Freedom Boats USA began as “Marine Service” in 1984, a small fiberglass repair shop with big ambitions. By 1989, we launched our first boat—the Flatlander 21. Known for its exceptional shallow water capabilities and handling, the Flatlander 21 was a strong start, though it had a rough, wet ride. Our second model, the Flatlander 24, improved the ride comfort but still struggled with dryness.

Through these early projects, we realized traditional boat-building methods like “lofting” were costly, inefficient, and hard to recoup through sales. A new approach was needed.

The Chiquita 14 was our first true shallow water flats tunnel boat, introduced in 2000. Built for anglers who fished in ankle-deep waters and back lakes, the Chiquita delivered unbeatable maneuverability, incredible chop-handling, and rock-solid stability—all while staying dry.

Constructed from premium composite materials, the Chiquita earned a reputation as: “A Fish Catching Machine.”

It brought anglers to places only kayaks could previously access, redefining shallow water fishing boats.

In 2004, we partnered with David Lemke, an expert in Auto-CAD hull design. This relationship was transformative. Instead of relying on trial-and-error physical builds, we began designing and testing boats virtually—cutting production time and costs dramatically, while increasing quality and precision.

After experimenting with catamaran-style hulls, we launched the Freedom Patriot 18 Cat in 2009. Designed as a modified true compression inverted V catamaran, this model delivered lift, floatation, and minimal tunnel drag. Using female molds and Lemke’s CAD designs, we went from concept to test hull in just 14 days.

In response to customer demand for a longer, drier-running version of the Patriot 18, we created the Warrior 23 Cat. With optimized sponsons and wide walk-on gunnels, the Warrior set a new standard in ride comfort, dryness, and performance in choppy conditions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then-owner of Freedom Boats approached Chet Morampudi, who had been successfully selling Freedom Boats at a dealership in Kemah, TX. By early 2021, Chet took ownership of the company and began elevating the brand to new heights.

Chet brought brand recognition across the entire Texas coast, from Galveston to Brownsville. With a new logo and modernized vision, he introduced design, material, and finish upgrades that made Freedom Boats a serious competitor among Texas-style boat builders.

By mid-2021, after delays from COVID, we resumed development on the highly anticipated Freedom General 26 Cat. Using CNC-machined wooden plugs with incredible precision (0.003″ variance), we created a 26-foot catamaran that delivers performance, stability, and space like no other in its class. It hit the market in July/August 2022 to high acclaim.

Designed in 2023 and released in early 2024, the Commander 21 Cat is a 21-foot powerhouse. With a top speed of ~50 mph (200hp max) and smooth planing at 25 mph, it offers exceptional stability and performance. The dual-hull catamaran design makes it one of the smoothest and most secure rides in the shallow water segment.

Anglers loved the Chiquita 14 but wanted more—higher sides, a livewell, and more power to take the kids or pets along. The Freedom Eagle 16 was born, launching in early 2024 and quickly becoming a best-seller thanks to its family-friendly features and proven shallow water performance.

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