Freeman Cruisers

byron

byron

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Although I have never owned a Freeman I have always been a great fan. I think of them as the first Classic Fibreglass Boat. Certainly they are Evergreens and are loaded with charm. My first experience with them was in about 1969 when I delivered a 22' from Lymington to Cherbourg for the new owner. (The weather at the time was Gale Force 1 moderating ;) )

Anyway I was looking at Sheridan's website today and read the potted history of Freemans on the website which I found interesting. If you haven't read it yourself it can be found here:- http://www.freemancruisers.com/history
 
I had a freeman 22 Mk2 some years ago, it was a great river boat. Not sure I'd want to take it to Cherbourg, though, even in a F1.

They appreciate in value as well, I paid £4k for mine (1968 model) back in the early 80's, sold it for 4.5, I think you'd pay 6 for a decent one now. Whilst not an investment, no bad.

Kept mine at Radcot, probably still there, it was called 'Fornells'. Even found an old photo.

Fornells.jpg
 
Freeman.

Have always liked the later boats including the 33 and especially the 41.Looking at them today all the examples around appeared to have stood the test of time very well,maybe their owners take more care of them.
Certainly the materials used in the construction seem to have been of better quality than the stuff on my Princess of the same era.
 
He's still got the moulds for the 22/23 over a Sheridain Line hasn't he? Always admired Freemans also, its a shame they are now only thought of as river boats as they are built like the proverbial outhouses, you still see the odd 22' sitting on a coastal swinging mooring in Devon or Cornwall, there are even a few twin screw 22's around.
 
A few years back Shreridan was advertising for orders to build new 23's, was going to be about £35k, don't know if they built any.

Saw a Mk1 in Weymouth harbour a few weeks back, looking rather sorry for itself, tho', needs TLC.
 
Are we talking about the same style of boat as Geoffs old one ?

If so , i'd happily pay £35k for one * , classic styling with up to date engine / electrics .... beautiful .....

* If i had £35k .....
 
oldgit said:
Have always liked the later boats including the 33 and especially the 41.Looking at them today all the examples around appeared to have stood the test of time very well,maybe their owners take more care of them.
Certainly the materials used in the construction seem to have been of better quality than the stuff on my Princess of the same era.
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Including the chipboard bulkheads???
 
virtually all the Freeman's end up on the Lancaster Canal, with 35 miles without a lock, unless you go down to Glasson. There are many marina's up here just full of them, all bobbly curtains, the glass decanter nearby. Lovely boats. Looking for pictures we have of a cruisng club event with loads attending.
 
The 23 was a a more modern squarer styled boat than the 22 Mk2. Very nice, and yes £35k seems quite good for one with all mod cons. Not aware of them ever building one, Byron would know.
 
Got to add to this older thread .....

As a new member of the forum, my Freeman 28 is berthed on the Lancaster Canal ...... no bobbly curtains, but a lead crystal decanter of a rather nice single malt is there.

It's sheer hell !

Geoff
 
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I still miss my Freeman 22 Mk2,

We used to moore it at the Race Course Yacht Basin in Windsor then moved it to Trowlock Island at Teddington. During this time we moved from London to Buckinghamshire so moved the boat to the Boatyard that is a Freeman specialist, you may remember the one, it had a major fire about 20 years ago that made the local news.

My boat was one of the many that burned to the ground as it was on hard standing......

....not insured during the couple on months it was there.....very hard lesson to learn.

Got another boat now though!!! AND IT'S INSURED!
 
I had Freeman 30 and my Dad had a Freeman 24 (The modern square looking one and smaller brother of the 27).

Cracking boats with very nice homely interiors.
 
Ian45 said:
My boat was one of the many that burned to the ground as it was on hard standing......

....not insured during the couple on months it was there.....very hard lesson to learn.

Got another boat now though!!! AND IT'S INSURED!
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The fire at Sheridan's was indeed a tragedy. I think 7 boats were uninsured and represented a total loss to the owners. Having reported the fire The Eileen and I were first on the scene with my Dory, my intention was to let all the boats go and gather them up afterwards bringing them to Ashmount. As things turned out this was not necessary as the fire was ashore and afloat boats weren't threatened. I have to add the it was only the magnificent efforts of the Firemen that saved the actual Chandlery and prevented the fire spreading to the moored boats.
 
byron said:
How many are aware that Freeman also produced 6 Ketches. All of course fitted with the same quirky octagonal Gin Bottle holder which is found on every Freeman ever built.
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I can categorically and 100% definitely tell you...... I had no idea either. :D

The Gin holder is a great little oddity. It adds a bit of cool strangeness to the mix.
 
We , fairly recently, went to Vannes in Brittany where there are 3 Freeman 24s moored. Sadly the sun has got at the gelcoat, but then at 30 years old no surprise. Having been to Southampton on Saturday, how poor the quality of the interior joinery on most of the new craft there in comparison to our old Freeman(Lady Vanessa). I believe Freeman was the first company to use polyurethane varnish in volume production. thats the reason they look so good , especially the 24 and up.
 
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