1987 Freedom 36 Boat in Seattle, WA 98117 US
Built in 1987
36
1 Engine (Yanmar)
36.4 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Few production builders have rethought the sailboat as boldly as Freedom Yachts. Founder Garry Hoyt believed sailing should ask less of the people doing it, so Freedom did away with shrouds, stays and chainplates and stepped a freestanding carbon fiber mast in their place. Radical in its day, the rig has since proven itself over decades of hard use. Every Freedom of this era was built by Tillotson-Pearson in Rhode Island, one of America's most respected production yards.
The Freedom 36 comes from the board of Gary Mull, the California naval architect known for his 12-Meter and offshore racing designs. Mull drew a beamy, powerful cruiser with a fin keel and spade rudder, generous volume below and a stiff, stable ride. Her fractional sloop rig puts most of its drive in a large, fully battened main on the unstayed carbon spar. With no standing rigging, there is nothing to tune, inspect or replace aloft, no forestay to fail and no chainplates to weep. Below, the absence of chainplate knees and bulkhead webs opens up an interior that designer Bob Perry called big and well laid out, with no tricks.
LOS VAGUITOS also carries the other Freedom signature: Hoyt's patented gun-mount spinnaker. The pole runs out through a sleeve on the bow pulpit, so one sailor can hoist, jibe and douse the chute from the cockpit. Add a roller-furling headsail, a new Doyle Stack Pack with lazy jacks and a 60V right-angle drill that takes the work out of raising the main, and she is about as easy a 36-footer as a couple will find.
Her owners have sailed her year-round on South Puget Sound, with extended cruises through the San Juan Islands, and have kept her ready for exactly that kind of use. In 2026 alone she received a new bottom, a new Raymarine autopilot and course computer, and an NMEA 2000 backbone, and she wears new lifeline netting. Her Yanmar 3GM30F had its top end rebuilt with OEM Yanmar parts in August 2026 and has run trouble-free since. A full cockpit enclosure with dodger and bimini, a full boat cover, Sea Frost refrigeration, diesel heat and a dinghy with a 4 hp Yamaha round out a boat that needs nothing to go sailing or cruising.
LOS VAGUITOS is located in Tacoma, Washington, and available for viewing by appointment.
- Freestanding carbon fiber mast: no standing rigging
- Yanmar 3GM30F top end rebuilt with OEM Yanmar parts (August 2026); fuel filters replaced
- New Raymarine autopilot and course computer (NEW 2026)
- NMEA 2000 backbone (NEW 2026)
- New Doyle Stack Pack with lazy jacks
- Full cockpit enclosure with dodger and bimini (2024) plus full boat cover
- Hoyt gun-mount spinnaker with pole
- 300 W solar on the bimini with new charge controller
- Propane tanks fitted with new valves and pressure tested
- Bottom painted February 2026; no gelcoat or fiberglass blisters
Below, LOS VAGUITOS is finished in warm teak joinery over a teak and holly sole, with 6'4" of headroom. Forward, a double V-berth makes a private owner's cabin. Aft of it the salon opens up across Mull's generous 12'6" beam, with a settee berth for a guest. The galley and the head with its shower sit amidships, and a second double cabin tucks aft to starboard. With no chainplate knees or bulkhead webs to work around, the arrangement feels open and uncluttered for a boat of her length. She sleeps six.
- Teak interior joinery
- Teak and holly cabin sole
- 6'4" headroom
- Diesel cabin heat
- Panasonic stereo
A practical cruising galley, with propane cooking and 12V refrigeration.
- Tasco three-burner propane stove with oven
- Sea Frost top-loading 12V refrigerator
- Double stainless steel sinks
- Pressure fresh water
- Forward double V-berth
- Starboard aft cabin with double berth
- Salon settee berth
- Manual marine head with Y-valve and holding tank
- Shower
Her instruments now run on a new NMEA 2000 backbone, with a new Raymarine autopilot doing the steering on long passages.
- Raymarine autopilot with course computer (NEW 2026)
- NMEA 2000 backbone (NEW 2026)
- VHF radio
- Depth sounder
- Knotmeter
- Wind instruments
The freestanding carbon spar is the heart of the boat: no shrouds, no stays, no turnbuckles, and a big, efficient main that flakes neatly into its new Stack Pack.
- Freestanding carbon fiber mast, keel-stepped
- Standing rigging: none (unstayed rig)
- Fractional sloop rig
- Fully battened Dacron mainsail, 377 sq ft
- New Doyle Stack Pack with lazy jacks
- 110% Dacron jib on Furlex roller furling
- Spinnaker with Hoyt gun-mount pole
- Rope boom vang
A full enclosure makes her cockpit a year-round Northwest living space, and a 60V drill on the winches turns a solo main hoist into a moment's work.
- Wheel steering
- Two Barient 27 self-tailing winches
- 60V DeWalt right-angle drill for powered winching
- Full cockpit enclosure with dodger and bimini (2024)
- Full canvas boat cover
- New lifeline netting
- Wood folding cockpit table
- Propane BBQ
- Swim ladder
- Navigation lights and masthead tricolor
- 25 lb primary anchor with 3/8" chain and 200' rode on bow roller
- 10 kg Bruce anchor
- Danforth anchor
- Lifesling
- Four fire extinguishers
- West Marine dinghy with oars
- Yamaha 4 hp four-stroke outboard
The Yanmar 3GM30F is among the most proven small marine diesels ever built, and this one has just had its top end rebuilt with genuine Yanmar parts, then proven on a run to South Sound and back.
