1969 Ericson 35 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison

1969 Ericson 35
VS
1982 Freedom 281982 Freedom 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1969 Ericson 351982 Freedom 28
General
ManufacturerEricsonFreedom
Year1969–19761982–1988
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerBruce KingGarry Hoyt
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL7.92 m (26.0 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.14 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area48.6 m² (523 ft²)29.0 m² (312 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1969 Ericson 35
15.96
1982 Freedom 28
16.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1969 Ericson 35
40.00
1982 Freedom 28
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1969 Ericson 35
0.69
1982 Freedom 28
0.84
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1969 Ericson 35
24.76
1982 Freedom 28
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1969 Ericson 35 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1969 Ericson 35 is a classic design by Ericson from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1969 Ericson 35 was penned by Bruce King. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.

In terms of size, the 1969 Ericson 35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1969 Ericson 35 is 2.14m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The 1969 Ericson 35 displaces approximately 118% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1969 Ericson 35 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.96 and 48.6 m² of sail area. The 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1982 Freedom 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1969 Ericson 35 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1969 Ericson 35 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1969 Ericson 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1969 Ericson 35 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 1982 Freedom 28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1969 Ericson 35 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1969 Ericson 35 · 1982 Freedom 28