| The
Freeman 22 was the first ever production Glass
Reinforced Plastic (GRP) boat and became the
foundation of the modern boat industry. It was
known as the “22” as it was 22 foot
long (approx 6.7m). The hull of the boat was a
one piece moulding designed for fast coastal and
inland water cruising, with the superstructure
and deck consisting of another single piece
moulding. These two mouldings incorporated a
“sandwich” construction principle, in
conjunction with glass fibre ribs for maximum
strength and rigidity. The outer skin was
pigmented in the customer’s choice of
colour, and all of the interior woodwork was of
selected mahogany.
The
Freeman 22 offered luxury classic cruising for
its time and was loosely based on the Freeman
Caravans, boasting such luxuries as a flush
toilet, foam mattress, fitted carpet, gas griller
and a helmsman’s seat.
The
typical factory specification for the Freeman 22
Mk 1 was:
| Construction: |
Fibreglass |
Weight: |
25cwt |
| Length: |
22' |
Berths: |
4 |
| Draft: |
2'-0" |
Fuel
Capacity: |
15 Gallons |
| Beam: |
7'-6" |
Water
Capacity: |
15 Gallons |
Each boat was individually
made and sometimes owners chose particular
specifications for their home away from home. A
narrow beam (6’-10” wide) version could
also be ordered for use on the canals.
| |
Freeman
22 Mark 1 |
| Production |
1964 - 1970:
Approx 1500 Built
(Inc Mk 2) |
| Bodystyle |
22' Long - 4 Berth |
| Engine |
Various
Ford 93A side valve engine
Ford 100E side valve engine
BMC Vedette
WaterMota Sea Wolf pre-crossflow with
J-Type Gearbox or Vedette Gearbox |
| Engine position |
Below Deck |
| Driven Propeller |
Rear |
Approximately 1500 examples of the Freeman 22 (Mk
1 and Mk 2) were built.
(Article Copyright © MellY
Designs - Please do not Reproduce without
Permission)
|
