Freeman Boats
Freeman Boats
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The Freeman 22: A Classic GRP Motor Cruiser
The Freeman 22 was launched in 1957 by John Freeman Marine of Hinckley, Leicestershire, and was the first of the fibreglass motor cruisers to go into production. During the 1960s and 1970s, Freeman Marine took the lead among the motor cruiser manufacturers, building an enviable reputation for good boats with superior finishes.
Evolution and Design Enhancements
Until 1964, the Freeman 22 was extensively redesigned to achieve better headroom forward. It also gave it a very attractive stepped deck line that added something to the look and functionality of the boat. When production ended in 1970, over 1,500 Freeman 22s had been built. It was succeeded by the Freeman 23, which continued with the marque's reputation for ongoing refinement.
Interior Layout and Features
Below decks, the Freeman 22 has a versatile open-plan interior layout that provides accommodation for up to four people. Essentially open, the layout can be divided into two separate cabins by swinging the hanging locker door across the boat. It was a sensible blend of comfort and practicality that worked, which explains why so many Freeman 22s were sold.
Hull and Performance
The Freeman 22 has a shallow V-shaped hull with a long, shallow keel. Though essentially a river cruiser, it can take short estuarial or sheltered coastal passages in good weather. For canal work, Freeman Marine also built a narrow version of the boat with a 6'10" beam.
Engine Options and Speed
The Freeman 22 was fitted with two types of engines: a 35-horsepower Ford Watermoat and a 50-horsepower Perkins diesel. Depending on the engine type, the speeds could reach 9 or 10 knots at the maximum for a sure and pleasant cruise.
A Legacy of Quality Craftsmanship
The Freeman 22 has remained an enduring classic, which appeals both because of its perceived strength and classic lines but equally for the potential that a properly sorted 22 offers to satisfy almost all tastes. Having pioneered fibreglass production motor cruisers, it did in reality set standards that many manufacturers attempted to emulate.
The Freeman 22: A Classic GRP Motor Cruiser
The Freeman 22 was launched in 1957 by John Freeman Marine of Hinckley, Leicestershire, and was the first of the fibreglass motor cruisers to go into production. During the 1960s and 1970s, Freeman Marine took the lead among the motor cruiser manufacturers, building an enviable reputation for good boats with superior finishes.
Evolution and Design Enhancements
Until 1964, the Freeman 22 was extensively redesigned to achieve better headroom forward. It also gave it a very attractive stepped deck line that added something to the look and functionality of the boat. When production ended in 1970, over 1,500 Freeman 22s had been built. It was succeeded by the Freeman 23, which continued with the marque's reputation for ongoing refinement.
Interior Layout and Features
Below decks, the Freeman 22 has a versatile open-plan interior layout that provides accommodation for up to four people. Essentially open, the layout can be divided into two separate cabins by swinging the hanging locker door across the boat. It was a sensible blend of comfort and practicality that worked, which explains why so many Freeman 22s were sold.
Hull and Performance
The Freeman 22 has a shallow V-shaped hull with a long, shallow keel. Though essentially a river cruiser, it can take short estuarial or sheltered coastal passages in good weather. For canal work, Freeman Marine also built a narrow version of the boat with a 6'10" beam.
Engine Options and Speed
The Freeman 22 was fitted with two types of engines: a 35-horsepower Ford Watermoat and a 50-horsepower Perkins diesel. Depending on the engine type, the speeds could reach 9 or 10 knots at the maximum for a sure and pleasant cruise.
A Legacy of Quality Craftsmanship
The Freeman 22 has remained an enduring classic, which appeals both because of its perceived strength and classic lines but equally for the potential that a properly sorted 22 offers to satisfy almost all tastes. Having pioneered fibreglass production motor cruisers, it did in reality set standards that many manufacturers attempted to emulate.
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Re: Freeman Boats
The Freeman 23: A Classic River Cruiser with Coastal Capability.
The Freeman 23, launched in 1970, was the replacement for the successful Freeman 22. John Freeman Marine built the Freeman 23, with some 700 produced between 1970 and 1975. Similar in many ways to her predecessor, the main difference lies in the sleeker deckline without a step.
There is little difference in the overall layout between this and the Freeman 22. The Freeman 23 provides open-plan accommodation for four people, although by swinging the hanging locker door out across the boat to divide the interior into two, privacy can be achieved. This makes her an ideal boat for leisure cruising.
Hull and Performance
The shallow V-shaped hull of the Freeman 23 has been primarily designed as a river cruiser. In fact, it is quite capable of doing short estuarial and sheltered coastal passages in fair conditions. As a result, it stands out as the right choice for cruising both inland waters and nearshore coastal routes.
