INDEPENDENCE 20

About the INDEPENDENCE 20

Also called FREEDOM INDEPENDENCE 20. Designed specifically for mobility impaired sailors. Equipped with 2 pivoting, counter weighted seats that can be moved from side to side while tacking or jibing. 900 lbs. of ballast provides extra stability. Initially built by Freedom/Pearson Yachts, and later offered by Catalina Yachts. The AERO 20 (CATALINA) shares the same hull.

Designed by Gary Mull and built by Freedom Yachts/Pearson Yachts USA, the Independence 20 is a compact fractional sloop with a production run starting in 1999. With a displacement of 2080.0 lb and a beam of 8.0 ft, it offers a stable platform for its size, though the exact total hulls built remains unconfirmed in available data.

Best for:

This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend warriors seeking a manageable, trailerable package with ample interior volume for its 20.5 ft LOA. Its free-standing rig and fin keel configuration appeal to those prioritizing ease of maintenance and straightforward handling.

Bluewater capability:

With a low capsize ratio of 2.51 and a comfort ratio of 10.84, the Independence 20 is primarily suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended offshore passages.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the Pearson 20 and other late-90s trailerable cruisers like the O'Day 23, sharing similar roles in coastal cruising and ease of transport. These vessels offer similar fractional sloop rigs and comparable beam-to-length ratios for stability.