The Freedom 28 Cat Ketch is a sailing boat designed and built by Freedom Yachts. It is a small cruising sailboat known for its unique cat ketch rigging system, which consists of two masts with two sails on each mast. This rigging configuration allows for easy handling and balanced sailing performance.
Here are some key features and specifications of the Freedom 28 Cat Ketch:
1. Length: The boat measures approximately 28 feet (8.5 meters) in length, making it a compact and manageable size for cruising.
2. Rigging: The cat ketch rigging system consists of two freestanding carbon fiber masts, each with two sails. This setup provides a balanced sail plan and allows for easy sail handling, even for single-handed sailing.
3. Sail Area: The total sail area of the Freedom 28 Cat Ketch is around 400 square feet (37 square meters), which provides good power and performance for its size.
4. Construction: The boat is constructed using fiberglass, which offers durability and strength while keeping the weight relatively low.
5. Interior: The interior of the Freedom 28 Cat Ketch is designed to maximize space and comfort. It typically features a V-berth forward, a compact galley, a dinette area that converts into a double berth, and a small head (bathroom) compartment.
6. Performance: The cat ketch rigging system, combined with the boat's design, allows for easy handling and good upwind performance. The boat is known for its ability to sail well in a wide range of wind conditions.
7. Seaworthiness: The Freedom 28 Cat Ketch is designed to be a seaworthy vessel, capable of handling coastal cruising and even some offshore passages. Its sturdy construction and balanced rigging contribute to its stability and safety at sea.
8. History: The Freedom 28 Cat Ketch was introduced by Freedom Yachts in the late 1970s and remained in production until the early 1990s. It gained popularity among sailors looking for a small, easy-to-handle cruising boat with unique rigging characteristics.
Overall, the Freedom 28 Cat Ketch is a well-regarded sailing boat known for its innovative rigging system, comfortable interior, and good performance. It offers a unique sailing experience for those seeking a smaller cruising sailboat.