Engine Options and Speed
The engines normally fitted to the Freeman 23 were either a *5-horsepower Ford Watermota petrol engine or a 50-horsepower Perkins diesel engine. Whichever was installed, this boat will run along at around 9 or 10 knots in comfort and steadiness.
A Timeless Classic
The Freeman 23 is still a much-loved classic among boating enthusiasts. This combination of comfort, practicality, and performance has kept this vessel in great demand from people looking for a dependable river cruiser with added flexibility for coastal sorties. Whether it be tranquil rivers or estuarial waters, the Freeman 23 offers a timeless boating experience.
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Re: Freeman Boats
The Freeman 24: A Timeless River Cruiser with a Twist of Modernism.
The Freeman 24 was the boat that replaced the Freeman 23. The new vessel introduced significant evolutionary changes in its design. Its hull featured a medium V configuration, considerably stiffer from the softer curves characteristic of the Freeman 23. This indeed has made for a much beamier boat and hence more appropriate as a general water cruiser. The superstructure of the Freeman 24 is another marked difference, with sharper, more angular lines versus the gentle curves of the 23.
One of the most striking aspects of the Freeman 24 is its open-backed wheelhouse, which provides the skipper with protection from the weather while operating the boat. This sensible design feature makes the boat much more useable, particularly when out cruising in variable weather. John Freeman Marine produced more than 1,000 Freeman 24s between 1975 and 1984, and from about 1980, the boat was often known as the Freeman 750.
Although essentially a river cruiser, the Freeman 24 is by no means out of her depth on estuarial and sheltered coastal passages in fair weather. Below, she is laid out much like the Freeman 23, with four berths in an open-plan cabin, the forward berth being partitioned off from the rest of the cabin by a hanging locker door for privacy for the occupants of this berth.
In terms of power, most Freeman 24 boats are equipped with a single inboard engine, such as the petrol Ford Watermota with 30 to 63 horsepower or the 55 horsepower Perkins diesel engine. These engines allow the boat to reach cruising speeds of 9 to 10 knots. Two of the same push speeds up to 12 to 14 knots.
The Freeman 24 offers something more of an all-around and reliable choice with classic river cruising, but sheltered coastal and estuarial waters would prove no barrier to this stalwart little boat. With improved design, Freeman 24 has all those sensible features that the boating fraternity considers essential.
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Re: Freeman Boats
Timeless Appeal of a Classic Cruiser: The Freeman 26.
The Freeman 26 epitomises the classic river cruiser, an immediate reflection of traditional styling combined with quality craftsmanship from John Freeman Marine. Subtle lines in its superstructure immediately recognisable stepped deck design that was introduced post-1964- have helped make the Freeman 26 an instant and sought-after choice for all those boat enthusiasts who appreciate heritage combined with function.
History and Production
The Freeman 26 was one of the bestsellers from John Freeman Marine, building over 300 units between the years 1965 and 1973. The class-leading fibreglass moulding and nicely finished interiors set new marks in leisure boating at that time. The Freeman 28 was made on the same lines but is a little too rare since there were only about 60 of them made. One really is lucky nowadays to spot one for sale.
Design and Layout
The Freeman 26 offers open-plan layout accommodation providing up to four berths in what is arguably a river cruiser perfectly suited to taking extended trips downriver. It has a great helm position centred in the broad aft cockpit, offering fabulous visibility and simplicity of operation.
The hull is a shallow 'V' section shape with a long shallow keel, the Freeman 26 is for operation mainly in inland waters but can also take in sheltered coastal waters and estuaries in suitable weather conditions.
Engine and Performance
The Freeman 26 is powered by either a 50-hp Ford Watermota petrol engine or a 50-hp Perkins diesel engine, giving a cruising speed of around 10 to 11 knots. This gives an unhurried gait sure to provide a pleasant ride and is a solid platform for meandering along rivers.
The Freeman 26, on the other hand, is a boat mostly found in rivers and inland waterways. It can undertake short coastal voyages quite ably; nevertheless, the great strengths of this craft lie with the peaceful, meandering journeys that rivers and canals bring, giving a sense of comfort and nostalgia when out boating.
Above all, the Freeman 26 remains most in demand amongst classic boat owners due to its timeless design with durable construction, combined with its practical layout. Continuing to provide that charm and reliability that such a trip down inland waterways or relaxed estuarial trips have come to be associated with from John Freeman Marine.
Webmaster of the Norfolk Broads Forum
Re: Freeman Boats
The Freeman 27 is a true river cruiser but with a sporting edge.
Launched in 1978, the Freeman 27 broke with the traditional rounded lines of its predecessors from John Freeman Marine. Sleeker, more angular lines were adopted without sacrificing the level of craftsmanship and reliability that made the company extremely successful. As a river cruiser first and foremost, the Freeman 27 is also capable of handling estuary and coastal waters in favourable conditions.
