Another little Freeman Cruiser to Survey today at Woodsdyke boatyard in Horning. Its the hottest day of the year so far and in the 30's! The boats are like ovens in this heat. I now know why i returned from boatbuilding in New Zealand!
The Freeman 24 superseded the Freeman 23. The boat has a very different hull, of medium vee configuration and considerably beamier than the 23’s. The superstructure is beamier too, its rakish lines in complete contrast to the soft curves of the 23. And you can drive the boat from a shelter of an open backed wheelhouse. John Freeman Marine built over 1000 Freeman 24’s from 1975 to 1984. From about 1980 they preferred to call the boat the Freeman 750. The boat is primarily a river cruiser but is capable of making estuarial and sheltered coastal passages in fair weather ( category C).
The interior layout is similar to a 23, with four berths in an open plan cabin in which the forward berths can be isolated by opening the hanging locker door across the boat.
Most 24’s are powered by single inboard engines, petrol watermotas from 30 to 63HP. This one had a nice new Beta diesel engine giving speeds of 9 to 10 knots.
The Freeman 24 superseded the Freeman 23. The boat has a very different hull, of medium vee configuration and considerably beamier than the 23’s. The superstructure is beamier too, its rakish lines in complete contrast to the soft curves of the 23. And you can drive the boat from a shelter of an open backed wheelhouse. John Freeman Marine built over 1000 Freeman 24’s from 1975 to 1984. From about 1980 they preferred to call the boat the Freeman 750. The boat is primarily a river cruiser but is capable of making estuarial and sheltered coastal passages in fair weather ( category C).
The interior layout is similar to a 23, with four berths in an open plan cabin in which the forward berths can be isolated by opening the hanging locker door across the boat.
Most 24’s are powered by single inboard engines, petrol watermotas from 30 to 63HP. This one had a nice new Beta diesel engine giving speeds of 9 to 10 knots.
Osmosis! All older Freemans will have a few blisters on the bottom unless they have been recently epoxied. When
considering the thickness of the laminate the decision whether or not to treat
the osmosis can be judged on a financial rather than structural basis. It must however be
remembered that osmosis will not cure itself, but could remain static for many
years without requiring expensive treatment.
Its good practice to take the boat out of the water over the winter period and store her in the dry, out of thus reduce the possibility of further osmotically induced gel coat blistering.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:steventruss1@aol.com
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:steventruss1@aol.com
