Freedom 33
Built 1979–1983 by Tillotson-Pearson Inc. (TPI)
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About the Freedom 33
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1979–1983
- Builder
- Tillotson-Pearson Inc. (TPI)
- Designer
- Garry Hoyt / J. Paris
- Length
- 34.75 ft
- Waterline
- 30 ft
- Beam
- 11 ft
- Draft
- 7.5 ft
- Displacement
- 12,000 lb
- Ballast
- 3,800 lb
- Hull / keel
- centerboard
- Rig
- ketch
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 25 gal
- Water
- varies by year
- Holding
- varies by year
- Water heater
- 6 gal · engine + AC · standard
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
- Steering
- pedestal cable · Edson
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 25 gal
“Fuel 25 gals.; the 25 gallon aluminum fuel tank located under the cabin sole” — brochure (1982 (MK II)), freedomyachts.org · “FUEL 25 gals; 25 gal. fuel tank” — brochure (1979), freedomyachts.org · “The aluminum fuel tank (25 gallons)” — review, practical-sailor.com · “Fuel capacity is 25 gallons” — search excerpt, goodoldboat.comBoth builder specifications, the 1979 aft-cockpit cat ketch outline spec (Tillotson-Pearson & Henry) and the Freedom 33 MK II specification dated January 1982, give one 25-gal aluminum tank; Practical Sailor agrees.
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Water varies by year
“WATER 60 gals; Sixty gallon water tank” — brochure (1979), freedomyachts.org · “Tankage-Water 83 gals.” — brochure (1982 (MK II)), freedomyachts.org · “water tanks hold 83 gallons plus 6 more in the water heater” — search excerpt, goodoldboat.comThe builder's figures change with the version: the 1979 aft-cockpit outline spec has one 60-gal tank, and the 1982 MK II spec has 83 gal in polybutylene tanks (plus a 6-gal water heater), matching Good Old Boat. Our earlier figure of 53, from a spec database, matches neither and isn't backed by any original document.
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Holding varies by year
“Manual toilet with 15 gallon holding tank and bypass” — brochure (1979), freedomyachts.org · “Waste 10 gals.; plumbed to a 10 gallon holding tank” — brochure (1982 (MK II)), freedomyachts.orgThe 1979 aft-cockpit outline spec gives a 15-gal holding tank and the 1982 MK II spec a 10-gal one, so there is no single standard figure.
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Water heater 6 gal · engine + AC · standard
“PLUMBING: Sixty gallon water tank, six gallon stainless steel water heater, Par pressure set piped to galley, head sink,” — builder (1979 (outline specification and price li), freedomyachts.org · “OPTIONS: 110V shore connection, panel, 4 receptacles, water heater element, trickle charger $965.” — builder (1979), freedomyachts.org · “Tankage-Water 83 gals. ... Hot Water 6 gals.” — builder (1982 (Freedom 33 Mk II specifications 33), freedomyachts.orgTillotson-Pearson & Henry's 1979 outline specification lists a 6 gal stainless water heater as standard; the 110 V element came only with the optional shore-power package, so the standard heater ran off the engine. The 1982 Mk II spec (transcribed with owner additions, which the 6 gal line isn't) repeats 6 gal, separate from 83 gal water tankage.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
-
Bow thruster unknown
The builder specification sheet (33-S4-1/82) does not mention a thruster; it is not a full option list.
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Stern thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none has no source, and nothing was found either way.
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Steering pedestal cable · Edson
“STEERING GEAR: Edson pedestal steering with 32" wheel drives bronze rudder quadrant. Steering cables are readily accessi” — builder (1982), freedomyachts.orgThe Freedom 33 builder specifications (January 1982) give an Edson pedestal, 32-inch wheel, cables to a bronze quadrant, pedestal brake and emergency tiller.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Sources disagree on standard engine — left blank rather than guessed.
Unstayed cat ketch with freestanding carbon spars. Early boats had wrap-around sleeved sails on wishbone booms, later changed to conventional sails and booms. Keel/centerboard: 3.5 ft up, 7.5 ft down; a fixed-keel version drew 4.17 ft.
