Freedom Cruise

 

The hull is also constructed without the use of timber and all of the internal-stringer system is made from fibreglass. Armoured glass is used for the windscreen and the Targa bar is standard fitment. So is the shade canopy seen in our photographs and all are top quality fittings.

Ergonomically, the Cruise gets plenty of brownie points in the seating department for the aft lounge?s high backrest and the extra-long berths in the bow. Even without the infill cushion in place a six foot adult can stretch out in comfort with room to spare. The aft lounge is big enough for four adults plus an ankle biter or two, while the helm seats can be rotated 180 degrees so everyone in the cockpit can join in on the conversation. Without the clears in place, between the windscreen and bimini top, the Cruise?s interior is well ventilated for
those tropical Noosa summer afternoons, as is the cabin when the big Weaver hatch is open. The cabin temperature is also lower because the roof is lined with carpet.

Storage is always at premium in any boat, but more so if a couple intend to live onboard for a day or two as the Cruise invites. Accordingly, storage is something the Cruise doesn?t lack and it was probably while the team was lifting seat cushions and bunks and checking out the enormous pockets along each side of the cockpit that we began to realise how much we liked her. Under the bow berth we expected to find storage lockers. After all, every half-cabin boat since the year dot has had them there. But under the aft lounge we found the unexpected. Freedom has added a builtin modular system that includes a lift ?out moulded centre section. Plus, on each side, beside each helm seat, are small side pockets for sunnies and those other personal items that seem to disappear all too quickly if you let them get too far away.

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Gracing the helm station is a new GME weatherproof VHF radio and a Lowrance sounder, plus the usual speedo and tachometer ? black on white, very stylish ? fitted behind a sporty steering wheel. The outboard control lever is set into a moulded side panel beside the helm seat. It?s easy to reach and coupled with the adjustable seat and footrest, creates a comfortable helm position for all drivers.

Overall
The Cruise is a very liveable boat that?s extremely easy to board over the stern. Access is aided by strategically placed antislip panels in the engine-well, thoughtfully placed grab bars, a recessed fuel filler and pop-up stern cleats. However, exit and entry over the stern ?does? involve standing on the aft lounge, which was when we were concerned about the suede covering.

The on-water test was conducted on the Noosa River where an afternoon sea breeze raised a light chop that was no test for this variable deadrise hull. However, it did showcase just how quietly the boat rides. There were no annoying rattles and engine
noise was a mere murmur.

Freedom?s Glen Grams told Modern Boating that he rarely sees a Cruise leave the factory without the optional toilet under the bunk cushions and most were also optioned with LCD TVs and DVD players. The word optional, regarding the loo, surprised the team a little. Considering the comprehensive inventory we thought that the loo would be a standard item. Even so, we found plenty to like about Freedom?s Cruise. And nothing at all we didn?t like, which is a substantial compliment in itself.

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