I had a visit to Norfolk Yacht Agency Yacht Brokers today in Horning on the Northern Broads. They were selling this lovely old classic the Freeman 32 with those familiar rounded lines. There were over 100 built up to 1975, when the Freeman 33 was introduced.
The boat sleeps six, with two berths in the aft cabin, two in the saloon (convertible dinette) and two in a forward cabin. The earlier boats had an open, amidships helm position but in 1972 the boat was restyled, losing the deckline step and gaining an open backed wheelhouse. Later still the wheelhouse became fully enclosed. This one is the 1973 model.
A shallow vee hull, with a long shallow keel, makes the boat suitable for both low river speeds on one engine and for semi displacement performance at sea. Twin diesel inboards of various powers were fitted-usually Ford as in this case or Thornycrofts. (A pair of Ford Sealions in this boat (120HP) should give a speed of 13 to 15 Knots).
Surveyors comments: I really like these old classics. This one had the added benefit of recently being treated for the dreaded OSMOSIS well talked about with the Freeman owners. ( that’s another BLOG!). Check the windows for leaks- they may have to come out and be re-sealed. Generally though- for caravan builders, a good solid boat and a nice 32 will always be sort after.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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
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| Always worth checking for the original builders plaque behind the fuse board cover- should match the number on the back of most of the draws... |
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| The guys at Ferry Marina are always friendly and helpful... just about to pressure wash the bottom ... |
The boat sleeps six, with two berths in the aft cabin, two in the saloon (convertible dinette) and two in a forward cabin. The earlier boats had an open, amidships helm position but in 1972 the boat was restyled, losing the deckline step and gaining an open backed wheelhouse. Later still the wheelhouse became fully enclosed. This one is the 1973 model.
A shallow vee hull, with a long shallow keel, makes the boat suitable for both low river speeds on one engine and for semi displacement performance at sea. Twin diesel inboards of various powers were fitted-usually Ford as in this case or Thornycrofts. (A pair of Ford Sealions in this boat (120HP) should give a speed of 13 to 15 Knots).
Surveyors comments: I really like these old classics. This one had the added benefit of recently being treated for the dreaded OSMOSIS well talked about with the Freeman owners. ( that’s another BLOG!). Check the windows for leaks- they may have to come out and be re-sealed. Generally though- for caravan builders, a good solid boat and a nice 32 will always be sort after.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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
