Freedom 235 vs 255?

[jchip14]

I know there might be some previous threads on this topic but wanted latest views on getting Freedom 235 vs 255? Looks like seating options are similar but is there more space between back facing port seat and bench? I feel like in 235 it is hard to have people face each other or knees hit. I am looking for picnic boat in east coast bay area with a few small stretches of open ocean. Also, it looks like 255 has larger fuel tank but does it have same fuel efficiency as 235? Thanks

 

[Ekea]

almost no one ever says "i wish i got the smaller boat"

 

[FREEDOM!!!]

almost no one ever says "i wish i got the smaller boat"

That is true, but in this case the 235 has the swim platforms and the 255 does not. The 25'7" overall length of the 235 is actually almost a foot longer than the 255.

To the OP, I'd get the 235 just for the swim platforms, especially if this is going to be a family cruising boat. Inside the boat they are nearly identical. Personally, the swim platforms are my favorite feature. I wouldn't worry about the size of the fuel tank. It's only like a 30 gallon difference.

If you chose the 255, get the twin 200 engines. If the 235, get the 350 engine. Nobody ever wishes they had less power.

 

[Ekea]

That is true, but in this case the 235 has the swim platforms and the 255 does not. The 25'7" overall length of the 235 is actually almost a foot longer than the 255.

the 255 has a hull that has a centerline length thats 14 inches longer (23'7" for the 235 vs 24'9" for the 255). i dont really count swim platforms (or pulpits) when comparing the size of a boat unless its in the context of fitting into a slip. even then, swim platforms rarely extend past the engines so dont affect LOA. the 255 is also 324 lbs heavier and can handle 50 more hp. the 255 looks to be significantly roomier in the cockpit. between the two, id pic the 255 with twin 200s.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

That is true, but in this case the 235 has the swim platforms and the 255 does not. The 25'7" overall length of the 235 is actually almost a foot longer than the 255.

To the OP, I'd get the 235 just for the swim platforms, especially if this is going to be a family cruising boat. Inside the boat they are nearly identical. Personally, the swim platforms are my favorite feature. I wouldn't worry about the size of the fuel tank. It's only like a 30 gallon difference.

If you chose the 255, get the twin 200 engines. If the 235, get the 350 engine. Nobody ever wishes they had less power.

Agreed. The LOA on the 235 Freedom is longer than the 255 Freedom is. Tanks are 100 gallons on the 235 Freedom vs 135 on the 255 Freedom, so nothing crazy in terms of size difference. A difference of a couple hundred pounds in terms of the dry weight of the vessel imo isn't a huge deal and wouldn't make me steer towards the 255 Freedom or anything. If buying new, the 255 Freedom is also around $245k whereas the 235 Freedom is only $190k comparatively. Obviously the same boats that are a year or two old can be had for considerably less, but the 255 is going to be a more expensive boat overall than the 235. Imo, I think maybe the only advantage that the 255 Freedom would have is that it has the option for twin motors, whereas the 235 Freedom only has the option for single main motors. That being said, if the OP is just wanting a "picnic boat", I'm thinking the 235 Freedom will be more than up to the challenge.

 

[FREEDOM!!!]

Agreed. The LOA on the 235 Freedom is longer than the 255 Freedom is. Tanks are 100 gallons on the 235 Freedom vs 135 on the 255 Freedom, so nothing crazy in terms of size difference. A difference of a couple hundred pounds in terms of the dry weight of the vessel imo isn't a huge deal and wouldn't make me steer towards the 255 Freedom or anything. If buying new, the 255 Freedom is also around $245k whereas the 235 Freedom is only $190k comparatively. Obviously the same boats that are a year or two old can be had for considerably less, but the 255 is going to be a more expensive boat overall than the 235. Imo, I think maybe the only advantage that the 255 Freedom would have is that it has the option for twin motors, whereas the 235 Freedom only has the option for single main motors. That being said, if the OP is just wanting a "picnic boat", I'm thinking the 235 Freedom will be more than up to the challenge.

I haven't been on a 255, but a buddy of mine who just bought a 235 said he tried them all and he couldn't tell the difference between the 235 and 255 other than the twin engine. He said cabin space was virtually identical.

 

[Ekea]

the cockpit of the 255 looks significantly bigger. images pulled from GW website

 

[Twist]

I've heard a rumor that GW might discontinue the 255 since there's not a huge difference between a 235 and a 275 cockpit. Looking at the two boats on the showroom floor there's definitely a roomier feel on the 275 vs 235 (big not like gee whiz roomier) but I haven't seen a 255 to compare. I wanted dual power and the 275 fit in my budget so we went that way and haven't regretted that decision.