1994 J/105 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison

1994 J/105
VS
1982 Freedom 281982 Freedom 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 J/1051982 Freedom 28
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsFreedom
Year1994–20081982–1988
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerRod JohnstoneGarry Hoyt
Dimensions
LOA10.52 m (34.5 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL8.97 m (29.4 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.14 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)29.0 m² (312 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 J/105
23.80
1982 Freedom 28
16.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 J/105
43.52
1982 Freedom 28
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 J/105
0.84
1982 Freedom 28
0.84
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 J/105
13.68
1982 Freedom 28
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 J/105 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.

In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1994 J/105 is 1.99m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The 1994 J/105 displaces approximately 55% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1994 J/105 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.80 and 57.6 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 1994 J/105 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1994 J/105 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1994 J/105 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1982 Freedom 28 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 1994 J/105 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1994 J/105 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: 1994 J/105 · 1982 Freedom 28