FREEDOM 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.97 ft |
| LWL | 25.42 ft |
| Beam | 10.75 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 7,660 lb |
| Ballast | 3,149.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 28.38 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.83 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.16 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.91 ft |
| FLforestay | 9.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 426.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 139.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 237.1 sq ft |
About the FREEDOM 30
Renamed FREEDOM 32 (here designated as FREEDOM 32-2) in 1988 (boarding/swimming platform added to stern). Shallow draft version: 4.5'
Designed by Gary Mull and built by Tillotson Pearson Inc in 1986, the Freedom 30 is a fractional sloop with a displacement of 7660.0 lb and a beam of 10.75 ft. While the exact hull build count is unknown, owner reports highlight significant structural maintenance needs, particularly regarding deck cores and rudder systems.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable interior and manageable size, provided they are prepared for ongoing structural maintenance and potential engine upgrades.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.18 and a comfort ratio of 18.69, the Freedom 30 is generally considered suitable for coastal cruising rather than serious bluewater passagemaking, especially given reported structural vulnerabilities.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1980s American production cruisers like the Pearson 303 or O'Day 302, the Freedom 30 shares similar dimensions and a focus on interior volume over high-performance racing metrics.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1986–1990 · median $16,999
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 29.97ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 8 systems for the FREEDOM 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FREEDOM 30? 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 20 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 30?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Bukh — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FREEDOM 30
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…