Hi,
A few months ago, I asked for opinions on the seaworthiness of the Freedom 39 Pilothouse (the cat-schooner model) on the BoatDesign.net forum. There were a few interesting responses including some by Tad Roberts, and one by Eric Sponberg who was Chief Engineer at TPI at the time the Freedom 39 were built. Thought I would share with everyone.
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/sailboats/seaworthiness-freedom-39-cat-schooner-41103.html
Cheers!
PA
PA,
Thanks for the link. I have always liked the look of the F39 PH and (when I win the lottery) I hope to buy one.
When I purchased mine, I did some research since the plan is to take her out someday. I actually had a conversation with Eric Sponberg and he said pretty much the same as his response in the BoatDesign post. I was a little confused by Tad Roberts’ comments. Seemed to be anti F39ph, but then contradicted his negative comments. May be his writing style. I am taking it as general positive feedback. I hope to be able to comment on seaworthiness in the near future since mine has not hit water yet… But from what I can see of how its built, I am not too fearful of blue water. Regarding the large pilothouse windows, I don’t see that they will be an issue. 3/8" polycarbonate is pretty much indestructible, but may be prone to leaks. Mine did not come with mounting frames – instead was screwed directly through the Lexan. I am adding a trim, but still screwing for added strength, although its not necessary. I have been told to check and re-bad every few years to stay leak free. Recently on of the yard guys who owns a Pearson came to me with a story about his friend who got a bent rudder after a whale bumped him. With the large skeg of the F39ph we agreed that probably would not have been the result if it were my boat. Maybe the F39ph is not too racey, but I am not seeing anything to limit real offshore adventures. My goal is to get there is some comfort, and not necessarily fist. Hopefully we can share personal experiences in the next few years (I think you’ll be out there before me…). Good luck.
I have owned Fyne Spirit for about four years and have been absolutley delighted with her performance even in light airs. Round the South Island of New Zealand which is our cruising ground I have exeprienced several blows in the 50 knot range and covered quite a bit of distance in 25 - 35 knots and not once has she given me any reason for concern. If there was one area I am not so happy with it would be the comfort when going to weather in heavy stuff, a fairly hard ride, but for the rest of the time she goes well. There are few if any cruising yachts that can catch her going to windward when we are day sailing around the harbour, and virtually no one can keep up down wind unless they use a spinnaker. So the sailing performance is a delight, especially in winds above about 12 knots.
Fyne Spirit was built in the UK and seems very strongly constructed. According to our local rules the pilot house windows are too large and would require shutters to be permitted to go off shore. Clear polycarboante shutters can easily be fitted if required.
The light saloon with excellent visibility outside is a real boon at anytime, much more pleasant than some more conventional boats which can be quite dark.
As far as off shore goes,I will be heading to the islands in a year or so. Fyne Spirit has over 50000 miles of ocean cruising from the Faroes in the North, across the Atlantic, through the straits of Magellan, up the west coast of south America, across the Pacific eventually to New Zealand. There the Po lived aboard for about 5 years before selling her to me.
The longer we have her, the more we like her.