Freedom 32 questions
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2014 1:52 pm
Hi, I am seriously considering purchasing a 1984 Freedom 32 and had several questions for the forum.
I'm an intermediate sailor with 3 years experience including ASA 101/103 on an Ericson 32, lots of follow up on my classmates Dufour 2800 (27'), several years ownership of an O'Day Daysailer (16'9"), and an awesome summer this year on a Hobie Wave (14' length, 7' beam).
Recently I saw a couple of Freedom 32s for sale near our home. I'm drawn to the ease of sailing & spacious cabin. I've looked at a lot of boats for sale in the past, mainly full keel like Pearson Tritons, Cape Dorys, etc. But my tastes have changed
What I've realized is that I want to get my young family involved in sailing too. My wife likes sailing, but would feel much safer on a larger boat. Our sons are ages 4 1/2 and 5 months; I want to get them used to the water (beyond the older boy's swimming lessons) and learn to love sailing as much as I do. The Freedom is a boat we could use for day trips with friends, overnights nearby, and eventual coastal cruising.
So I've got several questions for folks on this forum. I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts - will probably be going to see both Freedoms next week - and ideally sail one too. Here is what I'd like to get your feedback on:
Capsizing- how is the mast stepped to the keel? How does the carbon fiber mast hold up in a knockdown? Has anyone on the forum actually capsized an F32?
Heaving to - is this possible with a self-tending jib which is much smaller than the mainsail? If not, how else can an F32 sit tight during a storm?
Reefing - has anyone had - or heard of - issues with the in-boom reefing system? How does it actually work? Does it work well?
Standard vs. deep keel - any comments/feedback/experience other than the obvious 1’1” draft difference?
Jib - is it possible to adjust at all for better performance? Note: I *do* realize this is a self-tending jib
Halyards - can you raise & lower all sails from the cockpit?
Thanks in advance for any & all replies!
Alan
I'm an intermediate sailor with 3 years experience including ASA 101/103 on an Ericson 32, lots of follow up on my classmates Dufour 2800 (27'), several years ownership of an O'Day Daysailer (16'9"), and an awesome summer this year on a Hobie Wave (14' length, 7' beam).
Recently I saw a couple of Freedom 32s for sale near our home. I'm drawn to the ease of sailing & spacious cabin. I've looked at a lot of boats for sale in the past, mainly full keel like Pearson Tritons, Cape Dorys, etc. But my tastes have changed
What I've realized is that I want to get my young family involved in sailing too. My wife likes sailing, but would feel much safer on a larger boat. Our sons are ages 4 1/2 and 5 months; I want to get them used to the water (beyond the older boy's swimming lessons) and learn to love sailing as much as I do. The Freedom is a boat we could use for day trips with friends, overnights nearby, and eventual coastal cruising.
So I've got several questions for folks on this forum. I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts - will probably be going to see both Freedoms next week - and ideally sail one too. Here is what I'd like to get your feedback on:
Capsizing- how is the mast stepped to the keel? How does the carbon fiber mast hold up in a knockdown? Has anyone on the forum actually capsized an F32?
Heaving to - is this possible with a self-tending jib which is much smaller than the mainsail? If not, how else can an F32 sit tight during a storm?
Reefing - has anyone had - or heard of - issues with the in-boom reefing system? How does it actually work? Does it work well?
Standard vs. deep keel - any comments/feedback/experience other than the obvious 1’1” draft difference?
Jib - is it possible to adjust at all for better performance? Note: I *do* realize this is a self-tending jib
Halyards - can you raise & lower all sails from the cockpit?
Thanks in advance for any & all replies!
Alan