Engines fitted
-
Yanmar 3GM — 22.5 hp, diesel, single
standard
Practical Sailor's review names the engine as a Yanmar 3GM under the companionway; the Freedom 33 MkII spec sheet on the owners' site (search excerpt; PDF could not be read) lists a Yanmar 3GM, 22.5 hp. Good Old Boat's test boat had a Yanmar 3GM30, not stated as original.Sources: practical-sailor.com · freedomyachts.org · goodoldboat.com
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Yanmar 3YM30 — 30 hp, diesel, single
common repower
A 1981 Freedom 33 MkII repowered in 2014 with a Yanmar 3YM30 (single listing).Sources: porttownsend.boatshed.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
Neither the 1979 specification/option list nor the 1982 Mk II spec includes a generator.
Known problems for this model
No well-sourced problem reports found yet.
Engines & parts
Yanmar 3GM / 3GM30F parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Yanmar 3GM”
Very popular (used 3GM30Fs sell for $3,000+) and supported by a strong parts network. Cylinder head overhauls (valve seals, lapping, injector service) are a common, parts-supported repair.
Parts sources: Mack Boring & Parts (Yanmar distributor), HDI Marine (stainless exhaust elbows), Parts4Engines
Common problems (2)
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Overheating at cruise rpm cooling
The 3GM30F has a known overheating tendency linked to its heat exchanger; owners also trace it to coked elbows, worn impellers, scaled heat exchangers or air in the raw water circuit. Some heat exchangers were replaced under warranty.forums.sailboatowners.com
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Mixing elbow corrosion exhaust
OEM elbows corrode internally and should be inspected or replaced with stainless versions before they let water into the engine.practical-sailor.com · facebook.com
Maker’s service schedule (2)
| Fuel filters & water separator | 250 hrs | “The normal replacement interval for the element is 250 hours ... Filter cleaning First time 50 hours Filter element repl” — manufacturer, c320.org |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 250 hrs | “Washing period Every 250 hours” — manufacturer, c320.org |
Service part numbers (10)
| Oil filter | Yanmar 119305-35170 Replaces 119305-35151, 119660-35150 |
“3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 119305-35170 1 FILTER ASSY, D68XL65” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “Maintenance kit Yanmar 2GMF, 2GM20F, 3GMF, 3GM30F ... Yanmar 119305-35170 Oil Filter” — dealer, marinedustrie.com |
| Fuel filter | Yanmar 104500-55710 | “Fuel Filter Element 1 104500-55710 / Fuel Filter O-Ring 1 24341-000440” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 104500-55710 1 ELEMENT, FUEL FILTER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller Japan-built 3GM / 3GM30(F) (serial not starting with E) |
Yanmar 124223-42092 | “Impeller 1 124223-42092 / Impeller Gasket 1 124223-42110” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 124223-42092 1 IMPELLER, PUMP” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller European-built GM-YEU (serial starting with E) |
Yanmar 128990-42570 Replaces 128990-42200 |
“(Supersedes part number: 128990-42200) ... 3GM30-YEU, 3GM30C-YEU 3GM30F-YEU, 3GM30FC-YEU” — dealer, palmerpower.com · “It fits Yanmar 2GM20F, 2YM15, 3GM30F, 3GM30FC, 3TN30F, 3YM20, 3YM30, 3YM30AE engines. Cross Reference: 128990-42200” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Drive belt | Yanmar 25132-003700 | “Alternator Belt 1 25132-003700” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 25132-003700 1 V-BELT, A37” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Drive belt | Yanmar 104511-78780 | “S/W Pump Belt 1 104511-78780” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 104511-78780 1 V-BELT, M/19” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Air filter | Yanmar 128270-12540 | “Air Filter Element 1 128270-12540” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 128270-12540 1 ELEMENT, AIR CLEANER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Zinc / anode raw-water 3GM / 3GM30; also sold for the F (heat-exchanger) versions |
Yanmar 27210-200300 | “27210-200300 Yanmar Engine Zinc Anode For 2GM(D), 3GM(D), 2GM20, 3GM30” — dealer, zincsforboats.com · “It fits Yanmar 2GM, 2GM20F, 2GM15, 2GM20, 3GM30F, 3GMF, 3HMF, 3GM30H engines.” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Thermostat 3GM30F / 3GMF (fresh-water cooled) |
