Realistic top/cruise speed for Freeman?
Discussion
Hello all,
Against everyone's better judgement, I've bought another boat (except Simpo Two, who I'm sure will agree it's a fantastic idea), a 1971 Freeman 22 mk2 narrow beam with a Ford Sea wolf x-flow engine in (I believe 1100cc)
I know the narrow beam had a smaller prop, but I guess being narrower there's less boat to push through the water?
What sort of cruising/top speed am I looking at? I'd hope for about 6kts cruise and 9kts flat out. Does that seem reasonable?
Thanks,
Dan
Against everyone's better judgement, I've bought another boat (except Simpo Two, who I'm sure will agree it's a fantastic idea), a 1971 Freeman 22 mk2 narrow beam with a Ford Sea wolf x-flow engine in (I believe 1100cc)
I know the narrow beam had a smaller prop, but I guess being narrower there's less boat to push through the water?
What sort of cruising/top speed am I looking at? I'd hope for about 6kts cruise and 9kts flat out. Does that seem reasonable?
Thanks,
Dan
1) You got there eventually 
2) Freemans are the boating equivalent of runnning a classic MG or Mk2 Jaguar - plenty of backup and parts etc if you need them.
I'd agree the speeds are optimistic - my 23 had the same engine as yours and a GPS revealed that slow ahead was 3mph, slow cruise was 4.1mph and sensible cruising speed was 6mph. You can push the throttle more and things will get noisier and start vibrating and the front will go up and you'll use more petrol, but the small increase in speed isn't (IMHO) worth it. Maybe 8mph top, dunno.
For answers to all things Freeman do join the Freeman Forum http://freemancruiser.12.forumer.com/ - you'll get most if not all questions answered. Specialist/unique parts are available from Sheridan Marine but most of what you'll need can be bought elsewhere more cheaply.
2) Freemans are the boating equivalent of runnning a classic MG or Mk2 Jaguar - plenty of backup and parts etc if you need them.
I'd agree the speeds are optimistic - my 23 had the same engine as yours and a GPS revealed that slow ahead was 3mph, slow cruise was 4.1mph and sensible cruising speed was 6mph. You can push the throttle more and things will get noisier and start vibrating and the front will go up and you'll use more petrol, but the small increase in speed isn't (IMHO) worth it. Maybe 8mph top, dunno.
For answers to all things Freeman do join the Freeman Forum http://freemancruiser.12.forumer.com/ - you'll get most if not all questions answered. Specialist/unique parts are available from Sheridan Marine but most of what you'll need can be bought elsewhere more cheaply.
waterline length is a limiting factor with displacement hulls hull speed and froude numbers etc, and the law of diminishing returns in trying to make a displacement hull that isn't extremely fine ( Length to beam 10 :1 iirc) go faster than the hull speed given by the length and froude number
prop size, pitch etc is also a factor along with cavitation and ventilation etc etc etc
prop size, pitch etc is also a factor along with cavitation and ventilation etc etc etc
As MPH says, your waterline length is your constraining factor for displacement hull speed, probably not more than 7kts, anything more will be pushing beyond the displacement speed and will start to burn serious gas!!
Prop pitch will be help achieve the displacement speed at lower rpm but would assume that comfortable cruise g is going to be 5.5 to 6 knots with the right prop
Congrats on your purchase, enjoy!
Liking the comparison of a Freeman to an MG!
Prop pitch will be help achieve the displacement speed at lower rpm but would assume that comfortable cruise g is going to be 5.5 to 6 knots with the right prop
Congrats on your purchase, enjoy!
Liking the comparison of a Freeman to an MG!
Thanks all.
Oddly, I've used the MG comparison myself!
"The" classic GRP cruiser
Owners clubs
Good parts supply
etc, etc
I'll have to have a good think. The Freeman is living in Ma and Pa's garden at the minute (now that's a story for another day!)
Going to finish the Sealine for this season and use that while I do up the Freeman. Then next winter it's crunch time and one of them has to go, as I only have 1 mooring
so I'll have to decide without ever having it in the water.
If I use the speed of the Sealine a lot, i.e. do a bit of coastal work/breydon water, punch the tides, etc then I guess I'll keep that. If I only ever stick to the broads I should be set with the new purchase. Decisions, decisions, eh?
Oddly, I've used the MG comparison myself!
"The" classic GRP cruiser
Owners clubs
Good parts supply
etc, etc
I'll have to have a good think. The Freeman is living in Ma and Pa's garden at the minute (now that's a story for another day!)
Going to finish the Sealine for this season and use that while I do up the Freeman. Then next winter it's crunch time and one of them has to go, as I only have 1 mooring
so I'll have to decide without ever having it in the water.If I use the speed of the Sealine a lot, i.e. do a bit of coastal work/breydon water, punch the tides, etc then I guess I'll keep that. If I only ever stick to the broads I should be set with the new purchase. Decisions, decisions, eh?
crofty1984 said:
Going to finish the Sealine for this season and use that while I do up the Freeman. Then next winter it's crunch time and one of them has to go, as I only have 1 mooring so I'll have to decide without ever having it in the water.
You can't make a fair decision without having tried it... and the famous Freeman manoeuverability. It is funny but sometimes the heart wins. An acquaintance of mine has a Freeman 26 and an Elysian 27 centre-cockpit. The Elysian was much more sensible for his family, but guess which is for sale? so I'll have to decide without ever having it in the water.You mentioned restoration so here are some gratutious photos to give you a goal
Hello,
I do realise this thread is pretty old but as I have been researching Freeman boats and a future interest in buying one had to make an account to compliment you on the renovation of your boat. The varnish/brightwork is immaculate. So many I have seen online have had heavy a heavy handed approach, many burnt black, overly stained.
Not sure if you are still active on this board regarding Freemans but would like to ask a few questions if you are.
All the best Chris
I do realise this thread is pretty old but as I have been researching Freeman boats and a future interest in buying one had to make an account to compliment you on the renovation of your boat. The varnish/brightwork is immaculate. So many I have seen online have had heavy a heavy handed approach, many burnt black, overly stained.
Not sure if you are still active on this board regarding Freemans but would like to ask a few questions if you are.
All the best Chris
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