The Freeman 42 LR has earned a reputation as one of the most capable long-range offshore fishing catamarans on the market today. Built by Freeman Boatworks, this model takes the brand’s proven catamaran hull design and scales it up for serious anglers who demand speed, range, and stability. At 42 feet in length, the 42 LR (which stands for Long Range) is designed to push deep into the bluewater fishing grounds while keeping fuel efficiency and passenger comfort in mind.

What makes the 42 LR stand out is how it blends tournament-level performance with the practicality of long-distance cruising. It’s a boat for anglers who don’t want to compromise between getting to distant fishing grounds quickly and staying there comfortably for extended periods. With its powerful quad outboard setup, cavernous fuel tanks, and well-planned layout, the Freeman 42 LR offers a unique experience that sets it apart from conventional monohull sportfishers and other large center consoles.

The Mission Behind the Freeman 42 LR

The 42 LR was built with one clear purpose: reaching distant fishing grounds and staying there longer without sacrificing comfort or performance. Many offshore anglers find that their boats are either fast but limited in range, or long-range capable but slow and cumbersome. The Freeman 42 LR bridges that gap with its dual-hull efficiency and massive fuel capacity, giving owners the ability to travel hundreds of miles offshore and still fish hard all day.

This boat is also designed with hardcore tournament crews in mind. Every inch of its deck plan has been engineered for functionality, from the oversized fish boxes to the wide-open cockpit space that allows multiple anglers to fight fish simultaneously. At the same time, it incorporates seating, shade, and modern helm technology to ensure the ride out and back is as enjoyable as the time spent fishing.

Who Will Appreciate This Boat Most?

The Freeman 42 LR is perfect for experienced anglers and captains who prioritize range, stability, and serious fishability. If you’re the type of boater who thinks nothing of running 100 miles or more offshore, this catamaran is made for you. The twin-hull design smooths out rough seas, so even long runs in less-than-ideal conditions feel manageable.

But it’s not only tournament teams who benefit. The 42 LR is equally suited to family anglers who want the peace of mind of a stable platform. Kids and guests will appreciate the smoother ride of a catamaran, as well as the spacious seating areas. Owners who fish with large crews will also enjoy how much usable space this layout provides.

How Does the Freeman 42 LR Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

Compared to traditional monohull center consoles, the Freeman 42 LR delivers a noticeably smoother ride in choppy conditions. Its catamaran design reduces pounding and keeps spray to a minimum, which makes long-distance travel more comfortable. When placed alongside other long-range fishing boats, the Freeman stands out for its speed—while many offshore boats sacrifice speed for range, the 42 LR offers both.

In terms of storage and layout, Freeman has also designed the 42 LR to maximize deck space, something competitors often struggle with when trying to combine range and fishability. While other boats in the 40-foot range, like the Invincible 42 Cat, share a similar concept, many anglers find that Freeman’s reputation for ride quality and finish places it in a league of its own.

Specifications and Build Details

• Type: Offshore Fishing Catamaran
• Length Overall (LOA): 42 ft
• Beam: 11 ft 9 in
• Draft: Approx. 24 in
• Fuel Capacity: 800 gallons
• Engines: Quad outboards (commonly Mercury 400 Verado, Mercury 450R, or Yamaha 425 XTO Offshore)
• Horsepower: Up to 1,800 hp total
• Top Speed: 65+ mph depending on load and setup
• Cruise Speed: 40–45 mph
• Hull Design: Twin stepped catamaran hull for efficiency and stability
• Seating Layout: Forward wraparound lounges, helm seating for three, aft cockpit fold-down seating, and additional storage seating

The Freeman 42 LR’s hull design is the star here. The twin catamaran hulls reduce drag, improve efficiency, and create a softer ride compared to monohulls. Its beam provides stability at rest, making it an excellent fishing platform. And with 800 gallons of fuel capacity, you can expect extended range that few competitors can match.

On-Water Performance and Handling

Performance is where the Freeman 42 LR earns its praise. With four outboards pushing nearly 1,800 horsepower, this boat has no trouble hitting speeds over 65 mph. Yet speed is not the only story—the efficiency of the catamaran hull means that fuel burn is surprisingly manageable, even at cruising speeds.