- Yanmar 3GM30F three-cylinder diesel, 27 hp
- Approximately 1,400 hours
- Top end rebuilt with OEM Yanmar parts (August 2026)
- Fuel filters replaced; oil changed August 2026
- Raw water cooled
- Yanmar KM2P transmission
- Shaft drive
- Aluminum diesel tank with dual fuel filters
- Fuel burn approximately 0.6 to 0.8 gph
- Estimated range 150 to 200 nm under power
Three hundred watts of solar on the bimini keep the batteries topped up at anchor or on a mooring ball.
- 12V DC and 110V AC systems
- Five wet-cell batteries
- 300 W solar array on bimini with new charge controller
- AC battery charger
- Auxiliary inverter wired to the battery bank
- 30-amp shore power with cord
Diesel heat and hot water from both the engine and shore power make her comfortable through a Northwest winter.
- Diesel cabin heater
- Water heater with engine heat exchanger and 110V element
- 64 gallons fresh water in two tanks
- Electric pressure fresh water pump
- Manual raw water pump
- Manual marine head with Y-valve and holding tank
- Shower
- Three bilge pumps, electric and manual
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 11/10/26 | Initial price | $50,000 |
1987 Freedom 36 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1987 Freedom 36
Customers often praise the 1987 Freedom 36 for its innovative design and ease of handling
Many boat owners highlight the spacious cockpit and the comfortable living quarters, making it suitable for both weekend getaways and long voyages. The unique "freedom" rigging system, which eliminates the need for traditional shrouds, is frequently noted for allowing greater maneuverability and a more streamlined sailing experience. Users appreciate the sturdy construction and reliability of the Freedom 36, with many noting its performance in various weather conditions. The interior layout is commended for its functionality and cozy atmosphere, often featuring a well-equipped galley and ample storage space. Overall, owners tend to love the combination of performance, comfort, and versatility that this classic sailing vessel offers.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
1987 Freedom 36: Pros and Cons
Pros
Innovative Design: The Freedom 36 features a unique unstayed rig, which provides greater flexibility and reduces weight aloft, contributing to improved performance under sail.
Spacious Interior: With an open concept layout, the interior offers generous living space, including a comfortable salon, well-equipped galley, and ample storage, making it ideal for extended cruising.
Strong Construction: Built with durability in mind, the Freedom 36 is known for its solid fiberglass hull and reputable craftsmanship, making it capable of handling various sea conditions.
Easy Handling: The combination of a furling headsail and a self-tacking main simplifies sailing, allowing for easy single-handed operation or short-handed sailing, which is ideal for both novice and experienced sailors.
Good Performance: The hull shape and design elements contribute to commendable sailing performance, with responsive handling and good upwind capabilities.
Cons
Limited Headroom: Some users may find the headroom in certain areas of the cabin to be somewhat limited compared to more modern designs, which could be a drawback for taller individuals.
Older Technology: Being a 1987 model, some systems and fittings may rely on older technology and materials, which could require updates or replacements for modernization.
Maintenance Requirements: Like any older vessel, the Freedom 36 may need additional maintenance or repairs that could be more frequent due to its age, necessitating ongoing investment in upkeep.
Rigging Limitations: While the unstayed rig offers benefits, it may also have limitations in terms of sail options and customizability compared to traditional mast configurations.
Market Availability: Depending on location, finding a well-maintained Freedom 36 on the market can be challenging, potentially requiring flexibility in search criteria or patience in negotiations.
Made For
The 1987 Freedom 36 is designed for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of performance, comfort, and craftsmanship. Ideal for sailors looking for a versatile vessel, the Freedom 36 excels in both coastal cruising and offshore adventures. Its unique unidirectional fiberglass construction and high-aspect-ratio sail plan offer impressive speed and maneuverability, making it suitable for both experienced sailors and those new to the sport. With spacious interiors, the 1987 Freedom 36 caters to small families or groups of friends seeking a comfortable getaway on the water. The well-appointed galley, cozy salon, and ample sleeping accommodations provide a welcoming environment for overnight trips or extended cruising. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an avid adventurer, the 1987 Freedom 36 is a fantastic choice for anyone who values quality design and performance in their sailing experience.
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 1987 Freedom 36 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $55,000 | $39,500 | $64,000 |
| Location | Seattle | Anacortes | Seattle | Seattle | Poulsbo | Cathlamet |
| Nominal Length | 36' | 33' | 37' | 37' | 36' | 40' |
| Beam | 13' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | Universal / Westerbeke | Westerbeke | Westerbeke | Yanmar | Volkswagen |
| Total Engine Power | 27 hp | 30 hp | 40 hp | 40 hp | 35 hp | 55 hp |
| Days on Market | 2 | 463 | 203 | 202 | 49 | 29 |
| Get in touch |
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Boat Location
Contact Seattle Yachts about 1987 Freedom 36
7001 Seaview Avenue NW, Suite 150, Seattle, WA, 98117
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