Garry Hoyt's innovative Freedom 25 represents a revolutionary approach to small boat sailing that challenged conventional wisdom when it debuted in 1981. Built by Tillotson Pearson, this 25-footer features an unstayed cat rig that eliminates the complexity of shrouds and stays, making it exceptionally easy to handle for couples or solo sailors. The boat's most distinctive characteristic is its freestanding carbon fiber mast supporting a fully-battened mainsail, which can be easily reefed from the cockpit. This user-friendly design philosophy extends throughout the vessel, making it ideal for coastal cruising and day sailing. The fin keel with transom-hung rudder provides adequate performance while maintaining simplicity in construction and maintenance. With a displacement of 3,500 pounds and moderate ballast ratio, the Freedom 25 offers stability suitable for protected waters and coastal exploration rather than offshore passages. The relatively light displacement contributes to lively sailing characteristics in moderate winds. Its fiberglass construction ensures durability, while the spacious 8.5-foot beam provides surprising interior volume for a boat this size. The Freedom 25 appeals particularly to sailors seeking low-maintenance sailing without sacrificing performance, though prospective buyers should consider that replacement parts for the specialized rig system may be challenging to source today.
- Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
- Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
- Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
- Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
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vs. Ericson 26 2, Freedom 25 Staysail, Hunter 255, Oday 26, Seafarer 26