Considering 255 vs 275 Freedom. Input?

[marcmc8867]

I visited the factory yesterday and took a look at both the 255 and 275 Freedoms.

My impression was that, while both would suit my needs, the 275 just seemed like twice the boat as the 255...like a REAL impressive rig vs a nice little Grady. For the $25-30k difference, it just seemed like 275 was the way to go, even if a bit overkill.

Have any of you considered both and had the same conclusion? Any other opinions? Any experience and Input would be welcome.

Thx

 

[Rustygaff]

It's a no-brainer if one is willing to spend the extra cash for the upgrade. We love our 255 and stumbled upon a good deal when we purchased it last spring. Would love a 275 but if we were willing to part with that kind of cash, would probably look hard at a Marlin as an alternative.

 

[Ed Bukala]

Hi There
We are into our 7th season with our Freedom 255, single 300HP, hardtop, equipped for fishing and we find this boat perfect for our needs. Most of the time it is just my wife and I and we use it for fishing 90% of the time and on Lake Erie. This lake can get rough and we have never felt unsafe in this boat, she has handled it all. There are many things to consider I think and only you know what you need and want from the boat. If you plan on having 6 people (adults) on board all the time then you will likely want the bigger boat. But the 275 will have two engines which means twice the maintenance. The 275 is also no wider than the 255 so same 8'6" beam...not good in my opinion. I would go to the Freedom 285 with its 9'6" beam and the extra foot length. No extra cost in engines as you can use the same power as the 275, just the extra cost of the hull which I have no idea what that will be.
Just my two cents as the 255 is a great boat. Nice problem though, deciding which new boat to buy...have fun.
Ed Bukala

 

[pmic]

I have a 275 freedom 2015 with twin 200 hp,the boat has a listing to the port side of 3 degrees = about 5 inches until you trim the engines up about half way. The factory said this is acceptable ? it also is very susceptible to movement of weight.TEST DRIVE ONE FIRST WISH I DID ! If someone has a similar boat please let me know if they are experiencing the same ill traits.