FREEDOM 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.92 ft |
| LWL | 30.63 ft |
| Beam | 12.5 ft |
| Draft | 4.5 ft |
| Displacement | 16,970 lb |
| Ballast | 6,499.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 33.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 45.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.6 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 602.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 194.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 330.4 sq ft |
About the FREEDOM 38
Free standing sloop rig with 'Bierig' jib. Extended version of the FREEDOM 36. Specs above are for the Shoal Keel. Also available with: Wing keel: Draft - 4.0' / 1.27m; Ballast - 6,180 lbs / 2,803 kg; Displacement - 16,650 lbs / 7,552 kg. Deep keel: Draft - 6.0' / 1.83m; Ballast - 5,530 lbs / 2,508 kg; Displacement - 16,000 lbs, / 7,257 kg. Thanks to Josh Z. for information and corrections.
Designed by Gary Mull and built by Tillotson Pearson Inc in 1989, the Freedom 38 is a robust fractional sloop with a displacement of 16970.0 lb and a beam of 12.5 ft. While the exact hull count is unknown, this model represents a specific era of American production characterized by heavy construction and free-standing rigging.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a stable, comfortable platform with a high comfort ratio of 27.66, though its 4.5 ft max draft may limit access to very shallow anchorages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.95 and a displacement/length ratio of 263.63, the Freedom 38 is well-suited for offshore passages, provided critical structural integrity issues are addressed.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-80s American heavy-displacement cruisers like the Pearson 365 or O'Day 38, the Freedom 38 shares similar beam and displacement characteristics but distinguishes itself with a free-standing mast and fin keel.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 37.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
18 reported issues across 8 systems for the FREEDOM 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FREEDOM 38? 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 18 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
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