Yanmar 121750-49800 | “Thermostat 1 121750-49800 / Thermostat Gasket 1 129350-49541” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “Thermostat for Yanmar 2GMF, 3GMF, 3HMF, 2GM20F, 3GM30F, 3HM35F / REC121750-49800” — dealer, marineparts.eu |
| Thermostat 3GM / 3GM30 (raw-water cooled) |
Yanmar 105582-49200 | “Replaces Yanmar Marine 105582-49200 ... 1GM, 2GM, 3GM, 1GM10, 2GM20, 3GM30” — dealer, repowermarine.com · “1GM10, 2GM20 & 3GM30 Thermostat to fit raw water cooled engine versions ... equivalent to 105582-49200” — dealer, parts4engines.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Yanmar 3YM30 / 3YM20 parts: good
Factory common repower engine — you entered “Yanmar 3YM30”
Current-generation Yanmar with full dealer support; raw water pump impellers are Jabsco-compatible.
Parts sources: Mack Boring & Parts (Yanmar distributor), Yanmar USA genuine parts
Common problems (3)
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Leaking heat exchangers and overheating cooling
Owners report heat exchangers leaking (pressed-in tube joint) and overheating; trapped air in the freshwater circuit and failed impellers are other common causes.forums.ybw.com · forums.sailboatowners.com
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Seawater pump leaks cooling
The Johnson seawater pump is a frequent leak source, and leaks near the elbow hose can corrode the starter and heat exchanger studs.forums.ybw.com
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Restrictive cast iron elbow exhaust
The cast iron exhaust riser/elbow clogs with soot, raising back pressure.forums.ybw.com
Maker’s service schedule (18)
| Engine oil & filter change | 150 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.4 Inspection Every 150 Hrs (or one year). (1) Replace the Engine Oil” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Replace engine oil filter | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Transmission fluid change KM marine gear (shaft drive) | 150 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.4 Inspection Every 150 Hrs (or one year). ... (2) Replace the Marine Gear oil” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Transmission fluid change SD sail-drive installations | 100 hrs or 6 mo | “4.3.3 Inspection Every 100 Hrs (or six months). (1) Replace the Sail Drive Oil” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year). (1) Replace the Fuel Tank Refer to 4.3.1(4). (2) Replace the Fuel Filter” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Drain fuel/water separator | 50 hrs or 1 mo | “4.3.2 Inspection Every 50 Hrs. (or Monthly) (1) Drain the fuel/water separator.” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Drain fuel tank (water/sediment) | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year). (1) Replace the Fuel Tank Refer to 4.3.1(4).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “The impeller must be replaced with new one periodically (every 1000 hrs or 4 years whichever comes first).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test | 1 yr | “Replace the fresh water coolant Every year When long life coolant is used of a specified type (see page 24), a replaceme” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Exhaust mixing elbow inspection | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Drive belts inspect / replace | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Replace the alternator driving belt with new one every 1000 hours or four years, whichever comes first, even if there is” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “4.3.6 Inspection Every 1000 Hrs (or 4 years). (1) Inspection and Adjustment of Intake/ Exhaust Valve Clearance.” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Injector test / service | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “4.3.6 Inspection Every 1000 Hrs (or 4 years). ... (2) Inspect and Adjust the Fuel Injection Spray Condition.” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Inspect/adjust fuel injection timing (dealer) | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “4.3.6 Inspection Every 1000 Hrs (or 4 years). ... (4) Inspect and Adjust the Fuel Injection Timing” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Replace flexible engine mounts | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “Be sure to replace the Yanmar flexible engine mounts every 1000 hours or 4 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Breather diaphragm assembly inspection (dealer) | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “4.3.6 Inspection Every 1000 Hrs (or 4 years). ... (5) Diaphragm assembly inspection” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Check wiring connectors | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