Handling is another strong point. In seas where a monohull might pound or spray passengers, the Freeman cat glides with confidence. The wide stance provides stability whether running in open water or drifting on the fishing grounds. At the helm, responsive controls and joystick options make maneuvering straightforward, even in tight docking situations.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Safety is central to the Freeman experience. The twin hull design naturally provides redundancy and stability. High gunwales and wide walkways make it safer for crew and family to move around the deck, while recessed grab rails and non-skid surfaces add another layer of security.

The long-range capability also improves safety in another sense: knowing you have the fuel capacity and hull efficiency to comfortably make extended trips offshore without pushing the limits. For boaters who routinely go far beyond sight of land, this confidence is invaluable.

Drawbacks to Consider

No boat is perfect, and the Freeman 42 LR is no exception. The first consideration is price. This is a premium boat in both cost and ongoing ownership expenses. Quad outboards require higher maintenance and fuel costs, which are part of the package when you choose a performance catamaran of this size.

Another factor is dockage. At nearly 12 feet wide, the beam can make finding marina slips more difficult than with a narrower monohull. Owners also need to accept that trailering a 42-foot catamaran is impractical, so marina storage is the norm.

Key Features and Advantages

Some of the highlights of the Freeman 42 LR include:

• Massive fuel capacity for true long-range capability.
• Unrivaled ride quality thanks to the stepped catamaran hull.
• Tournament-grade fishing features, from oversized fish boxes to strategically placed rod holders.
• Comfort-forward design, including spacious lounges and premium seating.
• Technology at the helm, with room for multiple large MFDs, joystick controls, and digital switching.

The real advantage lies in how the Freeman 42 LR allows anglers to travel farther, fish longer, and return faster than many competitors.

What Owners and Reviewers Say

Owners often describe the Freeman 42 LR as a “game-changer” for offshore fishing. Many highlight how much more enjoyable long runs feel on a catamaran compared to a monohull. Reviewers frequently mention that even passengers who normally dislike long offshore rides are comfortable aboard the Freeman.

While some point out the high ownership costs, most agree that the ride quality and range are worth the investment. For serious anglers who spend much of their time offshore, the Freeman 42 LR is often described as the ultimate tool for the job.

Storage and Ownership Realities

In terms of storage, the Freeman 42 LR is outstanding. The wide beam allows for oversized fish boxes, tackle storage, and forward dry storage compartments. Everything has been designed with practicality in mind, ensuring that rods, gear, and provisions all have their place.

On the ownership side, expect ongoing costs consistent with quad outboard setups: higher fuel bills, regular engine servicing, and marina dockage fees. However, owners often point out that the efficiency of the catamaran hull offsets fuel costs compared to similarly sized monohulls.

Final Thoughts

The Freeman 42 LR is a purpose-built offshore fishing machine that delivers on its promises of speed, range, and comfort. It combines the efficiency and stability of a catamaran with the performance and luxury features expected of a premium boat. While ownership requires a significant investment, it rewards captains and crews with one of the most capable platforms on the water today.

For anglers who want to push farther offshore without compromise, the Freeman 42 LR isn’t just another choice—it’s the benchmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can the Freeman 42 LR travel on a full tank?
With 800 gallons of fuel and efficient catamaran hulls, range can exceed 500 miles depending on speed and conditions.

Is the Freeman 42 LR suitable for family use?
Yes. While designed for fishing, its stable ride, wide deck, and comfortable seating make it great for families as well.

How does it ride compared to a monohull?
Most owners describe the ride as smoother and drier than a monohull, especially in rough seas. The catamaran hull reduces pounding and spray.

Can it be trailered?
Due to its 42-foot length and wide beam, trailering is not practical. Most owners keep it in marina slips or dry storage facilities.

What is the price range?
Exact pricing depends on engine options and outfitting, but buyers should expect the Freeman 42 LR to fall well into the seven-figure range.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history and team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yacht charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.