Back to Search
Freedom 27
Designer: James Williams  ·  Builder: Tillotson Pearson Inc, (Usa)  ·  First built: 1989
+ Add to Compare
Videos
About the Freedom 27

Launched in 1989 by Tillotson Pearson, this James Williams design represents Freedom Yachts' commitment to unstayed cat-rigged sailing in a compact coastal cruiser package. The Freedom 27's distinctive wishbone boom and carbon fiber mast eliminate the complexity of standing rigging while providing excellent sail control and performance. With a moderate displacement of 5,500 pounds and fin keel configuration, this boat strikes a practical balance between stability and maneuverability. The transom-hung rudder offers responsive steering while simplifying maintenance access. Her fiberglass construction and proven hull form deliver reliable coastal cruising capabilities with the added benefit of reduced rigging maintenance. The cat rig configuration excels in short-handed sailing situations, making this an appealing choice for couples or solo sailors who appreciate simplified sail handling. The comfort ratio of 18.6 indicates a relatively stiff ride suited for day sailing and weekend coastal adventures rather than extended offshore passages. Her capsize screening value of 1.97 suggests reasonable stability characteristics for protected waters and moderate conditions. Freedom's unstayed rig philosophy shines in this design, offering sailors the unique combination of traditional gaff-rig aesthetics with modern materials and engineering, making her particularly attractive to those seeking low-maintenance coastal sailing with distinctive character.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.75 ft / 7.54 m
Beam 8.67 ft / 2.64 m
Max Draft 3.08 ft / 0.94 m
Displacement 5,500.00 lb / 2,495 kg
Ballast 1,200.00 lb / 544 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction FG
Designer James Williams
Builder Tillotson Pearson Inc, (USA)
First Built 1989
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

Own or have surveyed a Freedom 27? Submit a known issue

Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
21.82
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
161.95
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
18.6
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.97
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.67 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 766.73 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 11 gals / 42 L
Water Capacity 24 gals / 91 L
How It Compares

vs. Ericson 28 2, Hunter 28.5, Pearson 28 1975 80, Precision 28, S2 86

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Freedom 27 ★
28.0 ft
Ericson 28 2
28.0 ft
Hunter 28.5
28.0 ft
Pearson 28 1975 80
28.0 ft
Precision 28
28.0 ft
S2 86
28.0 ft
LWL
Freedom 27 ★
24.8 ft
Ericson 28 2
23.3 ft
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
24.0 ft
Precision 28
23.0 ft
S2 86
22.5 ft
Beam
Freedom 27 ★
8.7 ft
Ericson 28 2
10.0 ft
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
9.3 ft
Precision 28
10.0 ft
S2 86
9.5 ft
Displacement
Freedom 27 ★
5 lbs
Ericson 28 2
7 lbs
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
7 lbs
Precision 28
5 lbs
S2 86
7 lbs
Ballast
Freedom 27 ★
1 lbs
Ericson 28 2
3 lbs
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
3 lbs
Precision 28
1 lbs
S2 86
3 lbs
Sail Area
Freedom 27 ★
Ericson 28 2
411 sq ft
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
395 sq ft
Precision 28
S2 86
390 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Freedom 27 ★
Ericson 28 2
Hunter 28.5
180 s/nm
Pearson 28 1975 80
Precision 28
207 s/nm
S2 86
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Freedom 27 ★
Ericson 28 2
17.2
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
16.1
Precision 28
S2 86
16.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Freedom 27 ★
21.8 %
Ericson 28 2
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
45.0 %
Precision 28
34.6 %
S2 86
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Freedom 27 ★
18.6
Ericson 28 2
21.8
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
24.9
Precision 28
S2 86
24.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Freedom 27 ★
1.97
Ericson 28 2
2.05
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
1.86
Precision 28
S2 86
1.94
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Freedom 27 ★
161
Ericson 28 2
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
253
Precision 28
201
S2 86
Hull Speed
Freedom 27 ★
6.7 kts
Ericson 28 2
6.5 kts
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
6.6 kts
Precision 28
S2 86
6.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Freedom 27 ★
Ericson 28 2
2.1
Hunter 28.5
Pearson 28 1975 80
2.0
Precision 28
S2 86
1.7
Find a Freedom 27 For Sale