1972 Ranger 29 vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison
1972 Ranger 29
1983 Freedom 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Ranger 29 | 1983 Freedom 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Ranger | Freedom |
| Year | 1972–1978 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gary Mull | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) | 49.0 m² (527 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 13 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 190 L (50.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Ranger 29 and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s design by Ranger from USA, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1972 Ranger 29 was penned by Gary Mull. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 1972 Ranger 29 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1983 Freedom 36 is 2.13m longer than the 1972 Ranger 29. The 1983 Freedom 36 displaces approximately 93% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1972 Ranger 29 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.47 and 35.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Freedom 36, with an SA/D of 14.88 and 49.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1972 Ranger 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1972 Ranger 29 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29 and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1972 Ranger 29 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1983 Freedom 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Ranger 29 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 1972 Ranger 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1972 Ranger 29 · 1983 Freedom 36