Freeman 40: A Sleek Power Catamaran That Marries Style and Function

At this year’s Miami International Boat Show I came across a power catamaran that stands out for its lines and presence: the Freeman 40. Its sharply raked bows and reverse sheer give the boat an athletic profile uncommon among many current catamaran designs, immediately catching the eye of cruising enthusiasts and serious anglers alike.

Billy Freeman, founder and owner of Freeman Boatworks in Charleston, S.C., describes the design intent plainly: “Catamarans have been boxy-looking, aesthetically unappealing to people. We wanted it to be attractive and still provide that smooth ride cats are known for.” That philosophy is evident in the Freeman 40’s clean sheer line and purposeful hull shape, which balance visual appeal with seaworthy performance.

On show was a fishing-oriented example of the 40, kept deliberately sparse in seating and outfitted with extensive fishing components to suit a dedicated angler. The catamaran’s 13-foot beam creates an expansive, unobstructed deck from bow to stern—roomy enough for several anglers to fish comfortably at once. Sales manager Bob Dayhoff notes the practical advantage: “This boat has 30 percent more room than a comparably sized monohull.” That extra real estate translates to increased storage, larger cockpit areas and better movement for fishing or family use.

Construction-wise, Freeman Boatworks used cold-molded methods to build the model on display. Billy Freeman has indicated the company will shift future production to fiberglass with composite coring materials, aiming to maintain strength and reduce weight while streamlining production. This move reflects broader industry trends toward composite-cored fiberglass builds that balance durability and cost-efficiency.

Performance on the Freeman 40 is driven by impressive propulsion choices. The show boat featured a quad setup of four 300-hp Yamaha four-strokes—totaling roughly 1,200 horsepower—which gives the 40 the ability to exceed 60 mph. In practical cruising terms, the boat was clocked at 38 mph with a fuel consumption of roughly 1 mpg, a figure Dayhoff emphasized: “Pretty darn good for 1,200 hp.” For buyers seeking a different power profile, Freeman offers alternative configurations; a similarly equipped 40 with twin 350-hp Yamahas brings a different balance of speed, range and economy at a lower price point.

Options and customization are part of what makes the Freeman 40 appealing. The show boat’s package included a custom T-top for protection and electronics integration, a full electronics suite to support navigation and fishing systems, synthetic teak decking for a refined, low-maintenance finish, and fishing-specific amenities tailored to serious anglers. These features make the 40 adaptable to multiple roles—offshore fishing platform, family dayboat or performance cruiser—depending on how owners spec their build.

Pricing for the demonstration model reflected its high level of fit and finish: with the quad engines, custom T-top, full electronics package and synthetic teak decks the show boat was listed at $475,000. A similarly equipped 40 with twin 350-hp Yamahas was advertised at about $430,000. In addition to the 40, Freeman Boatworks produces a fiberglass 33-footer, showing the company’s range in the mid-sized dayboat and fishing-catamarans market.

The Freeman 40 stands out as a thoughtfully designed power catamaran that addresses common criticisms of multihull aesthetics while delivering the practical benefits catamarans are valued for—stability, space and a comfortable ride. Its combination of attractive styling, adaptable layouts and strong propulsion options make it a noteworthy choice for buyers seeking a high-performance, spacious platform for fishing and recreational boating.

Contact: Freeman Boatworks LLC, (843) 708-0755.

This article originally appeared in the May 2011 issue.