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Freedom 36 Cat Ketch
Designer: Gary Mull  ·  Builder: Tillotson Pearson Inc,  ·  First built: 1985
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About the Freedom 36 Cat Ketch

Freedom Yachts built a reputation for innovative unstayed rigs, and their 36-foot cat ketch represents one of the more successful expressions of this philosophy. This design embodies the builder's commitment to simplifying sail handling while maintaining solid cruising performance. The cat ketch configuration features two unstayed carbon fiber masts with fully battened sails, eliminating the complexity of standing rigging entirely. This system reduces maintenance concerns and creates a particularly forgiving sailing experience, making it attractive to couples or sailors seeking easier boat handling. The wishbone boom design allows for excellent sail control and reduces the risk of accidental jibes. Built primarily for coastal and offshore cruising, the Freedom 36 offers a comfortable cockpit layout and spacious interior accommodations typical of cruising-oriented designs from this era. The hull design emphasizes stability and comfort over racing performance, though the efficient rig can deliver respectable speeds in appropriate conditions. While Freedom Yachts ceased production years ago, these boats maintain a dedicated following among sailors who appreciate the unique rigging system's practical advantages. The design represents an interesting alternative approach to cruising sailboat configuration that continues to influence modern unstayed rig development.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.42 ft / 11.10 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.63 ft / 9.34 m
Beam 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 13,400.00 lb / 6,078 kg
Ballast 5,530.00 lb / 2,508 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 682.00 ft² / 63.36 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Cat Ketch (unstayed)
Construction FG
Designer Gary Mull
Builder Tillotson Pearson Inc,
First Built 1985
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
19.41
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
22.14
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
2.11
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. 7.42
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. 1.0
How It Compares

vs. Catalina 36, Pearson 36 2, Pearson 365

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
36.4 ft
Catalina 36
36.3 ft
Pearson 36 2
36.5 ft
Pearson 365
36.4 ft
LWL
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
30.6 ft
Catalina 36
30.3 ft
Pearson 36 2
29.6 ft
Pearson 365
30.0 ft
Beam
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
12.5 ft
Catalina 36
11.9 ft
Pearson 36 2
12.3 ft
Pearson 365
11.4 ft
Displacement
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
13 lbs
Catalina 36
13 lbs
Pearson 36 2
15 lbs
Pearson 365
17 lbs
Ballast
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
5 lbs
Catalina 36
6 lbs
Pearson 36 2
5 lbs
Pearson 365
7 lbs
Sail Area
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
682 sq ft
Catalina 36
545 sq ft
Pearson 36 2
Pearson 365
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
Catalina 36
138 s/nm
Pearson 36 2
138 s/nm
Pearson 365
210 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
19.4
Catalina 36
15.4
Pearson 36 2
Pearson 365
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
Catalina 36
44.4 %
Pearson 36 2
38.7 %
Pearson 365
41.2 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
22.1
Catalina 36
24.0
Pearson 36 2
Pearson 365
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
2.11
Catalina 36
2.01
Pearson 36 2
Pearson 365
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
Catalina 36
217
Pearson 36 2
258
Pearson 365
292
Hull Speed
Freedom 36 Cat Ketch ★
7.4 kts
Catalina 36
7.4 kts
Pearson 36 2
Pearson 365
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