1985 Freedom 21 vs 1980 Freedom 33 — Comparison
1985 Freedom 21
1980 Freedom 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Freedom 21 | 1980 Freedom 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Freedom | Freedom |
| Year | 1985–1990 | 1980–1987 |
| Type | Sloop | Other |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Garry Hoyt | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.49 m (18.0 ft) | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.13 m (7.0 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 0.76 m (2.5 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 726 kg (1,601 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 272 kg (600 lbs) | 1,996 kg (4,400 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 16.3 m² (176 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Centerboard | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 4 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 11 L (2.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 15 L (4.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 2 | 6 |
| Cabins | — | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Freedom 21 and 1980 Freedom 33 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1985 Freedom 21 is a 1980s design by Freedom from USA, while the 1980 Freedom 33 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1985 Freedom 21 was penned by Garry Hoyt. The 1980 Freedom 33 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 1985 Freedom 21 measures 6.40m (21.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.13m, compared to the 1980 Freedom 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1980 Freedom 33 is 3.66m longer than the 1985 Freedom 21. The 1980 Freedom 33 displaces approximately 587% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Freedom 21 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.52 and 16.3 m² of sail area. The 1980 Freedom 33, with an SA/D of 14.27 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1985 Freedom 21 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Freedom 21 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 12.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.95). The 1980 Freedom 33 has a comfort ratio of 19.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1985 Freedom 21 and 40.0% for the 1980 Freedom 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Freedom 21 provides 2 berths with 15L of water capacity and 11L of fuel. The 1980 Freedom 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Freedom 33 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 1985 Freedom 21 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1980 Freedom 33 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.