FREEDOM 21
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 21.67 ft |
| LWL | 17.5 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 3.75 ft |
| Shoal Draft | 2.0 ft |
| Displacement | 2,000 lb |
| Ballast | 500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 19.33 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 5.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 24.42 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.75 ft |
| Mainsail | 141.8 sq ft |
About the FREEDOM 21
Also available with free-standing fractional sloop. 'Gun Mount' spinnaker setup available as an option. Also built in the UK with twin lifting keels. (iron ballast)
Designed by Garry Hoyt and built by Tillotson Pearson Inc, the Freedom 21 is a compact catboat with a production run limited to 1982. With a displacement of 2000.0 lb and a beam of 8.0 ft, it offers a stable platform for its size, though the exact number of hulls built remains unverified.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekenders who prioritize easy handling and shallow draft access over long-range offshore capability. Its cat rig and light displacement make it manageable for single-handers or couples seeking a low-maintenance, trailerable sailboat.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.54 and a comfort ratio of 10.33, the Freedom 21 is not designed for serious bluewater passagemaking. Its light displacement of 2000.0 lb and fin keel with 3.75 ft max draft limit its offshore stability and range.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and Pearson 22, which share similar production eras and coastal cruising roles. These vessels offer comparable interior volumes and trailerability, though they typically feature masthead rigs rather than the Freedom's cat configuration.
Direct variant of the FREEDOM 21
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataAsking price by model year
8 listings · boat years 1978–1995 · median $65,809
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 21.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
25 reported issues across 9 systems for the FREEDOM 21, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FREEDOM 21? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 25 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your FREEDOM 21?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Universal — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FREEDOM 21
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…