Liveaboard

[Normanskier]

My wife and I will be locating to Florida. Most likely the Stuart area.
We’ve had a Sabre 36 and Pearson 34.
We intend to liveaboard and are seriously considering a Freedom 40/40. Love the concept of an unstayed mast. Just not sure of it’s durability. Freedoms are beautifully built and the interior is ideal.
Anyone have any experience they can put forward.
We expect that we will cruise the Bahamas and the Keys.
I think we can get through the ICW with the air draft. Close.
Thanks much for any thoughts. Norman

[GordMay]

Ralph Naranjo certainly liked them ➥ Freedom Yachts 40/40 Sailboat Review - Cruising World by Ralph Naranjo

Note the Air Draft at 64' - 11".

See also ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...hts-26776.html

[captstu]

With a nearly 7’ draft and 65’+ air draft with antenna, the ICW and Bahamas will be a challenge you may want to avoid.

[SV Bacchus]

With 62 1/2 air draft we just went from Stuart to Ft. Pierce and I swear I saw the antennas bouncing off the bottom of the Jensen bridge.

Wifey says no, it didn't happen. Not unusual that we disagree!

Point is, it is darn close and with the air draft you are considering you will probably only be safe at low tide and then it may be a nail biter!

[captstu]

At 65’ I could get under Blue Heron, Wilkerson and Channel 5 only at very low tide about 15 years ago. Since then, it may no longer be possible.

Friends with similar boats have cut their masts to 62’

Your draft may make even that travel impossible at low tide.

Get a cat, good living space and manageable draft.

Okeechobee waterway is 49’ and the ICW is now about 63’ except near Miami, also 49’

[Normanskier]

Thanks to everyone for all of the valuable replies.
The boat that I am looking at has a 5.5 draft.
I have read a lot of conflicting information relative to passing under the, theoretical, 65' bridges. The air draft without antennas, etc is 61', without windex, and whatever else.

The Blue Jacket blog is unbelievable. Crazy good.

Thanks again everyone.
Norman