jib and unstayed rig.
- High-quality TPI construction with a durable carbon fiber mast.
- Spacious, open interior layout for its size due to the lack of a mast compression post.
- Excellent off-the-wind performance and reduced rigging maintenance.
Cons:
- The unstayed rig can feel "unconventional" to sailors used to the visual security of shrouds.
- Aging balsa-cored decks require careful moisture inspection.
- Limited availability of specialized parts for the Camberspar jib system.
