FREEDOM 40 AC
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40 ft |
| LWL | 35 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 10 ft/ 4.25 ft min |
| Displacement | 20,000 lb |
| Ballast | 5,530 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.9 kn |
About the FREEDOM 40 AC
AC = aft cockpit. There was also a center cockpit model with a pronounced 'poop deck'.
Designed by Hoyt/Herreshoff and built by Tillotson Pearson Inc, the Freedom 40 AC is a rare cat-ketch sloop with only 90 hulls constructed in 1976. Its unique unstayed rig and substantial 20000.0 lb displacement define a distinct sailing character that differs significantly from conventional mast-stayed designs of the era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced sailors seeking a unique, heavy-displacement cruising platform with a self-tacking mizzen, ideal for coastal cruising and shorthanded sailing where the cat-ketch rig reduces crew workload.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a 20000.0 lb displacement, 30.94 comfort ratio, and 1.77 capsize ratio, the boat is well-suited for offshore passages, provided the unique rigging and deck structure are meticulously maintained.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1970s heavy-displacement cruising yachts like the Pearson 365 or Cal 40, though the Freedom 40 AC is distinct due to its unstayed cat-ketch rig and higher 20000.0 lb displacement.
Direct variant of the FREEDOM 40 AC
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
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 40ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 5 systems for the FREEDOM 40 AC, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FREEDOM 40 AC? 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 6 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
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Used sails that fit the FREEDOM 40 AC
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