Freedom 40

[F Seco]

I have just purchased a Freedom 40 hull # 4. Since there is not a manuel I do not know the vertical clearance of the mast nor how to set the wishbone booms. This boat has had a non structural fire in the main cabin and can be sailed only under the mainsail or engine power. It is my intent to sail from Kent Narrows, Md. to Shell Point, Fla. Where she can be totally reconditioned.

I do have 40 years of sailing experience and know that any additional knowledge can only help.

Frank

[Timothy]

Hi Frank . I have had my Freedom 40 for almost 30 years now and can probably answer any questions you might have. If yours is hull no 4 the wishbones, if original will be wood and the sails wrap around. The booms are held to the masts by bridles attached to both sides of the booms and pass through holes in the sails on either side of the luffs. The booms are raised with the sails and are secured by lines that run through blocks on the back of the masts and attach to bridles that are also attached to either side of the booms .These lines and the topping lifts should be adjusted so that when released the boom is more or less level with the deck. The topping lift lines must be let go when sailing. Remember that it is necessary to let go the out hauls in order for the sails to drop otherwise they will bind on the mast. The block and tackles for the out hauls must run along the booms so that there is not to much force downward on the front of the booms. The tacks of the sails are secured by lines that run from either side of the masts at the deck and through D rings on the sails This allows the luffs of the sails to rotate around the masts. To flatten the sails use the halyard and the out haul not the down haul. I hope this helps .

[F Seco]

Timothy,

Thank you for your response. I know I will have much to learn about my Freedom 40. Once I go back up to Kent Narrows I will need your advice.

Frank

[F Seco]

Thimothy,

I( am planning to move my Freedom 40 from Kent Narrows, Md. to Shell Point, Fla. will I be able to go under the railroad bridge on the St. Lucie Canal . The bridge height is 49'.

Frank

[Timothy]

I don't think so. I used to go under the fixed bridge on the New river at federal highway which is 55' and my antenna would hit. I was terrified that a sports fisherman would pass me and that would be it for my mast.I think you need at least 52' . If you have the nerve you could have a dingy haul her over with the mizzen halyard. I have used my Boston Wailer to do this when I have been hard aground. Not good seamanship but it works. Alternatively you could put as many 50 gallon oil drums filed with water as it takes on one of the cockpit benches( I am presuming yours is the center cockpit version) . This would be safer and if you do a test before you leave you will know for sure that you can get under. You will need a good pump. I know that somebody is going to say don,t do it its too dangerous and they would be right. It is dangerous you will have very little free board to spare but you will get under.

[Timothy]

I was curious so I measured. Its 51 ' from the water to the tip of the main mast. Should not have to heel the boat to much to loose two feet.

[RHP]

A confident man would offer to film it and place it on youtube......

[F Seco]

Thimothy,
I located a person in Mayaca, Fla. who tips sailboats. He does not use the boat's spars. He places water weights on one side untill boat tips. He claims that his method does not harm the boat. He has tipped 100's of sailboats.

Frank

[Timothy]

Same idea as the 50 gallon drums . Should work fine.