So… when considering the wing keel versions of the 35 and 38, what are the positives and negatives of each model for coastal cruising? Is the 35 that much faster and responsive? Does the 38 have that much extra room to make it more comfortable? Does one handle/point/steer easier than the other? We have a Freedom 30 that we love dearly, but are considering stepping up to a larger boat. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Jay & Carah Lynn Arnold, S/V Weeble, 1987 Freedom 30
Both great boats, why limit the search? Look for the best example you can find of either one. The 38 is significantly bigger, whether that’s a positive or a negative is, well, totally subjective…
The 35 sails much better in light winds, the 38 needs at least 10kt of breeze to do anything. Above 15kt, a 38 is right in its prime, and I imagine the 35 is reefed or close to it. From 12kt to 20kt, it is a very fast boat, handles excellently, and is quite comfortable. A 38 is also much better in heavy weather. A good 3rd reef allows it to sail quite well, even in a big blow. I wouldn’t trust a 35 in high winds or rough seas. I also believe they can’t participate in the Newport to Bermuda Race (or maybe it’s Marion?) because they don’t meet some formula for seaworthiness in heavy weather. But in light air, they sail very well.
The 35 is a much more modern design down below, with MUCH better engine access and a true queen bed in the quarter berth because it’s athwartship. You lose the giant cockpit locker to achieve this, but there’s still decent stowage in the cockpit. The quarter berth cabin in the 38 seems like an afterthought, and the mattress is squished as it goes aft. It’s still my preferred place to sleep in my boat, though. I really like the T-shaped cockpit on the 35, which is a clear improvement on the standard bench setup of the 38 (though I imagine it hurts access to the steering system, which is quite good in the 38). I also like that the 35 anchor locker is accessible from the deck, rather than through the v-berth.