Service part numbers (9)
| Oil filter | Yanmar 119305-35170 Replaces 119305-35151, 119660-35150 |
“3YM30 Basic Service Kit up to serial #E01732 ... 119305-35170 FILTER ASSY, D68XL65 (Oil)” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “It fits Yanmar 1GM10, 2GM20F, 2YM15, 3GM, 3GM30F, 3JH2E, 3YM30, 4JH3E engines. Cross Reference: 119305-35151 119660-3515” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Fuel filter | Yanmar 104500-55710 | “Fuel Filter Element 1 104500-55710 / Fuel Filter O-Ring 1 24341-000440” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3YM30 Basic Service Kit up to serial #E01732 ... 104500-55710 ELEMENT, FUEL FILTER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller | Yanmar 128990-42570 Replaces 128990-42200 |
“3YM30 Basic Service Kit up to serial #E01732 ... 128990-42570 IMPELLER KIT” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “(Supersedes part number: 128990-42200) ... 2YM15 3YM20 3YM27A, 3YM30R 3YM30” — dealer, palmerpower.com |
| Drive belt early 3YM30 / 3YM20, below the serial break |
Yanmar 128990-77350 | “128990-77350 3YM30 up to serial #E01732 Belt” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “S/W Pump Belt 1 128990-77350 < E00304” — dealer, ellebogen.com |
| Drive belt later 3YM30 / 3YM20, from the serial break |
Yanmar 104511-78780 | “104511-78780 3YM30 starting serial #E01733 Belt” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “S/W Pump Belt 1 104511-78780 E00305 >” — dealer, ellebogen.com |
| Drive belt June 2004 up to serial E20847 |
Yanmar 129612-42290 | “Alternator V-Belt 1 129612-42290 June 2004 > / < E20847” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3YM30 Basic Service Kit up to serial #E01732 ... 129612-42290 V-BELT, A37.5 (Alternator)” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Drive belt from serial E20848 (120 A alternator) |
Yanmar 128990-77580 | “Alternator Flat Belt 1 128990-77580 E20848 >” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3YM30 Basic Service Kit starting serial #E20848 ... Serpentine belt 128990-77580” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Air filter | Yanmar 128270-12540 | “Air Filter Element 1 128270-12540” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “128270-12540 Air Element” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Thermostat | Yanmar 128990-49800 | “Thermostat 1 128990-49800 / Thermostat Gasket N/A Not Fitted” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “128990-49800 Thermostat” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Steering
Edson — Pedestal chain-and-wire steering parts: good
Edson (New Bedford, MA) still sells service parts: chain-and-wire kits, sprockets, idlers, pull-pull conduit steering and internal pedestal parts, and keeps steering data sheets by boat model, many decades old.
Parts sources: Edson Marine (service parts)
Common problems (3)
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Old or slack steering wire steering
Edson advises replacing steering wire about every five years, checking tension with the wheel locked, and inspecting under load annually; owners often find decades-old stiff wire.usna.edu · youtube.com
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Lubrication and fastener checks steering
Chain, wire, sheaves and pedestal bearings need regular oiling or greasing, and clevis/cotter pins and bolts should be checked monthly to avoid failures.usna.edu
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Replacing engine control cables in the pedestal steering
Swapping throttle/shift cables inside an Edson pedestal is a common owner job requiring removal of the wheel shaft sprocket pin.forums.sailboatowners.com
Edson — Traditional geared steerers (worm / rack-and-pinion) parts: good
Edson says its traditional wheels and geared steerers are still available, now built with modern materials; rack-and-pinion steerers are offered for transom-hung and inboard rudders.
Parts sources: Edson Marine (traditional steerers)
Model sources (6)
sailboatdata.com · practical-sailor.com · freedomyachts.org · goodoldboat.com · porttownsend.boatshed.com · freedomyachts.org
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Other Freedom models
- Freedom 36 1985–1989
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.