Tripp Freedom 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Freedom 24 is its unstayed carbon fiber mast, a feature that eliminates the need for shrouds, spreaders, and stays. From a performance standpoint, this significantly reduces windage and lowers the boat's vertical center of gravity, which minimizes heeling and hobby-horsing in a seaway. According to technical assessments by Practical Sailor, the lack of standing rigging allows the mast to flex under heavy gusts, effectively "depowering" the sail automatically and providing a much more forgiving ride for novice sailors.

Handling is characterized by extreme simplicity; the fractional sloop rig typically features a large, fully battened mainsail and a small, self-tacking jib. Because there are no stays to contend with, the mainsail can be squared out nearly 90 degrees when running downwind without chafing against wire rigging. The boat’s high Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio ensures it remains responsive in light air, while the ballast—concentrated in a lead wing keel—provides the stiffness required to carry sail when the breeze freshens. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well for its size, owing to the balanced spade rudder and the clean water flow afforded by the Tripp-designed hull.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its performance-oriented exterior, the Freedom 24 offers a surprisingly functional interior for a 24-foot "pocket cruiser." The layout is optimized for weekend excursions rather than long-term voyaging. It typically features a V-berth forward and two generous quarter berths extending under the cockpit seats, providing sleeping accommodations for four adults. The "open plan" feel is accentuated by the absence of a mast compression post in the center of the cabin—since the unstayed mast is stepped through the deck and supported at the keel and partners, the main salon remains unobstructed.

While the headroom is limited to sitting height (approximately 4' 8"), the use of white gelcoat finishes and light-colored wood trim prevents the space from feeling subterranean. A rudimentary galley area—usually consisting of a single-burner stove and a small sink—is located amidships. Variations in the model were minor, though some hulls were equipped with a "comfort package" that included more robust cushions and a dedicated housing for a chemical head. The Freedom 24 was built on the same spirit as its larger sibling, the Freedom 35, which also utilized a Tripp-designed hull and unstayed rig, though the 24 remains the only trailer-ready option in that specific design lineage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique engineering requirements of an unstayed rig. While carbon fiber is exceptionally strong, the points of contact are critical.

• Mast Partners and Step: Because the mast is unstayed, all the leverage from the sail plan is concentrated at the deck (the partners) and the heel (the step). Inspect the deck surrounding the mast for any spiderweb cracking or "oil-canning," which could indicate a breakdown of the core material under high load.
• Carbon Fiber Integrity: While TPI was a pioneer in carbon spars, early masts should be checked for UV degradation or "blooming" of the resin. Any deep gouges or evidence of previous repairs by unqualified yards should be a red flag.
• Deck Core Moisture: Like many boats built by TPI during this era, the Freedom 24 uses a balsa-cored deck. Check the areas around the stanchion bases and the self-tacking jib track with a moisture meter, as water ingress can lead to delamination and soft spots.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: The wing keel exerts significant leverage. Ensure the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint is tight and that the stainless steel keel bolts show no signs of weeping or corrosion.

Community & Resources

The Freedom 24 benefits from a dedicated owner base that values the "Hoyt-Tripp" design philosophy. The most prominent technical resource is the Freedom Yachts Owners association, which maintains archives of original brochures and tuning guides for the carbon rigs. While the manufacturer is no longer in business, TPI’s history is well-documented, and structural advice can often be sourced through the J/Boats community, as many early J-models were built in the same Rhode Island facilities.

The Verdict

The Freedom 24 is an ideal choice for the sailor who wants the performance of a modern Tripp design without the "string-pulling" complexity of a stayed rig. It is a boat that rewards simplicity and rewards the solo sailor.

Pros:

• Ease of Sailing: The self-tacking jib and unstayed mast make it one of the easiest 24-footers to single-hand.
• Innovative Rigging: The carbon fiber mast is a high-tech feature rarely found on production boats of this vintage.
• Trailerability: Its moderate beam and weight allow for relatively easy transport to new cruising grounds.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The cabin is strictly for sitting and sleeping, making extended stays a challenge for taller sailors.
• Specialized Spar: Repairs to the carbon mast require specialized knowledge that may not be available in smaller boatyards.
• Price Premium: Due to the high cost of the original carbon rig, these boats often command a higher price on the used market than similar-sized sloops.