Freedom 28 survey report in.

[KetchinUp]

Gamayan,
I would love to tell you my progress with this boat. Most importantly is tell you why the general consensus was a bit mistaken about the condition of this vessel. The short answer is these are very well built boats. I tracked it down to the original builders, the people who were part of Tillotson Pearson in 1983 when the boat was built. I spoke with the naval architect that was part of the design team, I spoke to the plant manager who was in charge of building the boat at the time, and also another gentleman who was intimately involved in the layup. All this information came by diligently exploring every Forum I could get my hands on, and following recommendations and links that those people left as a trail. In addition, I had such an advantage by being right here where the boat is. I sympathise with Alan who quite smartly walked away from the deal, because of a survey.. I can think of no better way to buy a very good top quality boat, than to find one that has cosmetic issues, and fixable flaws downgraded by a survey. That sort of thing really softens up the seller after a buyer or two balk on the sale. There are a great many tired old boats, where​ delamination and core damage in hull and deck make it a monster to run from. All Balsa Core Construction is not the same however. A good Builder like Pearson, who innovated so many great ways of dealing in the beginning with these anticipated problems is the key to making a choice of a thirty-three-year-old boat. I'll get back to you later, when I have more time.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Ketchinup.

[gamayun]

Thanks for the update! I hope you will post on the Freedom Yachts forum, too. It seems like a small group, but great info on upgrades that people are making. My F38 will be 30 next year.

[KetchinUp]

Thanks for the welcome everyone. I think I will post the solutions I've researched and put to use for the relatively minor, but irritating problems I am encountering with my "new" 1983 Freedom 28 cat/ketch. Pretty much all cosmetic, except one confined area of balsa core. Things like leaking ports, along with some necessary replacement of items like the Diesel's alternator, the battery bank.
Happily the leaking ports, which showed nasty drip lines down the teak veneer, have nothing but very sound solid fiberglass behind it. Deadlights are very Stout serious-looking stainless steel with thick glass. Butyl tape was far and away the very best recommendation I found on these forums and on YouTube for re-bedding windows. Wonderful Stuff.

[KetchinUp]

Gamayun,
I wouldn't mind keeping in touch with a fellow fan of the freedom cat ketches. The one I bought this spring, has had me in every nook and cranny, and I can't find anything structurally problematic that would keep anyone from enjoying this in whatever waters you're on. Mind you, I have not yet had it off the hard. You can learn a lot about a boat when it's sitting on a cradle. First thing I did when the boat was finally signed sealed and paid for was to right away remove one of the leakiest looking port deadlights. If I'd found delaminated Balsa or falling apart plywood underneath, I would have released the boat to another fellow who was anxious for it. Instead it was rock solid fiberglass. So I decided to have at it full steam. Here's a picture..

[gamayun]

Hmm, I didn't realize they made the F28s as ketches. Hope you post more pics once you have her on the water!! I have an F38 sloop named Kynntana. I've done a lot of work recently on upgrades and to fix some things that were wonky such as AC/DC wiring, jib/spinnaker sheave box, masthead crane, etc. I need to start documenting those fixes on the Freedom Yachts forum, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. Was out today in full sail and 24 knots of wind. It's such a thrill. Hope you find it to be the same. Please keep us posted!