A Popular and Well-Designed Cruiser.
The Freeman 27 remained in production, with over 300 built, until 1984, earning a reputation as a soundly built, stylish cruiser. Particular features include the wheel shelter, affording some protection for helmsmen and crew. Accommodation is for four people in an open-plan interior with a convertible dinette and forward V-berth arrangement.
John Freeman Marine had a high reputation for good interior joinery, and this Freeman 27 does not disappoint. The beautiful workmanship with teak joins is a hallmark of classic cruising with elegance and strength.
Peformance and engine options.
The Freeman 27 has a medium V-shaped hull that contributes to a stable and comfortable ride. Engine options range from a single 47-horsepower Ford Watermota petrol inboard—ideal for river cruising—to twin 75-horsepower Volvo diesel engines, capable of reaching a top speed of 15 knots.
One of the most striking design features is the long, shallow keel, which provides great directional stability, one of the essential ingredients of ease in handling rivers. Whether meandering along tranquil waterways or exploring coastal routes in fair weather, the Freeman 27 remains a well-regarded choice among boating enthusiasts.
A Legacy of Quality and Performance.
The Freeman 27 is still a very desirable boat, blending style, craftsmanship, and versatility. It's the perfect river cruiser, yet offering the potential for coastal adventures- a timeless classic in the boating world.
As a well-crafted and reliable cruiser, the Freeman 27 stands in testimony to the thoroughness with which John Freeman Marine has developed its range.
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Re: Freeman Boats
The Freeman 30: A Classic River Cruiser.
The John Freeman Marine produced a total of approximately 100 Freeman 30s between the years 1960 and 1969. These boats are immediately recognisable with their 'signature' curved step down the deck line common to many of the early Freeman designs.
Design and Construction.
Early Freeman 30s had a wood mahogany deck and superstructure. As the line evolved, the design moved fully to fibreglass (GRP), reinforcing durability as well as maintaining lower upkeep requirements. The Freeman 30 could be ordered in two very different layouts: a centre cockpit with an aft cabin, and an aft cockpit version. The center cockpit sleeps six while the aft cockpit version sleeps four.
Hull and Performance.
The Freeman 30 had a shallow V hull form allied to a long, shallow keel. Though fundamentally a river cruiser, boats did see open water use in fair-weather conditions in estuaries and coastal waters.
Engine Options.
Early models of the Freeman 30 were fitted out with either single or twin diesel engines. One of the most common engine installations was twin 56-horsepower Parsons Porbeagle engines, giving the boat a top speed of about 9 to 10 knots. Later versions had more powerful engines installed, such as twin 108-horsepower Thornycroft engines, which increased the vessel's top speed to about 12 to 13 knots.
The timeless design and solid construction combined with reliability on the waters made the Freeman 30 a favoured boat among water sports enthusiasts.
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Re: Freeman Boats
The Freeman 32 Cruiser: a John Freeman Marine Classic.
First introduced in 1968, the Freeman 32 cruiser is instantly recognisable as a classic John Freeman Marine. The telltale signs of the time are their curvy lines and a visible step in the deck line-really make the boat an absolute delight to owners and boaters alike. All production ran well into 1975 and saw well over 100 built before replacement by the FREEMAN 33.
Spacious Accommodation for Six.
The Freeman 32 was conceived to be a comfortable cruiser and so carries sleeping accommodation for up to six people in its: aft cabin with two berths, a convertible dinette in the saloon providing two more berths, and a forward cabin with two more sleeping spaces. This all made the Freeman 32 cruiser quite practical for an extended river or coastal adventure.
Evolution of Design.
Early models of the Freeman 32 featured an open midship helm position, which was a carryover from many of the original Freeman designs, but a significant redesign in 1972 incorporated the deletion of the deck line step and introduced an open-backed wheelhouse into the design, while later boats had a totally enclosed wheelhouse, offering massively improved protection and comfort on board.
Performance and Engine Options.
The cruiser was therefore designed to be of shallow V-hull and long shallow keel. Overall, therefore, the Freeman 32 cruiser was quite versatile: ideal both for low-speed river cruising and semi-displacement performance at sea.
It had twin inboard diesel engines, the makers of which varied - including Ford and Thornycroft - thus providing different power plants. Typical would be two 108-horsepower Thornycroft engines, which gave a top speed of 13-15 knots, a very respectable performance for a cruiser of its time.
Timeless Classic.
No longer in production, the Freeman 32 cruiser nevertheless remains a much sought-after craft due to its solid construction and classic style. Be it inland waterways or coastal routes, this boat has remained dear to the hearts of boating enthusiasts.
Webmaster of the Norfolk Broads Forum